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Teillaud JL, Houel A, Panouillot M, Riffard C, Dieu-Nosjean MC. Tertiary lymphoid structures in anticancer immunity. Nat Rev Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41568-024-00728-0. [PMID: 39117919 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00728-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are transient ectopic lymphoid aggregates where adaptive antitumour cellular and humoral responses can be elaborated. Initially described in non-small cell lung cancer as functional immune lymphoid structures associated with better clinical outcome, TLS have also been found in many other carcinomas, as well as melanomas and sarcomas, and associated with improved response to immunotherapy. The manipulation of TLS as a therapeutic strategy is now coming of age owing to the likely role of TLS in the improved survival of patients with cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. TLS have also garnered considerable interest as a predictive biomarker of the response to antitumour therapies, including immune checkpoint blockade and, possibly, chemotherapy. However, several important questions still remain regarding the definition of TLS in terms of both their cellular composition and functions. Here, we summarize the current views on the composition of TLS at different stages of their development. We also discuss the role of B cells and T cells associated with TLS and their dialogue in mounting antibody and cellular antitumour responses, as well as some of the various mechanisms that negatively regulate antitumour activity of TLS. The prognostic value of TLS to the clinical outcome of patients with cancer and the relationship between TLS and the response to therapy are then addressed. Finally, we present some preclinical evidence that favours the idea that manipulating the formation and function of TLS could lead to a potent next-generation cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Luc Teillaud
- Sorbonne University UMRS1135, Paris, France
- Inserm U1135, Paris, France
- Center of Immunology and Microbial Infections (Cimi), Faculty of Health, Paris, France
| | - Ana Houel
- Sorbonne University UMRS1135, Paris, France
- Inserm U1135, Paris, France
- Center of Immunology and Microbial Infections (Cimi), Faculty of Health, Paris, France
- Transgene, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Marylou Panouillot
- Sorbonne University UMRS1135, Paris, France
- Inserm U1135, Paris, France
- Center of Immunology and Microbial Infections (Cimi), Faculty of Health, Paris, France
- Sanofi, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Clémence Riffard
- Sorbonne University UMRS1135, Paris, France
- Inserm U1135, Paris, France
- Center of Immunology and Microbial Infections (Cimi), Faculty of Health, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Caroline Dieu-Nosjean
- Sorbonne University UMRS1135, Paris, France.
- Inserm U1135, Paris, France.
- Center of Immunology and Microbial Infections (Cimi), Faculty of Health, Paris, France.
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2
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Chattopadhyay S, Hazra R, Mallick A, Gayen S, Roy S. Small-molecule in cancer immunotherapy: Revolutionizing cancer treatment with transformative, game-changing breakthroughs. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024:189170. [PMID: 39127244 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189170] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer management, with antibody-based treatments leading the charge due to their superior pharmacodynamics, including enhanced effectiveness and specificity. However, these therapies are hampered by limitations such as prolonged half-lives, poor tissue and tumor penetration, and minimal oral bioavailability. Additionally, their immunogenic nature can cause adverse effects. Consequently, the focus is shifting towards small-molecule-based immunotherapies, which potentially overcome these drawbacks. Emerging as a promising alternative, small molecules offer the benefits of therapeutic antibodies and immunomodulators, often yielding synergistic effects when combined. Recent advancements in small-molecule cancer immunotherapy are notable, featuring inhibitors, agonists, and degraders that act as immunomodulators. This article delves into the current landscape of small-molecule immunotherapy in cancer treatment, highlighting novel agents targeting key pathways such as Toll-like receptors (TLR), PD-1/PD-L1, chemokine receptors, and stimulators of interferon genes (STING). The review emphasizes newly discovered molecular entities and their modulatory roles in tumorigenesis, many of which have progressed to clinical trials, that aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the evolving frontier in cancer treatment, driven by small-molecule immunomodulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumyadeep Chattopadhyay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053, India
| | - Rudradeep Hazra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053, India
| | - Arijit Mallick
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053, India
| | - Sakuntala Gayen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053, India
| | - Souvik Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053, India.
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3
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Liu B, Zhou H, Tan L, Siu KTH, Guan XY. Exploring treatment options in cancer: Tumor treatment strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:175. [PMID: 39013849 PMCID: PMC11252281 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01856-7] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional therapeutic approaches such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy have burdened cancer patients with onerous physical and psychological challenges. Encouragingly, the landscape of tumor treatment has undergone a comprehensive and remarkable transformation. Emerging as fervently pursued modalities are small molecule targeted agents, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), cell-based therapies, and gene therapy. These cutting-edge treatment modalities not only afford personalized and precise tumor targeting, but also provide patients with enhanced therapeutic comfort and the potential to impede disease progression. Nonetheless, it is acknowledged that these therapeutic strategies still harbour untapped potential for further advancement. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the merits and limitations of these treatment modalities holds the promise of offering novel perspectives for clinical practice and foundational research endeavours. In this review, we discussed the different treatment modalities, including small molecule targeted drugs, peptide drugs, antibody drugs, cell therapy, and gene therapy. It will provide a detailed explanation of each method, addressing their status of development, clinical challenges, and potential solutions. The aim is to assist clinicians and researchers in gaining a deeper understanding of these diverse treatment options, enabling them to carry out effective treatment and advance their research more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beilei Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Licheng Tan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin To Hugo Siu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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4
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Akkari L, Amit I, Bronte V, Fridlender ZG, Gabrilovich DI, Ginhoux F, Hedrick CC, Ostrand-Rosenberg S. Defining myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01062-0. [PMID: 38969773 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Akkari
- Division of Tumour Biology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ido Amit
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | | | - Zvi G Fridlender
- Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | | | - Florent Ginhoux
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.
- Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France.
| | - Catherine C Hedrick
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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5
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Yuan DY, McKeague ML, Raghu VK, Schoen RE, Finn OJ, Benos PV. Cellular and transcriptional profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells pre-vaccination predict immune response to preventative MUC1 vaccine. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.14.598031. [PMID: 38948837 PMCID: PMC11212910 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.598031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
A single arm trial (NCT007773097) and a double-blind, placebo controlled randomized trial ( NCT02134925 ) were conducted in individuals with a history of advanced colonic adenoma to test the safety and immunogenicity of the MUC1 tumor antigen vaccine and its potential to prevent new adenomas. These were the first two trials of a non-viral cancer vaccine administered in the absence of cancer. The vaccine was safe and strongly immunogenic in 43% (NCT007773097) and 25% ( NCT02134925 ) of participants. The lack of response in a significant number of participants suggested, for the first time, that even in a premalignant setting, the immune system may have already been exposed to some level of suppression previously reported only in cancer. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) on banked pre-vaccination peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 16 immune responders and 16 non-responders identified specific cell types, genes, and pathways of a productive vaccine response. Responders had a significantly higher percentage of CD4+ naive T cells pre-vaccination, but a significantly lower percentage of CD8+ T effector memory (TEM) cells and CD16+ monocytes. Differential gene expression (DGE) and transcription factor inference analysis showed a higher level of expression of T cell activation genes, such as Fos and Jun, in CD4+ naive T cells, and pathway analysis showed enriched signaling activity in responders. Furthermore, Bayesian network analysis suggested that these genes were mechanistically connected to response. Our analyses identified several immune mechanisms and candidate biomarkers to be further validated as predictors of immune responses to a preventative cancer vaccine that could facilitate selection of individuals likely to benefit from a vaccine or be used to improve vaccine responses.
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6
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Zhang S, Xiao X, Yi Y, Wang X, Zhu L, Shen Y, Lin D, Wu C. Tumor initiation and early tumorigenesis: molecular mechanisms and interventional targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:149. [PMID: 38890350 PMCID: PMC11189549 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01848-7] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is a multistep process, with oncogenic mutations in a normal cell conferring clonal advantage as the initial event. However, despite pervasive somatic mutations and clonal expansion in normal tissues, their transformation into cancer remains a rare event, indicating the presence of additional driver events for progression to an irreversible, highly heterogeneous, and invasive lesion. Recently, researchers are emphasizing the mechanisms of environmental tumor risk factors and epigenetic alterations that are profoundly influencing early clonal expansion and malignant evolution, independently of inducing mutations. Additionally, clonal evolution in tumorigenesis reflects a multifaceted interplay between cell-intrinsic identities and various cell-extrinsic factors that exert selective pressures to either restrain uncontrolled proliferation or allow specific clones to progress into tumors. However, the mechanisms by which driver events induce both intrinsic cellular competency and remodel environmental stress to facilitate malignant transformation are not fully understood. In this review, we summarize the genetic, epigenetic, and external driver events, and their effects on the co-evolution of the transformed cells and their ecosystem during tumor initiation and early malignant evolution. A deeper understanding of the earliest molecular events holds promise for translational applications, predicting individuals at high-risk of tumor and developing strategies to intercept malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaosen Zhang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Xiao
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Yonglin Yi
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Lingxuan Zhu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Yanrong Shen
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Dongxin Lin
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Chen Wu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- CAMS Oxford Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100006, Beijing, China.
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7
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Cameron CM, Raghu V, Richardson B, Zagore LL, Tamilselvan B, Golden J, Cartwright M, Schoen RE, Finn OJ, Benos PV, Cameron MJ. Pre-vaccination transcriptomic profiles of immune responders to the MUC1 peptide vaccine for colon cancer prevention. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.09.24305336. [PMID: 38766010 PMCID: PMC11100921 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.24305336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Self-antigens abnormally expressed on tumors, such as MUC1, have been targeted by therapeutic cancer vaccines. We recently assessed in two clinical trials in a preventative setting whether immunity induced with a MUC1 peptide vaccine could reduce high colon cancer risk in individuals with a history of premalignant colon adenomas. In both trials, there were immune responders and non-responders to the vaccine. Here we used PBMC pre-vaccination and 2 weeks after the first vaccine of responders and non-responders selected from both trials to identify early biomarkers of immune response involved in long-term memory generation and prevention of adenoma recurrence. We performed flow cytometry, phosflow, and differential gene expression analyses on PBMCs collected from MUC1 vaccine responders and non-responders pre-vaccination and two weeks after the first of three vaccine doses. MUC1 vaccine responders had higher frequencies of CD4 cells pre-vaccination, increased expression of CD40L on CD8 and CD4 T-cells, and a greater increase in ICOS expression on CD8 T-cells. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that iCOSL, PI3K AKT MTOR, and B-cell signaling pathways are activated early in response to the MUC1 vaccine. We identified six specific transcripts involved in elevated antigen presentation, B-cell activation, and NF-kB1 activation that were directly linked to finding antibody response at week 12. Finally, a model using these transcripts was able to predict non-responders with accuracy. These findings suggest that individuals who can be predicted to respond to the MUC1 vaccine, and potentially other vaccines, have greater readiness in all immune compartments to present and respond to antigens. Predictive biomarkers of MUC1 vaccine response may lead to more effective vaccines tailored to individuals with high risk for cancer but with varying immune fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl M Cameron
- Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Vineet Raghu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA
| | - Brian Richardson
- Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Leah L Zagore
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | | | - Jackelyn Golden
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Michael Cartwright
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Robert E Schoen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Olivera J Finn
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Panayiotis V Benos
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Mark J Cameron
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
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8
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Domchek SM, Vonderheide RH. Advancing Cancer Interception. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:600-604. [PMID: 38571414 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-24-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Rapid advances in technology and therapeutics, along with better methods to discern who is at risk for cancer by genetic testing and other means, has enabled the development of cancer interception. Targeted therapies and "immuno-interception" may eliminate premalignant lesions and require clinical trial and treatment paradigms altogether distinct from current approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Domchek
- Basser Center for BRCA1/2, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pen-nsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert H Vonderheide
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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9
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Stanton SE, Castle PE, Finn OJ, Sei S, Emens LA. Advances and challenges in cancer immunoprevention and immune interception. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007815. [PMID: 38519057 PMCID: PMC10961508 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007815] [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] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive cancers typically evade immune surveillance through profound local and systemic immunosuppression, preventing their elimination or control. Targeting immune interventions to prevent or intercept premalignant lesions, before significant immune dysregulation has occurred, may be a more successful strategy. The field of cancer immune interception and prevention is nascent, and the scientific community has been slow to embrace this potentially most rational approach to reducing the global burden of cancer. This may change due to recent promising advances in cancer immunoprevention including the use of vaccines for the prevention of viral cancers, the use of cancer-associated antigen vaccines in the setting of precancers, and the development of cancer-preventative vaccines for high-risk individuals who are healthy but carry cancer-associated heritable genetic mutations. Furthermore, there is increasing recognition of the importance of cancer prevention and interception by national cancer organizations. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently released the National Cancer Plan, which includes cancer prevention among the top priorities of the institute. The NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention has been introducing new funding opportunities for scientists with an interest in the field of cancer prevention: The Cancer Prevention-Interception Targeted Agent Discovery Program and The Cancer Immunoprevention Network. Moreover, the Human Tumor Atlas Network is spearheading the development of a precancer atlas to better understand the biology of pre-invasive changes, including the tissue microenvironment and the underlying genetics that drive carcinogenesis. These data will inform the development of novel immunoprevention/immuno-interception strategies. International cancer foundations have also started recognizing immunoprevention and immune interception with the American Association for Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer each implementing programming focused on this area. This review will present recent advances, opportunities, and challenges in the emerging field of cancer immune prevention and immune interception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha E Stanton
- Cancer Immunoprevention Laboratory, Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Philip E Castle
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Olivera J Finn
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shizuko Sei
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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10
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Chen X, Sandrine IK, Yang M, Tu J, Yuan X. MUC1 and MUC16: critical for immune modulation in cancer therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356913. [PMID: 38361923 PMCID: PMC10867145 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The Mucin (MUC) family, a range of highly glycosylated macromolecules, is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian epithelial cells. Such molecules are pivotal in establishing protective mucosal barriers, serving as defenses against pathogenic assaults. Intriguingly, the aberrant expression of specific MUC proteins, notably Mucin 1 (MUC1) and Mucin 16 (MUC16), within tumor cells, is intimately associated with oncogenesis, proliferation, and metastasis. This association involves various mechanisms, including cellular proliferation, viability, apoptosis resistance, chemotherapeutic resilience, metabolic shifts, and immune surveillance evasion. Due to their distinctive biological roles and structural features in oncology, MUC proteins have attracted considerable attention as prospective targets and biomarkers in cancer therapy. The current review offers an exhaustive exploration of the roles of MUC1 and MUC16 in the context of cancer biomarkers, elucidating their critical contributions to the mechanisms of cellular signal transduction, regulation of immune responses, and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, the article evaluates the latest advances in therapeutic strategies targeting these mucins, focusing on innovations in immunotherapies and targeted drugs, aiming to enhance customization and accuracy in cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jingyao Tu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xianglin Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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11
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Das S, Acharya D. Immunological Assessment of Recent Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:1065-1095. [PMID: 37812224 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2264906] [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] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent malignancy with increased incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Traditional treatment approaches have attempted to efficiently target CRC; however, they have failed in most cases, owing to the cytotoxicity and non-specificity of these therapies. Therefore, it is essential to develop an effective alternative therapy to improve the clinical outcomes in heterogeneous CRC cases. Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment with remarkable efficacy and overcomes the limitations of traditional treatments. With an understanding of the cancer-immunity cycle and tumor microenvironment evolution, current immunotherapy approaches have elicited enhanced antitumor immune responses. In this comprehensive review, we outline the latest advances in immunotherapy targeting CRC and provide insights into antitumor immune responses reported in landmark clinical studies. We focused on highlighting the combination approaches that synergistically induce immune responses and eliminate immunosuppression. This review aimed to understand the limitations and potential of recent immunotherapy clinical studies conducted in the last five years (2019-2023) and to transform this knowledge into a rational design of clinical trials intended for effective antitumor immune responses in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhadeep Das
- Department of Biotechnology, GIET University, Gunupur, India
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12
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Vonderheide RH. Cancer vaccines are back, revitalized. MED 2023; 4:395-397. [PMID: 37453413 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are beginning to deliver positive clinical results, particularly in the adjuvant setting with lipo-nanoparticle mRNA formulations used to elicit neoantigen responses. In a recent report in Nature, Rojas et al. show this may even be possible in patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Vonderheide
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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13
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Lepore Signorile M, Grossi V, Fasano C, Simone C. Colorectal Cancer Chemoprevention: A Dream Coming True? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087597. [PMID: 37108756 PMCID: PMC10140862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the deadliest forms of cancer worldwide. CRC development occurs mainly through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, which can last decades, giving the opportunity for primary prevention and early detection. CRC prevention involves different approaches, ranging from fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy screening to chemoprevention. In this review, we discuss the main findings gathered in the field of CRC chemoprevention, focusing on different target populations and on various precancerous lesions that can be used as efficacy evaluation endpoints for chemoprevention. The ideal chemopreventive agent should be well tolerated and easy to administer, with low side effects. Moreover, it should be readily available at a low cost. These properties are crucial because these compounds are meant to be used for a long time in populations with different CRC risk profiles. Several agents have been investigated so far, some of which are currently used in clinical practice. However, further investigation is needed to devise a comprehensive and effective chemoprevention strategy for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lepore Signorile
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
| | - Valentina Grossi
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
| | - Candida Fasano
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
| | - Cristiano Simone
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonic Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
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