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Pesini C, Artal L, Paúl Bernal J, Sánchez Martinez D, Pardo J, Ramírez-Labrada A. In-depth analysis of the interplay between oncogenic mutations and NK cell-mediated cancer surveillance in solid tumors. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2379062. [PMID: 39036370 PMCID: PMC11259085 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2379062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in antitumoral and antiviral responses. Yet, cancer cells can alter themselves or the microenvironment through the secretion of cytokines or other factors, hindering NK cell activation and promoting a less cytotoxic phenotype. These resistance mechanisms, often referred to as the "hallmarks of cancer" are significantly influenced by the activation of oncogenes, impacting most, if not all, of the described hallmarks. Along with oncogenes, other types of genes, the tumor suppressor genes are frequently mutated or modified during cancer. Traditionally, these genes have been associated with uncontrollable tumor growth and apoptosis resistance. Recent evidence suggests oncogenic mutations extend beyond modulating cell death/proliferation programs, influencing cancer immunosurveillance. While T cells have been more studied, the results obtained highlight NK cells as emerging key protagonists for enhancing tumor cell elimination by modulating oncogenic activity. A few recent studies highlight the crucial role of oncogenic mutations in NK cell-mediated cancer recognition, impacting angiogenesis, stress ligands, and signaling balance within the tumor microenvironment. This review will critically examine recent discoveries correlating oncogenic mutations to NK cell-mediated cancer immunosurveillance, a relatively underexplored area, particularly in the era dominated by immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells. Building on these insights, we will explore opportunities to improve NK cell-based immunotherapies, which are increasingly recognized as promising alternatives for treating low-antigenic tumors, offering significant advantages in terms of safety and manufacturing suitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pesini
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Artal
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute of Carbochemistry (ICB-CSIC), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jorge Paúl Bernal
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diego Sánchez Martinez
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón I + D Foundation (ARAID), Government of Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Julián Pardo
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ariel Ramírez-Labrada
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
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De Velasco MA, Kura Y, Fujita K, Uemura H. Moving toward improved immune checkpoint immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer. Int J Urol 2024; 31:307-324. [PMID: 38167824 DOI: 10.1111/iju.15378] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Human prostate cancer is a heterogenous malignancy that responds poorly to immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that is typical of human prostate cancer has been the main obstacle to these treatments. The effectiveness of these therapies is also hindered by acquired resistance, leading to slow progress in prostate cancer immunotherapy. Results from the highly anticipated late-stage clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade in patients with advanced prostate cancer have highlighted some of the obstacles to immunotherapy. Despite the setbacks, there is much that has been learned about the mechanisms that drive resistance, and new strategies are being developed and tested. Here, we review the status of immune checkpoint blockade and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and discuss factors contributing to innate and adaptive resistance to immune checkpoint blockade within the context of prostate cancer. We then examine current strategies aiming to overcome these challenges as well as prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A De Velasco
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Yurie Kura
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Fujita
- Department of Urology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Uemura
- Department of Urology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
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3
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Duchatel RJ, Jackson ER, Parackal SG, Kiltschewskij D, Findlay IJ, Mannan A, Staudt DE, Thomas BC, Germon ZP, Laternser S, Kearney PS, Jamaluddin MFB, Douglas AM, Beitaki T, McEwen HP, Persson ML, Hocke EA, Jain V, Aksu M, Manning EE, Murray HC, Verrills NM, Sun CX, Daniel P, Vilain RE, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Nixon B, Hua S, de Bock CE, Colino-Sanguino Y, Valdes-Mora F, Tsoli M, Ziegler DS, Cairns MJ, Raabe EH, Vitanza NA, Hulleman E, Phoenix TN, Koschmann C, Alvaro F, Dayas CV, Tinkle CL, Wheeler H, Whittle JR, Eisenstat DD, Firestein R, Mueller S, Valvi S, Hansford JR, Ashley DM, Gregory SG, Kilburn LB, Nazarian J, Cain JE, Dun MD. PI3K/mTOR is a therapeutically targetable genetic dependency in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e170329. [PMID: 38319732 PMCID: PMC10940093 DOI: 10.1172/jci170329] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including tumors diagnosed in the brainstem (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma; DIPG), are uniformly fatal brain tumors that lack effective treatment. Analysis of CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function gene deletion screens identified PIK3CA and MTOR as targetable molecular dependencies across patient derived models of DIPG, highlighting the therapeutic potential of the blood-brain barrier-penetrant PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor, paxalisib. At the human-equivalent maximum tolerated dose, mice treated with paxalisib experienced systemic glucose feedback and increased insulin levels commensurate with patients using PI3K inhibitors. To exploit genetic dependence and overcome resistance while maintaining compliance and therapeutic benefit, we combined paxalisib with the antihyperglycemic drug metformin. Metformin restored glucose homeostasis and decreased phosphorylation of the insulin receptor in vivo, a common mechanism of PI3K-inhibitor resistance, extending survival of orthotopic models. DIPG models treated with paxalisib increased calcium-activated PKC signaling. The brain penetrant PKC inhibitor enzastaurin, in combination with paxalisib, synergistically extended the survival of multiple orthotopic patient-derived and immunocompetent syngeneic allograft models; benefits potentiated in combination with metformin and standard-of-care radiotherapy. Therapeutic adaptation was assessed using spatial transcriptomics and ATAC-Seq, identifying changes in myelination and tumor immune microenvironment crosstalk. Collectively, this study has identified what we believe to be a clinically relevant DIPG therapeutic combinational strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Duchatel
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Evangeline R. Jackson
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah G. Parackal
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dylan Kiltschewskij
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Izac J. Findlay
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abdul Mannan
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dilana E. Staudt
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bryce C. Thomas
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zacary P. Germon
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandra Laternser
- DIPG/DMG Research Center Zurich, Children’s Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Padraic S. Kearney
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M. Fairuz B. Jamaluddin
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alicia M. Douglas
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tyrone Beitaki
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Holly P. McEwen
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mika L. Persson
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emily A. Hocke
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vaibhav Jain
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael Aksu
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Manning
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Heather C. Murray
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole M. Verrills
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire Xin Sun
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Daniel
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ricardo E. Vilain
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David A. Skerrett-Byrne
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Hua
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Charles E. de Bock
- Children’s Cancer Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yolanda Colino-Sanguino
- Children’s Cancer Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fatima Valdes-Mora
- Children’s Cancer Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Tsoli
- Children’s Cancer Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Children’s Cancer Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murray J. Cairns
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eric H. Raabe
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Vitanza
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Timothy N. Phoenix
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Carl Koschmann
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Frank Alvaro
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- John Hunter Children’s Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher V. Dayas
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher L. Tinkle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Helen Wheeler
- Department of Radiation Oncology Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- The Brain Cancer group, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - James R. Whittle
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David D. Eisenstat
- Children’s Cancer Centre, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ron Firestein
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sabine Mueller
- DIPG/DMG Research Center Zurich, Children’s Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Santosh Valvi
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology/Haematology, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, Washington, Australia
- Brain Tumour Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Washington, Australia
- Division of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia Medical School, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jordan R. Hansford
- Michael Rice Centre for Hematology and Oncology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David M. Ashley
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Simon G. Gregory
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lindsay B. Kilburn
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Javad Nazarian
- DIPG/DMG Research Center Zurich, Children’s Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jason E. Cain
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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Zheng X, Chen J, Deng M, Ning K, Peng Y, Liu Z, Li X, Zhou Z, Tang H, Li Y, Kang T, Liu Z. G3BP1 and SLU7 Jointly Promote Immune Evasion by Downregulating MHC-I via PI3K/Akt Activation in Bladder Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305922. [PMID: 38084438 PMCID: PMC10870071 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show promise as second-line treatment for advanced bladder cancer (BLCA); however, their responsiveness is limited by the immune evasion mechanisms in tumor cells. This study conduct a Cox regression analysis to screen mRNA-binding proteins and reveals an association between Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) and diminished effectiveness of ICI therapy in patients with advanced BLCA. Subsequent investigation demonstrates that G3BP1 enhances immune evasion in BLCA cells by downregulating major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) through phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling activation. Mechanistically, G3BP1 interacts with splicing factor synergistic lethal with U5 snRNA 7 (SLU7) to form a complex with poly(A)-binding protein cytoplasmic 1 and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 1. This complex stabilizes the closed-loop structure of the mRNAs of class IA PI3Ks and consequently facilitates their translation and stabilization, thereby activating PI3K/Akt signaling to downregulate MHC-I. Consistently, targeting G3BP1 with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) impedes immune evasion and sensitizes BLCA cells to anti-programmed cell death (PD)-1 antibodies in mice. Thus, G3BP1 and SLU7 collaboratively contribute to immune evasion in BLCA, indicating that EGCG is a precision therapeutic agent to enhance the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianchong Zheng
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- Department of UrologyShunde HospitalSouthern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan)Foshan528000P. R. China
| | - Minhua Deng
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Kang Ning
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Yulu Peng
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Zhenhua Liu
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Xiangdong Li
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Zhaohui Zhou
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Huancheng Tang
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Yaoying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Tiebang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Zhuowei Liu
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center Gansu HospitalLanzhou730000P. R. China
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5
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Luo X, Qiu Y, Fitzsimonds ZR, Wang Q, Chen Q, Lei YL. Immune escape of head and neck cancer mediated by the impaired MHC-I antigen presentation pathway. Oncogene 2024; 43:388-394. [PMID: 38177410 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02912-2] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Tumor immune evasion is a hallmark of Head and Neck Cancers. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the first-line setting has transformed the management of these tumors. Unfortunately, the response rate of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCC) to ICIs is below 15%, regardless of the human papillomavirus (HPV) status, which might be partially related with impaired antigen presentation machinery (APM). Mechanistically, HNSCC cells are usually defective in the expression of MHC-I associated APM, while this transcriptional pathway is critical for the activation of tumor-killing effector T-cells. To specifically illuminate the phenomenon and seek for therapeutic strategies, this review summarizes the most recently identified role of genetic and functional dysregulation of the MHC-I pathway, specifically through changes at the genetic, epigenetic, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels, which substantially contributes to HNSCC immune escape and ICI resistance. Several treatment modalities can be potentially exploited to restore APM signaling in tumors, which improves anti-tumor immunity through the activation of interferons, vaccines or rimantadine against HPV and the inhibition of EGFR, SHP-2, PI3K and MEK. Additionally, the combinatorial use of radiotherapy or cytotoxic agents with ICIs can synergize to potentiate APM signaling. Future directions would include further dissection of MHC-I related APM signaling in HNSCC and whether reversing this inhibition in combination with ICIs would elicit a more robust immune response leading to improved response rates in HNSCC. Therapeutic approaches to restore the MHC-I antigen presentation machinery in Head and Neck Cancer. (Red color texts represent the according strategies and the outcomes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Oral Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Qiu
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zackary R Fitzsimonds
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rogel Cancer Center, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Qiuhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Oral Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Oral Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yu Leo Lei
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rogel Cancer Center, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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6
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Wu X, Li T, Jiang R, Yang X, Guo H, Yang R. Targeting MHC-I molecules for cancer: function, mechanism, and therapeutic prospects. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:194. [PMID: 38041084 PMCID: PMC10693139 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01899-4] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecules of Major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) load peptides and present them on the cell surface, which provided the immune system with the signal to detect and eliminate the infected or cancerous cells. In the context of cancer, owing to the crucial immune-regulatory roles played by MHC-I molecules, the abnormal modulation of MHC-I expression and function could be hijacked by tumor cells to escape the immune surveillance and attack, thereby promoting tumoral progression and impairing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Here we reviewed and discussed the recent studies and discoveries related to the MHC-I molecules and their multidirectional functions in the development of cancer, mainly focusing on the interactions between MHC-I and the multiple participators in the tumor microenvironment and highlighting the significance of targeting MHC-I for optimizing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy and a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature and functioning mechanism of MHC-I in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Wu
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianhang Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Southeast University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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7
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Heller S, Glaeske S, Gluske K, Paul J, Böhme A, Janzer A, Roider HG, Montebaur A, Nicke B, Lesche R, von Ahsen O, Politz O, Liu N, Gorjánácz M. Pan-PI3K inhibition with copanlisib overcomes Treg- and M2-TAM-mediated immune suppression and promotes anti-tumor immune responses. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:5445-5461. [PMID: 37935952 PMCID: PMC10725385 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01227-6] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K pathway is one of the most frequently altered signaling pathways in human cancer. In addition to its function in cancer cells, PI3K plays a complex role in modulating anti-tumor immune responses upon immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). Here, we evaluated the effects of the pan-Class I PI3K inhibitor copanlisib on different immune cell types in vitro and on tumor growth and immune cell infiltration in syngeneic murine cancer models. Intermittent treatment with copanlisib resulted in a strong in vivo anti-tumor efficacy, increased tumor infiltration of activated T cells and macrophages, and increased CD8+ T cell/regulatory T cell and M1/M2 macrophage ratios. The strong in vivo efficacy was at least partially due to immunomodulatory activity of copanlisib, as in vitro these murine cancer cells were resistant to PI3K inhibition. Furthermore, the combination of copanlisib with the ICI antibody anti-PD-1 demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor efficacy in both ICI-sensitive and insensitive syngeneic mouse tumor models. Importantly, in an ICI-sensitive model, combination therapy resulted in complete remission and prevention of tumor recurrence. Thus, the combination of ICIs with PI3K inhibition by intermittently dosed copanlisib represents a promising new strategy to increase sensitivity to ICI therapies and to treat human solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Glaeske
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Gluske
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliane Paul
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Janzer
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Anna Montebaur
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Politz
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ningshu Liu
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
- Fosun Pharma, No. 1289 Yishan Road, Shanghai City, China
| | - Mátyás Gorjánácz
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany.
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8
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Jiang W, Ouyang X, Li C, Long Y, Chen W, Ji Z, Shen X, Xiang L, Yang H. Targeting PI3Kα increases the efficacy of anti-PD-1 antibody in cervical cancer. Immunology 2023; 170:419-438. [PMID: 37469254 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting programmed death 1(PD-1) has been approved for relapsed cervical cancer with unsatisfactory clinical efficacy. This study aims to analyse the impact of PI3K pathway activation on tumour immune microenvironment and evaluates the immune sensitization effect by PI3K inhibition in cervical cancer. The effect of PIK3CA mutation on PD-L1 expression and CD8+ T cells differentiation was determined in cervical cancer tissues. Luciferase and ChIP-qPCR/PCR assays were used to determine the transcriptional regulation of PD-L1 by PIK3CA-E545K. The effects of PI3K inhibitor treatment on immune environment in vitro and in vivo were evaluated by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and flow cytometry. The efficacy of PI3K inhibitor and anti-PD-1 therapy was assessed in cell-derived xenografts (CDX) and patients-derived xenografts (PDX). PD-L1 overexpression is more frequently observed in elder women with squamous cervical carcinoma. It predicts longer progress-free survival and overall survival. PIK3CA mutation results in increased mRNA and protein levels of PD-L1, the repression of CD8+ T cell differentiation in cervical cancer. Here, we report a case that continuous pembrolizumab monotherapy treatment induced complete remission of a recurrent cervical cancer patient with systemic metastasis and PIK3CA-E545K mutation, implying that PIK3CA mutation is potentially a biomarker for pembrolizumab treatment in cervical cancer. Specifically, this mutation promotes the expression of PD-L1 by upregulating the transcription factor IRF1. PI3Kα-specific inhibitor markedly activates immune microenvironment by regulating the PD-1/L1-related pathways and promoting CD8+ T cell differentiation and proliferation in Caski-CDXs with PIK3CA-E545K mutation. PI3Kα inhibitor significantly enhances the anti-tumour efficacy of PD-1 blockade in CDXs and PDXs. PIK3CA mutations may predict the response of cervical cancer to PD-1 blockade. The efficacy of PI3Kα inhibitors combined with PD-1 antibodies is promising in cervical cancer and warrants additional clinical and mechanistic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyan Ouyang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixiu Long
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, the Central Hospital of Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaodong Ji
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuxia Shen
- Department of Pathology Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Libing Xiang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Yang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Perales-Linares R, Leli NM, Mohei H, Beghi S, Rivera OD, Kostopoulos N, Giglio A, George SS, Uribe-Herranz M, Costabile F, Pierini S, Pustylnikov S, Skoufos G, Barash Y, Hatzigeorgiou AG, Koumenis C, Maity A, Lotze MT, Facciabene A. Parkin Deficiency Suppresses Antigen Presentation to Promote Tumor Immune Evasion and Immunotherapy Resistance. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3562-3576. [PMID: 37578274 PMCID: PMC10618737 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-2499] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Parkin is an E3 ubiquitin ligase, which plays a key role in the development of Parkinson disease. Parkin defects also occur in numerous cancers, and a growing body of evidence indicates that Parkin functions as a tumor suppressor that impedes a number of cellular processes involved in tumorigenesis. Here, we generated murine and human models that closely mimic the advanced-stage tumors where Parkin deficiencies are found to provide deeper insights into the tumor suppressive functions of Parkin. Loss of Parkin expression led to aggressive tumor growth, which was associated with poor tumor antigen presentation and limited antitumor CD8+ T-cell infiltration and activation. The effect of Parkin deficiency on tumor growth was lost following depletion of CD8+ T cells. In line with previous findings, Parkin deficiency was linked with mitochondria-associated metabolic stress, PTEN degradation, and enhanced Akt activation. Increased Akt signaling led to dysregulation of antigen presentation, and treatment with the Akt inhibitor MK2206-2HCl restored antigen presentation in Parkin-deficient tumors. Analysis of data from patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma indicated that Parkin expression was downregulated in tumors and that low expression correlated with reduced overall survival. Furthermore, low Parkin expression correlated with reduced patient response to immunotherapy. Overall, these results identify a role for Parkin deficiency in promoting tumor immune evasion that may explain the poor prognosis associated with loss of Parkin across multiple types of cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Parkin prevents immune evasion by regulating tumor antigen processing and presentation through the PTEN/Akt network, which has important implications for immunotherapy treatments in patients with Parkin-deficient tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzo Perales-Linares
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nektaria Maria Leli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hesham Mohei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Silvia Beghi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Osvaldo D. Rivera
- Graduate Group in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nektarios Kostopoulos
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrea Giglio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Subin S. George
- Penn Bioinformatics Core, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mireia Uribe-Herranz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Francesca Costabile
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Stefano Pierini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sergei Pustylnikov
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Giorgos Skoufos
- Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly - Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Yoseph Barash
- Graduate Group in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Artemis G. Hatzigeorgiou
- Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly - Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Koumenis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amit Maity
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael T. Lotze
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrea Facciabene
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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10
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Yan D. Hope and Challenges: Immunotherapy in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Patients. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2916. [PMID: 38001917 PMCID: PMC10669068 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the preferred initial treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring sensitive EGFR mutations. Sadly, remission is transient, and no approved effective treatment options are available for EGFR-TKI-advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. Although immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) induces sustained cancer remission in a subset of NSCLCs, ICI therapy exhibits limited activity in most EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. Mechanistically, the strong oncogenic EGFR signaling in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs contributes to a non-inflamed tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), characterized by a limited number of CD8+ T cell infiltration, a high number of regulatory CD4+ T cells, and an increased number of inactivated infiltrated T cells. Additionally, EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients are generally non-smokers with low levels of PD-L1 expression and tumor mutation burden. Promisingly, a small population of EGFR-mutant NSCLCs still durably respond to ICI therapy. The hope of ICI therapy from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials is reviewed in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. The challenges of application ICI therapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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11
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Kang JJ, Ko A, Kil SH, Mallen-St Clair J, Shin DS, Wang MB, Srivatsan ES. EGFR pathway targeting drugs in head and neck cancer in the era of immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188827. [PMID: 36309124 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are cell surface receptors that bind growth factor ligands and initiate cellular signaling. Of the 20 classes of RTKs, 7 classes, I-V, VIII, and X, are linked to head and neck cancers (HNCs). We focus on the first class of RTK, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as it is the most thoroughly studied class. EGFR overexpression is observed in 20% of tumors, and expression of EGFR variant III is seen in 15% of aggressive chemoradiotherapy resistant HNCs. Currently, the EGFR monoclonal antibody (mAb) cetuximab is the only FDA approved RTK-targeting drug for the treatment of HNCs. Clinical trials have also included EGFR mAbs, with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and small molecule inhibitors targeting the EGFR, MAPK, and mTOR pathways. Additionally, Immunotherapy has been found to be effective in 15 to 20% of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNC as a monotherapy. Thus, attempts are underway for the combinatorial treatment of immunotherapy and EGFR mAbs to determine if the recruitment of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment can overcome EGFR resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Kang
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Albert Ko
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sang Hoon Kil
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jon Mallen-St Clair
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Sanghoon Shin
- Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marilene B Wang
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eri S Srivatsan
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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12
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Protein Kinase Inhibitors as a New Target for Immune System Modulation and Brain Cancer Management. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415693. [PMID: 36555334 PMCID: PMC9778944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415693] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade brain tumors are malignant tumors with poor survival and remain the most difficult tumors to treat. An important contributing factor to the development and progression of brain tumors is their ability to evade the immune system. Several immunotherapeutic strategies including vaccines and checkpoint inhibitors have been studied to improve the effectiveness of the immune system in destroying cancer cells. Recent studies have shown that kinase inhibitors, capable of inhibiting signal transduction cascades that affect cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, have additional immunological effects. In this review, we explain the beneficial therapeutic effects of novel small-molecule kinase inhibitors and explore how, through different mechanisms, they increase the protective antitumor immune response in high-grade brain tumors.
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13
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Zhang Q, Xiu B, Zhang L, Chen M, Chi W, Li L, Guo R, Xue J, Yang B, Huang X, Shao ZM, Huang S, Chi Y, Wu J. Immunosuppressive lncRNA LINC00624 promotes tumor progression and therapy resistance through ADAR1 stabilization. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004666. [PMID: 36252997 PMCID: PMC9577936 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the success of HER2-targeted therapy in achieving prolonged survival in approximately 50% of treated individuals, treatment resistance is still an important challenge for HER2+ breast cancer (BC) patients. The influence of both adaptive and innate immune responses on the therapeutic outcomes of HER2+BC patients has been extensively demonstrated. METHODS Long non-coding RNAs expressed in non-pathological complete response (pCR) HER2 positive BC were screened and validated by RNA-seq. Survival analysis were made by Kaplan-Meier method. Cell death assay and proliferation assay were performed to confirm the phenotype of LINC00624. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to assay the IFN response. Xenograft mouse model were used for in vivo confirmation of anti-neu treatment resistance. RNA pull-down and immunoblot were used to confirm the interaction of ADAR1 and LINC00624. ADAR1 recombinant protein were purified from baculovirus expression system. B16-OVA cells were used to study antigen presentation both in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry was used to determine the tumor infiltrated immune cells of xenograft model. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) were used for in vivo treatment. RESULTS In this study, we found that LINC00624 blocked the antitumor effect of HER2- targeted therapy both in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting type I interferon (IFN) pathway activation. The double-stranded RNA-like structure of LINC00624 can bind and be edited by the adenosine (A) to inosine (I) RNA-editing enzyme adenosine deaminase RNA specific 1 (ADAR1), and this editing has been shown to release the growth inhibition and attenuate the innate immune response caused by the IFN response. Notably, LINC00624 promoted the stabilization of ADAR1 by inhibiting its ubiquitination-induced degradation triggered by β-TrCP. In contrast, LINC00624 inhibited major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen presentation and limited CD8+T cell infiltration in the cancer microenvironment, resulting in immune checkpoint blockade inhibition and anti-HER2 treatment resistance mediated through ADAR1. CONCLUSIONS In summary, these results suggest that LINC00624 is a cancer immunosuppressive lncRNA and targeting LINC00624 through ASOs in tumors expressing high levels of LINC00624 has great therapeutic potential in future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingqiu Xiu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyi Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiru Chi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lun Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China,Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rong Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China,Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jingyan Xue
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Benlong Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenglin Huang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yayun Chi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiong Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Yu J, Wu X, Song J, Zhao Y, Li H, Luo M, Liu X. Loss of MHC-I antigen presentation correlated with immune checkpoint blockade tolerance in MAPK inhibitor-resistant melanoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:928226. [PMID: 36091815 PMCID: PMC9459091 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.928226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade and MAPK-targeted combined therapy is a promising regimen for advanced melanoma patients. However, the clinical benefit from this combo regimen remains limited, especially in patients who acquired resistance to MAPK-targeted therapy. Here, we systematically characterized the immune landscape during MAPK-targeted therapy in patients and mouse melanoma models. We observed that both the abundance of tumor-infiltrated T cells and the expression of immune-related genes were upregulated in the drug-responsive period, but downregulated in the resistance period, implying that acquired drug resistance dampens the antitumor immune response. Further transcriptomic dissection indicated that loss of MHC-I antigen presentation on tumor cells plays a critical role in the reduction of T cell infiltration during drug resistance. Survival analysis demonstrates that loss of antigen presentation and reduction of T-cell infiltration during acquired drug resistance are associated with poorer clinical response and prognosis of anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma patients. In addition, we identified that alterations in the MAPK inhibitor resistance-related oncogenic signaling pathway closely correlated with deficiency of MHC-I antigen presentation, including activation of the PI3K-mTOR, MAPK, and Wnt pathways. In conclusion, our research illuminates that decreased infiltration of T cells is associated with acquired drug resistance during MAPK-targeted therapy, which may underlie the cross-resistance to immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Wu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinen Song
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huifang Li
- Research Core Facility, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Luo
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaowei Liu, ; Min Luo,
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaowei Liu, ; Min Luo,
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15
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Ng S, Lim S, Sim ACN, Mangadu R, Lau A, Zhang C, Martinez SB, Chandramohan A, Lim UM, Ho SSW, Chang SC, Gopal P, Hong LZ, Schwaid A, Fernandis AZ, Loboda A, Li C, Phan U, Henry B, Partridge AW. STUB1 is an intracellular checkpoint for interferon gamma sensing. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14087. [PMID: 35982220 PMCID: PMC9388626 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18404-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) leads to durable and complete tumour regression in some patients but in others gives temporary, partial or no response. Accordingly, significant efforts are underway to identify tumour-intrinsic mechanisms underlying ICB resistance. Results from a published CRISPR screen in a mouse model suggested that targeting STUB1, an E3 ligase involved in protein homeostasis, may overcome ICB resistance but the molecular basis of this effect remains unclear. Herein, we report an under-appreciated role of STUB1 to dampen the interferon gamma (IFNγ) response. Genetic deletion of STUB1 increased IFNGR1 abundance on the cell surface and thus enhanced the downstream IFNγ response as showed by multiple approaches including Western blotting, flow cytometry, qPCR, phospho-STAT1 assay, immunopeptidomics, proteomics, and gene expression profiling. Human prostate and breast cancer cells with STUB1 deletion were also susceptible to cytokine-induced growth inhibition. Furthermore, blockade of STUB1 protein function recapitulated the STUB1-null phenotypes. Despite these encouraging in vitro data and positive implications from clinical datasets, we did not observe in vivo benefits of inactivating Stub1 in mouse syngeneic tumour models-with or without combination with anti-PD-1 therapy. However, our findings elucidate STUB1 as a barrier to IFNγ sensing, prompting further investigations to assess if broader inactivation of human STUB1 in both tumors and immune cells could overcome ICB resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ng
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shuhui Lim
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Ruban Mangadu
- Discovery Oncology, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ally Lau
- Target & Pathway Biology, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - U-Ming Lim
- Target & Pathway Biology, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Pooja Gopal
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lewis Z Hong
- Translational Biomarkers, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adam Schwaid
- Chemical Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Cai Li
- Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Uyen Phan
- Discovery Oncology, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian Henry
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, Singapore, Singapore.
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16
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Nguyen KA, Keith MJ, Keysar SB, Hall SC, Bimali A, Jimeno A, Wang XJ, Young CD. Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in precancerous keratinocytes promotes neighboring head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma cancer stem cell-like properties and phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor insensitivity. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:664-676. [PMID: 35417043 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23409] [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: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is commonly associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption that induce a "precancerous field," with phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling being a common driver. However, the preclinical effectiveness of PI3K inhibitors has not necessarily translated to remarkable benefit in HNSCC patients. Thus, we sought to determine how precancerous keratinocytes influence HNSCC proliferation, cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance, and response to PI3K inhibitors. We used the NOK keratinocyte cell line as a model of preneoplastic keratinocytes because it harbors two frequent genetic events in HNSCC, CDKN2A promoter methylation and TP53 mutation, but does not form tumors. NOK cell coculture or NOK cell-conditioned media promoted HNSCC proliferation, PI3K inhibitor resistance, and CSC phenotypes. SOMAscan-targeted proteomics determined the relative levels of >1300 analytes in the media conditioned by NOK cells and HNSCC cells ± PI3K inhibitor. These results demonstrated that NOK cells release abundant levels of ligands that activate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), two receptor tyrosine kinases with oncogenic activity. Inhibition of EGFR, but not FGFR, blunted PI3K inhibitor resistance and CSC phenotypes induced by NOK cells. Our results demonstrate that precancerous keratinocytes can directly support neighboring HNSCC by activating EGFR. Importantly, PI3K inhibitor sensitivity was not necessarily a cancer cell-intrinsic property, and the tumor microenvironment impacts therapeutic response and supports CSCs. Additionally, combined inhibition of EGFR with PI3K inhibitor diminished EGFR activation induced by PI3K inhibitor and potently inhibited cancer cell proliferation and CSC maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa A Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Madison J Keith
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Stephen B Keysar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Spencer C Hall
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anamol Bimali
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Christian D Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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17
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Chai AWY, Yee PS, Cheong SC. Rational Combinations of Targeted Therapy and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Head and Neck Cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:837835. [PMID: 35372020 PMCID: PMC8968950 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.837835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, especially the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as the pembrolizumab and nivolumab have contributed to significant improvements in treatment outcomes and survival of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Still, only a subset of patients benefits from ICIs and hence the race is on to identify combination therapies that could improve response rates. Increasingly, genetic alterations that occur within cancer cells have been shown to modulate the tumor microenvironment resulting in immune evasion, and these have led to the emergence of trials that rationalize a combination of targeted therapy with immunotherapy. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the biological rationale and current strategies of combining targeted therapy with the approved ICIs in HNC. We summarize the ongoing combinatorial clinical trials and discuss emerging immunomodulatory targets. We also discuss the challenges and gaps that have yet to be addressed, as well as future perspectives in combining these different drug classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Wai Yeeng Chai
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Pei San Yee
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Sok Ching Cheong
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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18
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Targeting oncogene and non-oncogene addiction to inflame the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:440-462. [PMID: 35292771 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the clinical management of multiple tumours. However, only a few patients respond to ICIs, which has generated considerable interest in the identification of resistance mechanisms. One such mechanism reflects the ability of various oncogenic pathways, as well as stress response pathways required for the survival of transformed cells (a situation commonly referred to as 'non-oncogene addiction'), to support tumour progression not only by providing malignant cells with survival and/or proliferation advantages, but also by establishing immunologically 'cold' tumour microenvironments (TMEs). Thus, both oncogene and non-oncogene addiction stand out as promising targets to robustly inflame the TME and potentially enable superior responses to ICIs.
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19
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Hall PE, Schmid P. Emerging strategies for TNBC with early clinical data: new chemoimmunotherapy strategies. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2022; 193:21-35. [PMID: 35235095 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06547-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer is becoming more widespread as efficacy data accumulates. However, outcomes remain less than optimal and not all patients benefit from treatment. The aim of this article is to review the emerging chemoimmunotherapy strategies for triple-negative breast cancer. METHODS Searches were undertaken on Pubmed and Clinicaltrials.gov for relevant publications and trials. RESULTS Preclinical and clinical data have provided insights into the differing immunomodulatory effects of chemotherapy agents, highlighting the immunostimulatory properties of anthracyclines. Mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibition are discussed and the potential role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors in overcoming resistance. Finally, the emerging therapeutic class of antibody-drug conjugates for triple-negative breast cancer in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors is reviewed. CONCLUSIONS The type and sequence of chemotherapy agents play an important role in optimising the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Antibody-drug conjugates in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors are a promising area of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, King George V Building, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE, UK.
| | - Peter Schmid
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, King George V Building, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE, UK.,Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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20
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Urothelial Bladder Carcinomas with High Tumor Mutation Burden Have a Better Prognosis and Targetable Molecular Defects beyond Immunotherapies. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:1390-1407. [PMID: 35323317 PMCID: PMC8947463 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29030117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Urothelial bladder carcinomas had traditionally been difficult to treat cancers, with high morbidity and mortality rates when invasive and metastatic. In recent years, immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors has improved outcomes in several cancers, including bladder carcinomas. Despite positive overall results, many bladder cancer patients do not respond to immunotherapies. Validated predictive biomarkers of response would advance the selection of patients for these treatments. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) has been suggested as an immunotherapy biomarker and thus delineation of attributes of tumors with a high TMB is clinically relevant. Methods: Publicly available genomic and clinical data from the urothelial bladder carcinoma cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project are used to analyze characteristics and molecular alterations of the subset of cancers with an increased tumor mutation number compared with those with lower number of mutations. The cut-off for the high mutation burden in the analysis was set at 10 mutations per Megabase (MB). Results: In addition to their sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors, urothelial carcinomas with high TMB possess several molecular defects that could be exploited for combinatorial treatments. Compared with bladder carcinomas with low TMB, carcinomas with high TMB display higher prevalence of mutations in tumor suppressor TP53, PIK3CA, in FAT4 cadherin and in genes encoding for several epigenetic modifier enzymes. The frequency of mutations in mismatch repair and DNA damage response genes is higher in cancers with high TMB. The group of urothelial carcinomas with high TMB has a better prognosis than the group with low TMB. This improved Overall Survival (OS) stems from improved survival of stage III cancers with high TMB compared with stage III cancers with low TMB, while stage II and stage IV cancers have similar OS, independently of their TMB. Conclusion: Differences of the landscape of high and low TMB urothelial cancers provides leads for further pathogenesis investigations and may prove useful for development of combination therapies including immunotherapies with targeted inhibitors.
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21
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Wondergem NE, Nijenhuis DNLM, Poell JB, Leemans CR, Brakenhoff RH, van de Ven R. At the Crossroads of Molecular Biology and Immunology: Molecular Pathways for Immunological Targeting of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 2:647980. [PMID: 35047999 PMCID: PMC8757702 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.647980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent advances in immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have led to implementation of anti-programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy to standard of care for recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. However, the majority of tumors do not respond to these therapies, indicating that these tumors are not immunogenic or other immunosuppressive mechanisms might be at play. Aim: Given their role in carcinogenesis as well as in immune modulation, we discuss the relation between the STAT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt signaling pathways to identify potential targets to empower the immune response against HNSCC. Results: We focused on three pathways. First, STAT3 is often overactivated in HNSCC and induces the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, thereby promoting recruitment of immune suppressive regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME) while hampering the development of dendritic cells. Second, PI3K/AKT/mTOR mutational activation results in increased tumor proliferation but could also be important in HNSCC immune evasion due to the downregulation of components in the antigen-processing machinery. Third, canonical Wnt signaling is overactivated in >20% of HNSCC and could be an interesting pleotropic target since it is related to increased tumor cell proliferation and the development of an immunosuppressive HNSCC TME. Conclusion: The molecular pathology of HNSCC is complex and heterogeneous, varying between sites and disease etiology (i.e., HPV). The in HNSCC widely affected signaling pathways STAT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt are implicated in some of the very mechanisms underlying immune evasion of HNSCC, thereby representing promising targets to possibly facilitate immunotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Wondergem
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dennis N L M Nijenhuis
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jos B Poell
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - C René Leemans
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ruud H Brakenhoff
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rieneke van de Ven
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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22
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Wiede LL, Drover S. Flow Cytometry Analysis to Detect Lapatinib-Induced Modulation of Constitutive and IFN-γ-Induced HLA Class I Expression in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2508:135-145. [PMID: 35737238 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2376-3_11] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced modulation of HLA molecules on cancer cell lines can easily be detected using flow cytometry and HLA-specific antibodies to ascertain the number of positive cells and their expression levels. Loss or downregulation of HLA-I molecules on cancer cells, a well-documented immune escape mechanism, may occur via activation and integration of numerous signalling pathways that are operative in cancer. Whereas IFN-γ, produced during an adaptive anti-tumor immune response upregulates HLA expression, activation of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) pathway and its downstream signalling pathways are reported to decrease HLA-I. Here we describe the flow cytometry procedure used to determine whether lapatinib, known to negate HER2 signalling, increased HLA-I expression on HER2+ cell lines, in the presence and absence of IFN-γ. Contrary to our prediction, the flow cytometry data clearly show lapatinib-mediated downregulation of both constitutive and IFN-γ-induced HLA class I expression. These results, for which we do not yet have an explanation, may have important implications for our understanding of lapatinib resistance in metastatic HER2+ cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa L Wiede
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Sheila Drover
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL, Canada.
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23
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Luby A, Alves-Guerra MC. Targeting Metabolism to Control Immune Responses in Cancer and Improve Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5912. [PMID: 34885023 PMCID: PMC8656934 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, advances in cancer immunotherapy through PD1-PDL1 and CTLA4 immune checkpoint blockade have revolutionized the management of cancer treatment. However, these treatments are inefficient for many cancers, and unfortunately, few patients respond to these treatments. Indeed, altered metabolic pathways in the tumor play a pivotal role in tumor growth and immune response. Thus, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) reprograms the behavior of immune cells by altering their cellular machinery and nutrient availability to limit antitumor functions. Today, thanks to a better understanding of cancer metabolism, immunometabolism and immune checkpoint evasion, the development of new therapeutic approaches targeting the energy metabolism of cancer or immune cells greatly improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in different cancer models. Herein, we highlight the changes in metabolic pathways that regulate the differentiation of pro- and antitumor immune cells and how TME-induced metabolic stress impedes their antitumor activity. Finally, we propose some drug strategies to target these pathways in the context of cancer immunotherapy.
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24
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Fan F, Liu P, Bao R, Chen J, Zhou M, Mo Z, Ma Y, Liu H, Zhou Y, Cai X, Qian C, Liu X. A Dual PI3K/HDAC Inhibitor Induces Immunogenic Ferroptosis to Potentiate Cancer Immune Checkpoint Therapy. Cancer Res 2021; 81:6233-6245. [PMID: 34711611 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of targeted anticancer agents to exert immunomodulatory effects provides a strong rationale to develop novel agents suitable for combinatorial regimens with immunotherapy to improve clinical outcomes. In this study, we developed a dual-targeting PI3K and HDAC inhibitor BEBT-908 that potently inhibits tumor cell growth and potentiates anti-PD1 therapy in mice by inducing immunogenic ferroptosis in cancer cells. Treatment with BEBT-908 promoted ferroptotic cell death of cancer cells by hyperacetylating p53 and facilitating the expression of ferroptotic signaling. Furthermore, BEBT-908 promoted a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment that activated host anti-tumor immune responses and potentiated immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Mechanistically, BEBT-908-induced ferroptosis led to upregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) and activation of endogenous interferon gamma (IFNγ) signaling in cancer cells via the STAT1 signaling pathway. The dual PI3K/HDAC inhibitor BEBT-908 is a promising targeted therapeutic agent against multiple cancer types that promotes immunogenic ferroptosis and enhances the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fushun Fan
- Biology, Guangzhou BeBetter Medicine Technology Co., LTD
| | - Pei Liu
- School of medcine, Sun Yat-sen University
| | | | - Jian Chen
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University
| | - Minhua Zhou
- Pharmacology, Guangzhou BeBetter Medicine Technology Co., LTD
| | - Zhenxian Mo
- Biology, Guangzhou BeBetter Medicine Technology Co., LTD
| | - Yaru Ma
- Biology, Guangzhou BeBetter Medicine Technology Co., LTD
| | - Haiqi Liu
- 1Guangzhou BeBetter Medicine Technology Co., LTD
| | - Yiping Zhou
- Guangzhou BeBetter Medicine Technology Co., LTD
| | - Xiong Cai
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University
| | - Changgeng Qian
- Pharmacology, Guangzhou BeBetter Medicine Technology Co., LTD
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25
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Vanhaesebroeck B, Perry MWD, Brown JR, André F, Okkenhaug K. PI3K inhibitors are finally coming of age. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:741-769. [PMID: 34127844 PMCID: PMC9297732 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00209-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Overactive phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in cancer and immune dysregulation has spurred extensive efforts to develop therapeutic PI3K inhibitors. Although progress has been hampered by issues such as poor drug tolerance and drug resistance, several PI3K inhibitors have now received regulatory approval - the PI3Kα isoform-selective inhibitor alpelisib for the treatment of breast cancer and inhibitors mainly aimed at the leukocyte-enriched PI3Kδ in B cell malignancies. In addition to targeting cancer cell-intrinsic PI3K activity, emerging evidence highlights the potential of PI3K inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy. This Review summarizes key discoveries that aid the clinical translation of PI3Kα and PI3Kδ inhibitors, highlighting lessons learnt and future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew W D Perry
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer R Brown
- CLL Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fabrice André
- Institut Gustave Roussy, INSERM U981, Université Paris Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Klaus Okkenhaug
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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26
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Zhu S, Zhang T, Zheng L, Liu H, Song W, Liu D, Li Z, Pan CX. Combination strategies to maximize the benefits of cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:156. [PMID: 34579759 PMCID: PMC8475356 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01164-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and adoptive cell therapy (ACT) have revolutionized cancer treatment, especially in patients whose disease was otherwise considered incurable. However, primary and secondary resistance to single agent immunotherapy often results in treatment failure, and only a minority of patients experience long-term benefits. This review article will discuss the relationship between cancer immune response and mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy. It will also provide a comprehensive review on the latest clinical status of combination therapies (e.g., immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy), and discuss combination therapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It will provide an overview of therapies targeting cytokines and other soluble immunoregulatory factors, ACT, virotherapy, innate immune modifiers and cancer vaccines, as well as combination therapies that exploit alternative immune targets and other therapeutic modalities. Finally, this review will include the stimulating insights from the 2020 China Immuno-Oncology Workshop co-organized by the Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network (CAHON), the China National Medical Product Administration (NMPA) and Tsinghua University School of Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoming Zhu
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, DUMC 103861, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,The Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Hongtao Liu
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wenru Song
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,Kira Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Delong Liu
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA. .,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Chong-Xian Pan
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, MA, 02132, USA.
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27
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Chandrasekaran S, Funk CR, Kleber T, Paulos CM, Shanmugam M, Waller EK. Strategies to Overcome Failures in T-Cell Immunotherapies by Targeting PI3K-δ and -γ. Front Immunol 2021; 12:718621. [PMID: 34512641 PMCID: PMC8427697 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.718621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PI3K-δ and PI3K-γ are critical regulators of T-cell differentiation, senescence, and metabolism. PI3K-δ and PI3K-γ signaling can contribute to T-cell inhibition via intrinsic mechanisms and regulation of suppressor cell populations, including regulatory T-cells and myeloid derived suppressor cells in the tumor. We examine an exciting new role for using selective inhibitors of the PI3K δ- and γ-isoforms as modulators of T-cell phenotype and function in immunotherapy. Herein we review the current literature on the implications of PI3K-δ and -γ inhibition in T-cell biology, discuss existing challenges in adoptive T-cell therapies and checkpoint blockade inhibitors, and highlight ongoing efforts and future directions to incorporate PI3K-δ and PI3K-γ as synergistic T-cell modulators in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Chandrasekaran
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Christopher Ronald Funk
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Troy Kleber
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Chrystal M. Paulos
- Department of Surgery/Microbiology & Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mala Shanmugam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Edmund K. Waller
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Hazini A, Fisher K, Seymour L. Deregulation of HLA-I in cancer and its central importance for immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002899. [PMID: 34353849 PMCID: PMC8344275 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well accepted that many tumors undergo a process of clonal selection which means that tumor antigens arising at various stages of tumor progression are likely to be represented in just a subset of tumor cells. This process is thought to be driven by constant immunosurveillance which applies selective pressure by eliminating tumor cells expressing antigens that are recognized by T cells. It is becoming increasingly clear that the same selective pressure may also select for tumor cells that evade immune detection by acquiring deficiencies in their human leucocyte antigen (HLA) presentation pathways, allowing important tumor antigens to persist within cells undetected by the immune system. Deficiencies in antigen presentation pathway can arise by a variety of mechanisms, including genetic and epigenetic changes, and functional antigen presentation is a hard phenomenon to assess using our standard analytical techniques. Nevertheless, it is likely to have profound clinical significance and could well define whether an individual patient will respond to a particular type of therapy or not. In this review we consider the mechanisms by which HLA function may be lost in clinical disease, we assess the implications for current immunotherapy approaches using checkpoint inhibitors and examine the prognostic impact of HLA loss demonstrated in clinical trials so far. Finally, we propose strategies that might be explored for possible patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Hazini
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Kerry Fisher
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Len Seymour
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
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Cuesta C, Arévalo-Alameda C, Castellano E. The Importance of Being PI3K in the RAS Signaling Network. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1094. [PMID: 34356110 PMCID: PMC8303222 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras proteins are essential mediators of a multitude of cellular processes, and its deregulation is frequently associated with cancer appearance, progression, and metastasis. Ras-driven cancers are usually aggressive and difficult to treat. Although the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first Ras G12C inhibitor is an important milestone, only a small percentage of patients will benefit from it. A better understanding of the context in which Ras operates in different tumor types and the outcomes mediated by each effector pathway may help to identify additional strategies and targets to treat Ras-driven tumors. Evidence emerging in recent years suggests that both oncogenic Ras signaling in tumor cells and non-oncogenic Ras signaling in stromal cells play an essential role in cancer. PI3K is one of the main Ras effectors, regulating important cellular processes such as cell viability or resistance to therapy or angiogenesis upon oncogenic Ras activation. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in the understanding of Ras-dependent activation of PI3K both in physiological conditions and cancer, with a focus on how this signaling pathway contributes to the formation of a tumor stroma that promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration, and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Esther Castellano
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.C.); (C.A.-A.)
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30
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Jongsma MLM, Neefjes J, Spaapen RM. Playing hide and seek: Tumor cells in control of MHC class I antigen presentation. Mol Immunol 2021; 136:36-44. [PMID: 34082257 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules present a blueprint of the intracellular proteome to T cells allowing them to control infection or malignant transformation. As a response, pathogens and tumor cells often downmodulate MHC-I mediated antigen presentation to escape from immune surveillance. Although the fundamental rules of antigen presentation are known in detail, the players in this system are not saturated and new modules of regulation have recently been uncovered. Here, we update the understanding of antigen presentation by MHC-I molecules and how this can be exploited by tumors to prevent exposure of the intracellular proteome. This knowledge can provide new ways to improve immune responses against tumors and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L M Jongsma
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J Neefjes
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - R M Spaapen
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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31
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Ulfig A, Bader V, Varatnitskaya M, Lupilov N, Winklhofer KF, Leichert LI. Hypochlorous acid-modified human serum albumin suppresses MHC class II - dependent antigen presentation in pro-inflammatory macrophages. Redox Biol 2021; 43:101981. [PMID: 33940547 PMCID: PMC8105673 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are innate immune cells that internalize and present exogenous antigens to T cells via MHC class II proteins. They operate at sites of infection in a highly inflammatory environment, generated in part by reactive oxygen species, in particular the strong oxidant hypochlorous acid (HOCl) produced in the neutrophil respiratory burst. HOCl effectively kills a broad range of pathogens but can also contribute to host tissue damage at sites of inflammation. To prevent tissue injury, HOCl is scavenged by human serum albumin (HSA) and other plasma proteins in interstitial fluids, leading to the formation of variously modified advanced oxidation products (AOPPs) with pro-inflammatory properties. Previously, we showed that HOCl-mediated N-chlorination converts HSA and other plasma proteins into efficient activators of the phagocyte respiratory burst, but the role of these AOPPs in antigen presentation by macrophages remained unclear. Here, we show that physiologically relevant amounts of N-chlorinated HSA can strongly impair the capacity of THP-1-derived macrophages to present antigens to antigen-specific T cells via MHC class II proteins at multiple stages. Initially, N-chlorinated HSA inhibits antigen internalization by converting antigens into scavenger receptor (SR) ligands and competing with the modified antigens for binding to SR CD36. Later steps of antigen presentation, such as intracellular antigen processing and MHC class II expression are negatively affected, as well. We propose that impaired processing of pathogens or exogenous antigens by immune cells at an initial stage of infection prevents antigen presentation in an environment potentially hostile to cells of the adaptive immune response, possibly shifting it towards locations removed from the actual insult, like the lymph nodes. On the flip side, excessive retardation or complete inhibition of antigen presentation by N-chlorinated plasma proteins could contribute to chronic infection and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Ulfig
- Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry - Microbial Biochemistry, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Verian Bader
- Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry - Molecular Cell Biology, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marharyta Varatnitskaya
- Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry - Microbial Biochemistry, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Natalie Lupilov
- Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry - Microbial Biochemistry, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Konstanze F Winklhofer
- Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry - Molecular Cell Biology, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Lars I Leichert
- Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry - Microbial Biochemistry, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
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Hall PE, Schmid P. Emerging drugs for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer: a focus on phase II immunotherapy trials. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2021; 26:131-147. [PMID: 33870839 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2021.1916468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for 10-20% of invasive breast cancers and is characterized by an aggressive phenotype and poor outcomes in the early and advanced settings compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Chemotherapy continues to be the mainstay of treatment, but recent advances have demonstrated the benefit of adding immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to chemotherapy regimens for patients with both early and advanced TNBC, particularly if PD-L1-positive. Despite these results, further improvements are needed.Areas covered: This review covers immunotherapy drugs which have recently completed, involved in ongoing or due to start phase II trials. This includes approaches to augment the response to existing ICIs, next-generation ICIs, combination treatments with targeted agents and drugs that target the tumor microenvironment. Potential development issues are also discussed.Expert opinion: The field of immunotherapy is developing rapidly and holds great promise for patients with TNBC. Promising avenues of research currently in phase II trials include targeting multiple immune checkpoints simultaneously and the addition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT inhibitors to ICI/chemotherapy regimens. A better understanding of the immunosuppressive role played by the tumor microenvironment has also been important. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the need for more effective predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Hall
- Dept. Of Medical Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter Schmid
- Dept. Of Medical Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.,Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Petroni G, Buqué A, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G, Galluzzi L. Immunomodulation by targeted anticancer agents. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:310-345. [PMID: 33338426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
At odds with conventional chemotherapeutics, targeted anticancer agents are designed to inhibit precise molecular alterations that support oncogenesis or tumor progression. Despite such an elevated degree of molecular specificity, many clinically employed and experimental targeted anticancer agents also mediate immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive effects that (at least in some settings) influence therapeutic efficacy. Here, we discuss the main immunomodulatory effects of targeted anticancer agents and explore potential avenues to harness them in support of superior clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Petroni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aitziber Buqué
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France; INSERM U1015, Villejuif, France; Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer (CICBT) 1428, Villejuif, France; Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France; Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France; Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, China; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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Kumagai S, Koyama S, Nishikawa H. Antitumour immunity regulated by aberrant ERBB family signalling. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:181-197. [PMID: 33462501 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-020-00322-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant signalling of ERBB family members plays an important role in tumorigenesis and in the escape from antitumour immunity in multiple malignancies. Molecular-targeted agents against these signalling pathways exhibit robust clinical efficacy, but patients inevitably experience acquired resistance to these molecular-targeted therapies. Although cancer immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have shown durable antitumour response in a subset of the treated patients in multiple cancer types, clinical efficacy is limited in cancers harbouring activating gene alterations of ERBB family members. In particular, ICI treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancers with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) alterations and breast cancers with HER2 alterations failed to show clinical benefits, suggesting that EGFR and HER2 signalling may have an essential role in inhibiting antitumour immune responses. Here, we discuss the mechanisms by which the signalling of ERBB family members affects not only autonomous cancer hallmarks, such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, but also antitumour immune responses in the tumour microenvironment and the potential application of immune-genome precision medicine into immunotherapy and molecular-targeted therapy focusing on the signalling of ERBB family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Kumagai
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shohei Koyama
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan.
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan.
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The Landscape of PIK3CA Mutations in Colorectal Cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2021; 20:201-215. [PMID: 33744168 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in both men and women. Despite progress in the treatment of the disease, metastatic colorectal cancer remains lethal with a median survival slightly surpassing 2 years and commonly for some cases a more aggressive course. New therapies are urgently needed based on a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the disease. METHODS The focus of this investigation is the PIK3CA gene, encoding the alpha catalytic subunit of the enzyme phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K). Publicly available data from 3 extensive published series of colorectal carcinomas were analyzed to define the molecular landscape of colorectal adenocarcinomas with and without mutations of PIK3CA. An analysis for discovery of associations with alterations in other critical genes and pathways involved in colorectal cancer was performed. The total mutation burden (TMB) and copy number alteration burden of colorectal cancers with and without mutations of PIK3CA, as well as prognostic implications of alterations of the gene for survival, were examined. RESULTS Mutations in PIK3CA are observed in 20% to 25% of colorectal cancers. PIK3CA represents one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in these cancers. Mutations in PIK3CA are associated with higher rates of mutations in other genes of important cancer-associated pathways such as the tyrosine kinase receptors/K-Ras/BRAF/MAPK and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In addition, PIK3CA mutated colorectal cancers display a higher TMB than nonmutated cancers. CONCLUSION Frequent mutations of PIK3CA gene in colorectal carcinomas may represent an opportunity for targeted therapy combination development inhibiting both the PI3K kinase itself and associated pathway defects. Increased TMB may additionally confer immunotherapy sensitivity, which could be augmented by other targeted therapies.
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