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Affὸ S, Sererols-Viñas L, Garcia-Vicién G, Cadamuro M, Chakraborty S, Sirica AE. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Insights into Origins, Heterogeneity, Lymphangiogenesis, and Peritoneal Metastasis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00279-7. [PMID: 39117110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) denotes a rare, highly malignant and heterogeneous class of primary liver adenocarcinomas exhibiting phenotypic characteristics of cholangiocyte differentiation. Among the distinctive pathological features of iCCA that differentiates the most common macroscopic subtypes (e.g., mass-forming type) of this hepatic tumor from conventional hepatocellular carcinoma, is a prominent desmoplastic reaction manifested as a dense fibro-collagenous enriched tumor stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell type in the desmoplastic reaction. While the pro-tumor effects of CAFs in iCCA have been increasingly recognized, more recent cell lineage tracing studies, advanced single cell RNA sequencing, and expanded biomarker analyses have provided new awareness into their ontogeny, as well as underscored their biological complexity as reflected by the presence of multiple subtypes. In addition, evidence has been described to support CAFs potential to display cancer-restrictive roles, including immunosuppression. However, CAFs also play important roles in facilitating metastasis, as exemplified by lymph node metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis, which are common in iCCA. Herein, we provide a timely appraisal of the origins and phenotypic and functional complexity of CAFs in iCCA, together with providing mechanistic insights into lymphangiogenesis and peritoneal metastasis relevant to this lethal human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Affὸ
- Tumor Microenvironment Plasticity and Heterogeneity Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Sererols-Viñas
- Tumor Microenvironment Plasticity and Heterogeneity Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Garcia-Vicién
- Tumor Microenvironment Plasticity and Heterogeneity Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Massimiliano Cadamuro
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX
| | - Alphonse E Sirica
- Professor Emeritus, Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA.
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2
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Chen Q, Sun Y, Li H. Application of CAR-T cell therapy targeting mesothelin in solid tumor treatment. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:289. [PMID: 39023820 PMCID: PMC11258118 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy is one of the most effective immunotherapies. CAR-T-cell therapy has achieved great success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, due to the characteristics of solid malignant tumors, such as on-target effects, off-tumor toxicity, an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and insufficient trafficking, CAR-T-cell therapy for solid tumors is still in the exploration stage. Mesothelin (MSLN) is a molecule expressed on the surface of various solid malignant tumor cells that is suitable as a target of tumor cells with high MSLN expression for CAR-T-cell therapy. This paper briefly described the development of CAR-T cell therapy and the structural features of MSLN, and especially summarized the strategies of structure optimization of MSLN-targeting CAR-T-cells and the enhancement methods of MSLN-targeting CAR-T cell anti-tumor efficacy by summarizing some preclinical experiment and clinical trials. When considering MSLN-targeting CAR-T-cell therapy as an example, this paper summarizes the efforts made by researchers in CAR-T-cell therapy for solid tumors and summarizes feasible treatment plans by integrating the existing research results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhong Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Alewine C. Macrophages Under the Influence of Tumor Mesothelin Weaken Host Defenses against Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis. Cancer Res 2024; 84:513-514. [PMID: 38356442 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-4036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Although pancreatic cancer is a systemic disease that metastasizes early in its course, the signaling systems that promote this behavior remain incompletely understood. In this issue of Cancer Research, Luckett and colleagues identify a paracrine signaling pathway between cancer cells and macrophages that promotes pancreatic cancer metastasis. The authors used immunocompetent murine pancreatic cancer models with high versus low metastatic potential, genetic knockout and complementation strategies, and The Cancer Genome Atlas human data to demonstrate that tumor-secreted mesothelin repolarizes tumor and lung macrophages to a tumor-supportive phenotype. The repolarized macrophages increase secretion of VEGF and S100A9, raising local concentrations. In turn, VEGF enhances colony formation of cancer cells, while S100A9 promotes the recruitment of neutrophils to the lungs and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps that support tumor metastasis. Together, these findings reveal a systemic signaling pathway that promotes pancreatic cancer metastasis by co-opting macrophages typically protective against cancer to instead promote its spread. See related article by Luckett et al., p. 527.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Alewine
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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Luckett T, Abudula M, Ireland L, Glenn M, Bellomo G, Stafferton R, Halloran C, Ghaneh P, Jones R, Schmid MC, Mielgo A. Mesothelin Secretion by Pancreatic Cancer Cells Co-opts Macrophages and Promotes Metastasis. Cancer Res 2024; 84:527-544. [PMID: 38356443 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly metastatic disease, yet effective treatments to inhibit PDAC metastasis are lacking. The rich PDAC tumor microenvironment plays a major role in disease progression. Macrophages are the most abundant immune cell population in PDAC tumors and can acquire a range of functions that either hinder or promote tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we identified that mesothelin secretion by pancreatic cancer cells co-opts macrophages to support tumor growth and metastasis of cancer cells to the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. Mechanistically, secretion of high levels of mesothelin by metastatic cancer cells induced the expression of VEGF alpha (VEGFA) and S100A9 in macrophages. Macrophage-derived VEGFA fed back to cancer cells to support tumor growth, and S100A9 increased neutrophil lung infiltration and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. These results reveal a role for mesothelin in regulating macrophage functions and interaction with neutrophils to support PDAC metastasis. SIGNIFICANCE Mesothelin secretion by cancer cells supports pancreatic cancer metastasis by inducing macrophage secretion of VEGFA and S100A9 to support cancer cell proliferation and survival, recruit neutrophils, and stimulate neutrophil extracellular trap formation. See related commentary by Alewine, p. 513.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teifion Luckett
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Maidinaimu Abudula
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Ireland
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Glenn
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gaia Bellomo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Stafferton
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Halloran
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Ghaneh
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Jones
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael C Schmid
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ainhoa Mielgo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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5
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Liu X, Onda M, Schlomer J, Bassel L, Kozlov S, Tai CH, Zhou Q, Liu W, Tsao HE, Hassan R, Ho M, Pastan I. Tumor resistance to anti-mesothelin CAR-T cells caused by binding to shed mesothelin is overcome by targeting a juxtamembrane epitope. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317283121. [PMID: 38227666 PMCID: PMC10823246 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317283121] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite many clinical trials, CAR-T cells are not yet approved for human solid tumor therapy. One popular target is mesothelin (MSLN) which is highly expressed on the surface of about 30% of cancers including mesothelioma and cancers of the ovary, pancreas, and lung. MSLN is shed by proteases that cleave near the C terminus, leaving a short peptide attached to the cell. Most anti-MSLN antibodies bind to shed MSLN, which can prevent their binding to target cells. To overcome this limitation, we developed an antibody (15B6) that binds next to the membrane at the protease-sensitive region, does not bind to shed MSLN, and makes CAR-T cells that have much higher anti-tumor activity than a CAR-T that binds to shed MSLN. We have now humanized the Fv (h15B6), so the CAR-T can be used to treat patients and show that h15B6 CAR-T produces complete regressions in a hard-to-treat pancreatic cancer patient derived xenograft model, whereas CAR-T targeting a shed epitope (SS1) have no anti-tumor activity. In these pancreatic cancers, the h15B6 CAR-T replicates and replaces the cancer cells, whereas there are no CAR-T cells in the tumors receiving SS1 CAR-T. To determine the mechanism accounting for high activity, we used an OVCAR-8 intraperitoneal model to show that poorly active SS1-CAR-T cells are bound to shed MSLN, whereas highly active h15B6 CAR-T do not contain bound MSLN enabling them to bind to and kill cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- X.F. Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - M. Onda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - J. Schlomer
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - L. Bassel
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - S. Kozlov
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - C.-H. Tai
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Q. Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - W. Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - H.-E. Tsao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - R. Hassan
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - M. Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - I. Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
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Ramezani F, Panahi Meymandi AR, Akbari B, Tamtaji OR, Mirzaei H, Brown CE, Mirzaei HR. Outsmarting trogocytosis to boost CAR NK/T cell therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:183. [PMID: 37974170 PMCID: PMC10652537 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01894-9] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK and T cell therapy are promising immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer. However, the efficacy of CAR NK/T cell therapy is often hindered by various factors, including the phenomenon of trogocytosis, which involves the bidirectional exchange of membrane fragments between cells. In this review, we explore the role of trogocytosis in CAR NK/T cell therapy and highlight potential strategies for its modulation to improve therapeutic efficacy. We provide an in-depth analysis of trogocytosis as it relates to the fate and function of NK and T cells, focusing on its effects on cell activation, cytotoxicity, and antigen presentation. We discuss how trogocytosis can mediate transient antigen loss on cancer cells, thereby negatively affecting the effector function of CAR NK/T cells. Additionally, we address the phenomenon of fratricide and trogocytosis-associated exhaustion, which can limit the persistence and effectiveness of CAR-expressing cells. Furthermore, we explore how trogocytosis can impact CAR NK/T cell functionality, including the acquisition of target molecules and the modulation of signaling pathways. To overcome the negative effects of trogocytosis on cellular immunotherapy, we propose innovative approaches to modulate trogocytosis and augment CAR NK/T cell therapy. These strategies encompass targeting trogocytosis-related molecules, engineering CAR NK/T cells to resist trogocytosis-induced exhaustion and leveraging trogocytosis to enhance the function of CAR-expressing cells. By overcoming the limitations imposed by trogocytosis, it may be possible to unleash the full potential of CAR NK/T therapy against cancer. The knowledge and strategies presented in this review will guide future research and development, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes in the field of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Ramezani
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Panahi Meymandi
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnia Akbari
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Reza Tamtaji
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Christine E Brown
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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7
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Hagerty BL, Takabe K. Biology of Mesothelin and Clinical Implications: A Review of Existing Literature. World J Oncol 2023; 14:340-349. [PMID: 37869242 PMCID: PMC10588497 DOI: 10.14740/wjon1655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1992, mesothelin (MSLN) has generated significant interest as a therapeutic target. A number of characteristics make it ideal for this purpose. First, it is not expressed on the parenchyma of any vital organs. Second, it is differentially expressed on a number of cancer types that have relatively poor prognosis and lack effective systemic options. Third, it is expressed on the cell membrane making it accessible to large molecule targeted therapies. However, unlike other drug targets that have been exploited for therapeutic benefit, the precise function of MSLN, why it is expressed in certain cancers, and its biological role have not been clearly elucidated. Here the existing literature on the cellular function and expression patterns of MSLN across tumor types is reviewed in order to gain further understanding of this intriguing molecule. In doing so, we conclude that there remains significant ambiguity surrounding its function and role in cellular and tumor biology. Furthermore, the expression of MSLN and its relation of prognosis seems to depend on the type of tumor. Finally, the unified mechanism by which MSLN acts as a protein that conveys tumor aggressiveness remains elusive. What is clear is that there is much yet to be discovered in this realm and doing so may have large implications for treatment of otherwise lethal malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan L Hagerty
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Hagerty BL, Oshi M, Endo I, Takabe K. High Mesothelin expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma is associated with aggressive tumor features but not prognosis. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:4235-4245. [PMID: 37818071 PMCID: PMC10560932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin is a cell surface marker expressed on most pancreatic cancers and has been associated with aggressive biology. Despite its popularity as a drug target, clinical relevance of Mesothelin expression in pancreatic cancer is unclear. We set out to define transcriptomic signatures associated with high Mesothelin expression and identify its role in tumor biology and its clinical relevance. We analyzed pancreatic adenocarcinomas in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), (n = 145) and the results were validated using GSE62452 cohort (n = 69). We divided the cohorts into high and low Mesothelin expression by the median. High Mesothelin was not associated with progression-free, disease-free, disease specific, nor overall survival in TCGA cohort. Despite this, high Mesothelin expression was associated with high Ki67 expression and enriched all five cell proliferation-related Hallmark gene sets, but not with previously investigated pathways: TNF-alpha, PI3K, nor angiogenesis. Mesothelin expression did not correlate with MUC16 expression. The high Mesothelin pancreatic cancers demonstrated higher homologous recombination deficiency, fraction altered, and silent and non-silent mutation rates (all P < 0.001) that indicate aggressive cancer biology. However, lymphocyte infiltration score, TIL regional fraction, TCR richness, infiltration of CD8 T-cells, and cytolytic activity were all significantly lower in Mesothelin high tumors (all P < 0.015). Finally, we found that Mesothelin expression significantly correlated with sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer cell lines. In conclusion, high Mesothelin expression is associated with enhanced proliferation, depressed immune response, and sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapy, which may explain there was no difference in survival in pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan L Hagerty
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY, USA
| | - Masanori Oshi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University School of MedicineYokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Itaru Endo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University School of MedicineYokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University School of MedicineYokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New YorkBuffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigata, Japan
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Tokyo Medical UniversityTokyo, Japan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fukushima Medical UniversityFukushima, Japan
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9
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Grasso L, Jiang Q, Hassan R, Nicolaides NC, Kline JB. NAV-003, a bispecific antibody targeting a unique mesothelin epitope and CD3ε with improved cytotoxicity against humoral immunosuppressed tumors. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250309. [PMID: 37146241 PMCID: PMC10524251 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250309] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) is a cell surface protein overexpressed in a number of cancer types. Several antibody- and cellular-based MSLN targeting agents have been tested in clinical trials where their therapeutic efficacy has been moderate at best. Previous studies using antibody and Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T cells (CAR-T) strategies have shown the importance of particular MSLN epitopes for optimal therapeutic response, while other studies have found that certain MSLN-positive tumors can produce proteins that can bind to subsets of IgG1-type antibodies and suppress their immune effector activities. In an attempt to develop an improved anti-MSLN targeting agent, we engineered a humanized divalent anti-MSLN/anti-CD3ε bispecific antibody that avoids suppressive factors, can target a MSLN epitope proximal to the tumor cell surface, and is capable of effectively binding, activating, and redirecting T cells to the surface of MSLN-positive tumor cells. NAV-003 has shown significantly improved tumor cell killing against lines producing immunosuppressive proteins in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, NAV-003 demonstrated good tolerability in mice and efficacy against patient-derived mesothelioma xenografts co-engrafted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Together these data support the potential for NAV-003 clinical development and human proof-of-concept studies in patients with MSLN-expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Grasso
- Navrogen Inc., 1837 University Circle, Cheyney, PA 19319
| | - Qun Jiang
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Raffit Hassan
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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Chu GJ, Linton A, Kao S, Klebe S, Adelstein S, Yeo D, Rasko JEJ, Cooper WA. High mesothelin expression by immunohistochemistry predicts improved survival in pleural mesothelioma. Histopathology 2023; 83:202-210. [PMID: 37040900 PMCID: PMC10952516 DOI: 10.1111/his.14916] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Mesothelin (MSLN) is a cancer-associated antigen that is overexpressed in malignancies such as mesothelioma, pancreatic and ovarian cancer. It is also a target for novel personalised therapies, including antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Immunohistochemistry may predict those who would best respond to anti-mesothelin therapies and guide decisions in therapeutic strategy. This study aimed to assess the intensity and distribution of MSLN immunostaining in mesothelioma, and to determine the prognostic value of MSLN expression by histochemical-score (H-score). METHODS AND RESULTS The MN1 anti-MSLN antibody was used to stain a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue microarray of histologically confirmed mesothelioma from 75 consecutive patients who had undergone pleurectomy with or without decortication. MSLN positivity, the staining intensity, distribution of staining and H-score were evaluated. The correlation of H-score with prognosis was investigated. Sixty-six per cent of epithelioid tumours were MSLN-positive (with expression in > 5% tumour cells). Of MSLN-expressing epithelioid tumours, 70.4% had moderate (2+) or strong (3+) intensity MSLN immunostaining, although only 37% of samples had staining in ≥ 50% of tumour cells. In multivariate analysis, MSLN H-score as a continuous variable and an H-score ≥ 33 were independent predictors of improved survival (P = 0.04 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS MSLN expression was more heterogenous in epithelioid mesothelioma than reported previously. Therefore, it would be appropriate to perform an immunohistochemical assessment of MSLN expression to stratify and assess patient suitability for mesothelin-targeted personalised therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard J Chu
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergyRoyal Prince Alfred HospitalCamperdownNSWAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Anthony Linton
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Department of Medical OncologyConcord HospitalConcordNSWAustralia
- Asbestos Diseases Research InstituteConcordNSWAustralia
| | - Steven Kao
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Asbestos Diseases Research InstituteConcordNSWAustralia
- Department of Medical OncologyChris O'Brien LifehouseCamperdownNSWAustralia
| | - Sonja Klebe
- Asbestos Diseases Research InstituteConcordNSWAustralia
- Department of Anatomical PathologyFlinders University and SA PathologyAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Stephen Adelstein
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergyRoyal Prince Alfred HospitalCamperdownNSWAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Dannel Yeo
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred HospitalCamperdownNSWAustralia
| | - John E J Rasko
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred HospitalCamperdownNSWAustralia
| | - Wendy A Cooper
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, NSW Health PathologyRoyal Prince Alfred HospitalCamperdownNSWAustralia
- School of MedicineWestern Sydney UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
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11
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Kilgour MK, Bastin DJ, Lee SH, Ardolino M, McComb S, Visram A. Advancements in CAR-NK therapy: lessons to be learned from CAR-T therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1166038. [PMID: 37205115 PMCID: PMC10187144 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1166038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in chimeric antigen receptor engineered T-cell (CAR-T) therapy have revolutionized treatment for several cancer types over the past decade. Despite this success, obstacles including the high price tag, manufacturing complexity, and treatment-associated toxicities have limited the broad application of this therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor engineered natural killer cell (CAR-NK) therapy offers a potential opportunity for a simpler and more affordable "off-the-shelf" treatment, likely with fewer toxicities. Unlike CAR-T, CAR-NK therapies are still in early development, with few clinical trials yet reported. Given the challenges experienced through the development of CAR-T therapies, this review explores what lessons we can apply to build better CAR-NK therapies. In particular, we explore the importance of optimizing the immunochemical properties of the CAR construct, understanding factors leading to cell product persistence, enhancing trafficking of transferred cells to the tumor, ensuring the metabolic fitness of the transferred product, and strategies to avoid tumor escape through antigen loss. We also review trogocytosis, an important emerging challenge that likely equally applies to CAR-T and CAR-NK cells. Finally, we discuss how these limitations are already being addressed in CAR-NK therapies, and what future directions may be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa K. Kilgour
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Seung-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Center for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Michele Ardolino
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Center for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Scott McComb
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Center for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Alissa Visram
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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12
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Han G, Li J, Liu X, Guo R. Diagnostic value of pleural fluid SMRP, CA125, MMP-7, and MMP-9 in malignant pleural effusion. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32759. [PMID: 36705352 PMCID: PMC9875977 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the clinical value of mesothelin soluble related peptide (SMRP), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in benign and malignant pleural exudative effusion. A total of 105 adult patients with pleural exudative effusion admitted in our hospital from December 2019 to December 2020 were selected. Patients were divided into the benign group (n = 60) and the malignant group (n = 45) according to their condition. The levels of SMRP, CA125, MMP-7, and MMP-9 in the pleural effusion were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze the individual and combined predictive value of SMRP, MMP-7, MMP-9, and CA125 levels. In the malignant group, the SMRP, CA125, MMP-7, and MMP-9 levels were all significantly higher than those in benign group (P = .01). The detection efficiency of the 4 indicators in the combined diagnosis were higher than that of single index and combination of any 2 indices. There was a moderate positive correlation between SMRP and CA125 and MMP-7 in malignant pleural effusion. The correlation between MMP-7 and MMP-9 was moderately positive. The diagnostic efficacy of SMRP combined with CA125, MMP-7, and MMP-9 in pleural effusion for malignant pleural effusion and BPE are better than single index, which has certain clinical values for the selection of early intervention scheme for BPE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaohua Han
- Department of Oncology, Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
- * Correspondence: Gaohua Han, Department of Oncology, Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (e-mail: )
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Oncology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinbo Liu
- Department of Oncology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ruyue Guo
- Department of Oncology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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13
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Li Y, Tian W, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Zhao Q, Chang L, Lei N, Zhang W. MSLN Correlates With Immune Infiltration and Chemoresistance as a Prognostic Biomarker in Ovarian Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:830570. [PMID: 35692779 PMCID: PMC9174524 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.830570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) is a glycoprotein with various expression degrees in different tumors including mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc. MSLN is considered to play an important role in cell survival, proliferation, and tumor progression. Although the expression of MSLN in tumors makes it a potential therapeutic target, its mechanism of action is still unclear, especially its correlation with immune cells infiltration in the tumor microenvironment has not been investigated. In this study, we detected the overexpression of MSLN in ovarian cancer using database analysis and tissue-array staining. We further evaluated the diagnostic value of MSLN and found it was associated with poor overall survival in ovarian cancer. In addition, the high expression of MSLN was significantly related to the immune-related genes and chemoresistant genes. We confirmed the overexpression of MSLN in the chemoresistant ovarian cancer cell lines. Our research suggests that MSLN participates in a variety of pathways related to the suppression of immune activation and promotion of chemoresistance, leading to a poor prognosis in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yike Li
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wanjia Tian
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qinghe Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ningjing Lei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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14
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Liu X, Onda M, Watson N, Hassan R, Ho M, Bera TK, Wei J, Chakraborty A, Beers R, Zhou Q, Shajahan A, Azadi P, Zhan J, Xia D, Pastan I. Highly active CAR T cells that bind to a juxtamembrane region of mesothelin and are not blocked by shed mesothelin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202439119. [PMID: 35512094 PMCID: PMC9171807 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202439119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceMesothelin (MSLN) is a cell-surface protein that is a popular target for antibody-based therapies. We have identified shed MSLN as a major obstacle to successful antibody therapies and prepared a monoclonal antibody that inhibits shedding and makes very active CAR T cells whose activity is not blocked by shed MSLN and merits further preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufen Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Masanori Onda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Nathan Watson
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Raffit Hassan
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, NCI, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Tapan K. Bera
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Junxia Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Anirban Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Richard Beers
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Qi Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Asif Shajahan
- Analytical Services and Training, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-4712
| | - Parastoo Azadi
- Analytical Services and Training, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-4712
| | - Jingyu Zhan
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, NCI, Bethesda, MD 20892-4255
| | - Di Xia
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, NCI, Bethesda, MD 20892-4255
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
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15
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Da Y, Liu Y, Hu Y, Liu W, Ma J, Lu N, Zhang C, Zhang C. STING agonist cGAMP enhances anti-tumor activity of CAR-NK cells against pancreatic cancer. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2054105. [PMID: 35371622 PMCID: PMC8967397 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2054105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the stimulator of interferon gene (STING)-mediated innate immune response has been suggested as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancers. However, the effects of STING agonist on natural killer (NK) cell-mediated anti-tumor responses in pancreatic cancer remains unknown. Herein, we evaluated the effects of a classical STING agonist cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) on NK cells in pancreatic cancer. We found that cGAMP could directly activate NK cells and enhance the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to NK cell cytotoxicity, suggesting that cGAMP may become a potential adjuvant for NK cell therapy. In addition, combination of CAR-NK-92 cells targeting mesothelin and cGAMP displayed greater antitumor efficacy by inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging survival of the mouse model of pancreatic cancer. These results suggest that the combination of a STING agonist and NK cells may become a novel immunotherapy strategy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Da
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuxia Liu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Nk CellTech Co., Ltd., Shanghai International Medical Park, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Nk CellTech Co., Ltd., Shanghai International Medical Park, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzeng Liu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Junpeng Ma
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nan Lu
- Institute of Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chengsheng Zhang
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Nk CellTech Co., Ltd., Shanghai International Medical Park, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
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16
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Havaei SM, Aucoin MG, Jahanian-Najafabadi A. Pseudomonas Exotoxin-Based Immunotoxins: Over Three Decades of Efforts on Targeting Cancer Cells With the Toxin. Front Oncol 2021; 11:781800. [PMID: 34976821 PMCID: PMC8716853 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.781800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the prominent causes of death worldwide. Despite the existence of various modalities for cancer treatment, many types of cancer remain uncured or develop resistance to therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, almost all chemotherapeutics cause a range of side effects because they affect normal cells in addition to malignant cells. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents that are targeted specifically toward cancer cells is indispensable. Immunotoxins (ITs) are a class of tumor cell-targeted fusion proteins consisting of both a targeting moiety and a toxic moiety. The targeting moiety is usually an antibody/antibody fragment or a ligand of the immune system that can bind an antigen or receptor that is only expressed or overexpressed by cancer cells but not normal cells. The toxic moiety is usually a protein toxin (or derivative) of animal, plant, insect, or bacterial origin. To date, three ITs have gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for human use, including denileukin diftitox (FDA approval: 1999), tagraxofusp (FDA approval: 2018), and moxetumomab pasudotox (FDA approval: 2018). All of these ITs take advantage of bacterial protein toxins. The toxic moiety of the first two ITs is a truncated form of diphtheria toxin, and the third is a derivative of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE). There is a growing list of ITs using PE, or its derivatives, being evaluated preclinically or clinically. Here, we will review these ITs to highlight the advances in PE-based anticancer strategies, as well as review the targeting moieties that are used to reduce the non-specific destruction of non-cancerous cells. Although we tried to be as comprehensive as possible, we have limited our review to those ITs that have proceeded to clinical trials and are still under active clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mehdi Havaei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marc G. Aucoin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Ali Jahanian-Najafabadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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17
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Weidemann S, Perez D, Izbicki JR, Neipp M, Mofid H, Daniels T, Nahrstedt U, Jacobsen F, Bernreuther C, Simon R, Steurer S, Burandt E, Marx AH, Krech T, Clauditz TS, Jansen K. Mesothelin is Commonly Expressed in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma but Unrelated to Cancer Aggressiveness. Cancer Invest 2021; 39:711-720. [PMID: 34143695 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2021.1943747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Data on Mesothelin (MSLN) expression in human normal and cancerous tissues is controversial. We employed immunohistochemistry (IHC) on a tissue microarray (TMA) from 599 pancreatic cancers and 12 large tissue sections of pancreatitis. MSLN expression was highest in pancreatic adenocarcinomas (89%) and adenocarcinomas of the ampulla Vateri (79%), infrequent in pancreatitis and absent in 6 acinus cell carcinomas and normal pancreas. MSLN expression was unrelated to pathological tumor stage, grade, metastasis, and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes. In conclusion, pancreatic cancer may be ideally suited for putative anti- MSLN therapies, and MSLN may represent a suitable biomarker for pancreatic cancer diagnosis, especially on small biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sören Weidemann
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Perez
- General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery Department and Clinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob R Izbicki
- General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery Department and Clinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Neipp
- General, Vascular and Visceral Surgery Clinic, Itzehoe Medical Center, Itzehoe, Germany
| | - Hamid Mofid
- General, Visceral Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Clinic, Regio Clinic Pinneberg, Pinneberg, Germany
| | - Thies Daniels
- General, Visceral and Tumor Surgery Clinic, Albertinen Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulf Nahrstedt
- Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Schoen Clinic Hamburg Eilbek, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Jacobsen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Bernreuther
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Steurer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eike Burandt
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas H Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Pathology, Academic Hospital Fuerth, Fuerth, Germany
| | - Till Krech
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Osnabrueck, Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Till S Clauditz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Jansen
- General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery Department and Clinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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18
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Mesothelin Expression in Human Tumors: A Tissue Microarray Study on 12,679 Tumors. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040397. [PMID: 33917081 PMCID: PMC8067734 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) represents an attractive molecule for targeted cancer therapies. To identify tumors that might benefit from such therapies, tissue microarrays including 15,050 tumors from 122 different tumor types and 76 healthy organs were analyzed for MSLN expression by immunohistochemistry. Sixty-six (54%) tumor types showed at least occasional weak staining, including 50 (41%) tumor types with at least one strongly positive sample. Highest prevalence of MSLN positivity had ovarian carcinomas (serous 97%, clear cell 83%, endometrioid 77%, mucinous 71%, carcinosarcoma 65%), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (ductal 75%, ampullary 81%), endometrial carcinomas (clear cell 71%, serous 57%, carcinosarcoma 50%, endometrioid 45%), malignant mesothelioma (69%), and adenocarcinoma of the lung (55%). MSLN was rare in cancers of the breast (7% of 1138), kidney (7% of 807), thyroid gland (1% of 638), soft tissues (0.3% of 931), and prostate (0 of 481). High expression was linked to advanced pathological tumor (pT) stage (p < 0.0001) and metastasis (p < 0.0001) in 1619 colorectal adenocarcinomas, but unrelated to parameters of malignancy in 1072 breast-, 386 ovarian-, 174 lung-, 757 kidney-, 171 endometrial-, 373 gastric-, and 925 bladder carcinomas. In summary, numerous important cancer types with high-level MSLN expression might benefit from future anti-MSLN therapies, but MSLN’s prognostic relevance appears to be limited.
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19
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Saksis R, Silamikelis I, Laksa P, Megnis K, Peculis R, Mandrika I, Rogoza O, Petrovska R, Balcere I, Konrade I, Steina L, Stukens J, Breiksa A, Nazarovs J, Sokolovska J, Pirags V, Klovins J, Rovite V. Medication for Acromegaly Reduces Expression of MUC16, MACC1 and GRHL2 in Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumour Tissue. Front Oncol 2021; 10:593760. [PMID: 33680922 PMCID: PMC7928352 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.593760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acromegaly is a disease mainly caused by pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) overproducing growth hormone. First-line medication for this condition is the use of somatostatin analogs (SSAs), that decrease tumor mass and induce antiproliferative effects on PitNET cells. Dopamine agonists (DAs) can also be used if SSA treatment is not effective. This study aimed to determine differences in transcriptome signatures induced by SSA/DA therapy in PitNET tissue. We selected tumor tissue from twelve patients with somatotropinomas, with half of the patients receiving SSA/DA treatment before surgery and the other half treatment naive. Transcriptome sequencing was then carried out to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their protein–protein interactions, using pathway analyses. We found 34 upregulated and six downregulated DEGs in patients with SSA/DA treatment. Three tumor development promoting factors MUC16, MACC1, and GRHL2, were significantly downregulated in therapy administered PitNET tissue; this finding was supported by functional studies in GH3 cells. Protein–protein interactions and pathway analyses revealed extracellular matrix involvement in the antiproliferative effects of this type of the drug treatment, with pronounced alterations in collagen regulation. Here, we have demonstrated that somatotropinomas can be distinguished based on their transcriptional profiles following SSA/DA therapy, and SSA/DA treatment does indeed cause changes in gene expression. Treatment with SSA/DA significantly downregulated several factors involved in tumorigenesis, including MUC16, MACC1, and GRHL2. Genes that were upregulated, however, did not have a direct influence on antiproliferative function in the PitNET cells. These findings suggested that SSA/DA treatment acted in a tumor suppressive manner and furthermore, collagen related interactions and pathways were enriched, implicating extracellular matrix involvement in this anti-tumor effect of drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihards Saksis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Pola Laksa
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Kaspars Megnis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Raitis Peculis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilona Mandrika
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Olesja Rogoza
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Inga Balcere
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia.,Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilze Konrade
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia.,Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Liva Steina
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Janis Stukens
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Austra Breiksa
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | | | | | - Valdis Pirags
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia.,University of Latvia Faculty of Medicine, Riga, Latvia
| | - Janis Klovins
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Vita Rovite
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
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20
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Garcia-Sampedro A, Gaggia G, Ney A, Mahamed I, Acedo P. The State-of-the-Art of Phase II/III Clinical Trials for Targeted Pancreatic Cancer Therapies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:566. [PMID: 33546207 PMCID: PMC7913382 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with very poor prognosis. Currently, surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy represents the only curative option which, unfortunately, is only available for a small group of patients. The majority of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced or metastatic stage when surgical resection is not possible and treatment options are limited. Thus, novel and more effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Molecular profiling together with targeted therapies against key hallmarks of pancreatic cancer appear as a promising approach that could overcome the limitations of conventional chemo- and radio-therapy. In this review, we focus on the latest personalised and multimodal targeted therapies currently undergoing phase II or III clinical trials. We discuss the most promising findings of agents targeting surface receptors, angiogenesis, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest, key signalling pathways, immunotherapies, and the tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pilar Acedo
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK; (A.G.-S.); (G.G.); (A.N.); (I.M.)
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21
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Joseph S, Zhang X, Smith LK, Alewine C. Furin is not required for processing of mesothelin precursor protein. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:118967. [PMID: 33476708 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.118967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Joseph
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, United States of America
| | - Xianyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, United States of America
| | - Lauren K Smith
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, United States of America
| | - Christine Alewine
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, United States of America.
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22
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Huo Q, Xu C, Shao Y, Yu Q, Huang L, Liu Y, Bao H. Free CA125 promotes ovarian cancer cell migration and tumor metastasis by binding Mesothelin to reduce DKK1 expression and activate the SGK3/FOXO3 pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:574-588. [PMID: 33613114 PMCID: PMC7893585 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.52097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: CA125/MUC16 is an O-glycosylated protein that is expressed on the surfaces of ovarian epithelial cells. This molecule is a widely used tumor-associated marker for diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Recently, CA125 was shown to be involved in ovarian cancer metastasis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of CA125 during ovarian cancer metastasis. Methods: We analyzed the Oncomine and CSIOVDB databases to determine the expression levels of DKK1 in ovarian cancer. DKK1 expression levels were upregulated or downregulated and applied with CA125 to Transwell and Western blot assays to ascertain the underlying mechanism by which CA125 stimulates cell migration via the SGK3/FOXO3 pathway. Anti-mesothelin antibodies (anti-MSLN) were used to block CA125 stimulation. Then the expression levels of DKK1were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to eliminate the blocking effect of anti-MSLN to CA125 stimulation. Xenograft mouse models were used to detect the effects of CA125 and anti-MSLN on ovarian cancer metastasis in vivo. Results: DKK1 levels were downregulated in ovarian tumor tissues according to the analyses of two databases and significantly correlated with FIGO stage, grade and disease-free survival in ovarian cancer patients. DKK1 levels were downregulated by CA125 stimulation in vitro. Overexpression of DKK1 reversed the ability of exogenous CA125 to mediate cell migration by activating the SGK3/FOXO3 signaling pathway. Anti-MSLN abrogated the DKK1 reduction and increased the apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. The use of anti-MSLN in xenograft mouse models significantly reduced tumor growth and metastasis accelerated by CA125. Conclusions: These experiments revealed that the SGK3/FOXO3 pathway was activated, wherein decreased expression of DKK1 was caused by CA125, which fuels ovarian cancer cell migration. Mesothelin is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ovarian cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyu Huo
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Laboratory Science Department, Tianjin 4th Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Yanhong Shao
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China
| | - Qin Yu
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China
| | - Lunhui Huang
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China
| | - Yunde Liu
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China
| | - Huijing Bao
- Integrative Medical Diagnosis Laboratory, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, 300100, China; School of Medical Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China
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23
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Multiple proteases are involved in mesothelin shedding by cancer cells. Commun Biol 2020; 3:728. [PMID: 33262421 PMCID: PMC7708464 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01464-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) is a lineage restricted cell surface protein expressed in about 30% of human cancers and high MSLN expression is associated with poor survival in several different cancers. The restricted expression of MSLN in normal tissue and its frequent expression in cancers make MSLN an excellent target for antibody-based therapies. Many clinical trials with agents targeting MSLN have been carried out but to date none of these agents have produced enough responses to obtain FDA approval. MSLN shedding is an important factor that may contribute to the failure of these therapies, because shed MSLN acts as a decoy receptor and allows release of antibodies bound to cell-surface MSLN. We have investigated the mechanism of shedding and show here that members of the ADAM, MMP and BACE families of proteases all participate in shedding, that more than one protease can produce shedding in the same cell, and that inhibition of shedding greatly enhances killing of cells by an immunotoxin targeting MSLN. Our data indicates that controlling MSLN shedding could greatly increase the activity of therapies that target MSLN.
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24
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Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the USA, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) constitutes 85% of pancreatic cancer diagnoses. PDA frequently metastasizes to the peritoneum, but effective treatment of peritoneal metastasis remains a clinical challenge. Despite this unmet need, understanding of the biological mechanisms that contribute to development and progression of PDA peritoneal metastasis is sparse. By contrast, a vast number of studies have investigated mechanisms of peritoneal metastasis in ovarian and gastric cancers. Here, we contrast similarities and differences between peritoneal metastasis in PDA as compared with those in gastric and ovarian cancer by outlining molecular mediators involved in each step of the peritoneal metastasis cascade. This review aims to provide mechanistic insights that could be translated into effective targeted therapies for patients with peritoneal metastasis from PDA.
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25
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Coelho R, Ricardo S, Amaral AL, Huang YL, Nunes M, Neves JP, Mendes N, López MN, Bartosch C, Ferreira V, Portugal R, Lopes JM, Almeida R, Heinzelmann-Schwarz V, Jacob F, David L. Regulation of invasion and peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer by mesothelin manipulation. Oncogenesis 2020; 9:61. [PMID: 32612258 PMCID: PMC7329842 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-020-00246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal dissemination is a particular form of metastasis typically observed in ovarian cancer and the major cause for poor patient’s outcome. Identification of the molecular players involved in ovarian cancer dissemination can offer an approach to develop treatment strategies to improve clinical prognosis. Here, we identified mesothelin (MSLN) as a crucial protein in the multistep process of peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer. We demonstrated that MSLN is overexpressed in primary and matched peritoneal metastasis of high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSC). Using several genetically engineered ovarian cancer cell lines, resulting in loss or gain of function, we found that MSLN increased cell survival in suspension and invasion of tumor cells through the mesothelial cell layer in vitro. Intraperitoneal xenografts established with MSLNhigh ovarian cancer cell lines showed enhanced tumor burden and spread within the peritoneal cavity. These findings provide strong evidences that MSLN is a key player in ovarian cancer progression by triggering peritoneal dissemination and provide support for further clinical investigation of MSLN as a therapeutic target in HGSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Coelho
- Differentiation and Cancer group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Ricardo
- Differentiation and Cancer group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Amaral
- Differentiation and Cancer group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Yen-Lin Huang
- Glyco-Oncology, Ovarian Cancer Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mariana Nunes
- Differentiation and Cancer group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Pedro Neves
- Differentiation and Cancer group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Mendes
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Histology and Electron Microscopy, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica Nuñez López
- Glyco-Oncology, Ovarian Cancer Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carla Bartosch
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - Verónica Ferreira
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Portugal
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal.,Cancer Cell Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Almeida
- Differentiation and Cancer group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Viola Heinzelmann-Schwarz
- Gynecological Cancer Center and Ovarian Cancer Research, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francis Jacob
- Glyco-Oncology, Ovarian Cancer Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Leonor David
- Differentiation and Cancer group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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26
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Mesothelin-Targeted Recombinant Immunotoxins for Solid Tumors. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10070973. [PMID: 32605175 PMCID: PMC7408136 DOI: 10.3390/biom10070973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) is a cell surface glycoprotein normally expressed only on serosal surfaces, and not found in the parenchyma of vital organs. Many solid tumors also express MSLN, including mesothelioma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Due to this favorable expression profile, MSLN represents a viable target for directed anti-neoplastic therapies, such as recombinant immunotoxins (iToxs). Pre-clinical testing of MSLN-targeted iTox’s has yielded a strong body of evidence for activity against a number of solid tumors. This has led to multiple clinical trials, testing the safety and efficacy of the clinical leads SS1P and LMB-100. While promising clinical results have been observed, neutralizing anti-drug antibody (ADA) formation presents a major challenge to overcome in the therapeutic development process. Additionally, on-target, off-tumor toxicity from serositis and non-specific capillary leak syndrome (CLS) also limits the dose, and therefore, impact anti-tumor activity. This review summarizes existing pre-clinical and clinical data on MSLN-targeted iTox’s. In addition, we address the potential future directions of research to enhance the activity of these anti-tumor agents.
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27
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Montemagno C, Cassim S, Pouyssegur J, Broisat A, Pagès G. From Malignant Progression to Therapeutic Targeting: Current Insights of Mesothelin in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4067. [PMID: 32517181 PMCID: PMC7312874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), accounting for 90% of all pancreatic tumors, is a highly devastating disease with poor prognosis and rising incidence. The lack of available specific diagnostics tests and the limited treatment opportunities contribute to this pejorative issue. Over the last 10 years, a growing interest pointing towards mesothelin (MSLN) as a promising PDAC-associated antigen has emerged. The limited expression of MSLN in normal tissues (peritoneum, pleura and pericardium) and its overexpression in 80 to 90% of PDAC make it an attractive candidate for therapeutic management of PDAC patients. Moreover, its role in malignant progression related to its involvement in tumor cell proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy has highlighted the relevance of its targeting. Hence, several clinical trials are investigating anti-MSLN efficacy in PDAC. In this review, we provide a general overview of the different roles sustained by MSLN during PDAC progression. Finally, we also summarize the different MSLN-targeted therapies that are currently tested in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Montemagno
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (S.C.); (J.P.); (G.P.)
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, Université Cote d’Azur, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06200 Nice, France
| | - Shamir Cassim
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (S.C.); (J.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Jacques Pouyssegur
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (S.C.); (J.P.); (G.P.)
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, Université Cote d’Azur, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06200 Nice, France
| | - Alexis Broisat
- Laboratoire Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM, 1039-Université de Grenoble, 38700 La Tronche, France;
| | - Gilles Pagès
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (S.C.); (J.P.); (G.P.)
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, Université Cote d’Azur, CNRS UMR 7284, INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06200 Nice, France
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28
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Fan JQ, Wang MF, Chen HL, Shang D, Das JK, Song J. Current advances and outlooks in immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:32. [PMID: 32061257 PMCID: PMC7023714 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an incurable cancer resistant to traditional treatments, although a limited number of early-stage patients can undergo radical resection. Immunotherapies for the treatment of haematological malignancies as well as solid tumours have been substantially improved over the past decades, and impressive results have been obtained in recent preclinical and clinical trials. However, PDAC is likely the exception because of its unique tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review, we summarize the characteristics of the PDAC TME and focus on the network of various tumour-infiltrating immune cells, outlining the current advances in PDAC immunotherapy and addressing the effect of the PDAC TME on immunotherapy. This review further explores the combinations of different therapies used to enhance antitumour efficacy or reverse immunodeficiencies and describes optimizable immunotherapeutic strategies for PDAC. The concordant combination of various treatments, such as targeting cancer cells and the stroma, reversing suppressive immune reactions and enhancing antitumour reactivity, may be the most promising approach for the treatment of PDAC. Traditional treatments, especially chemotherapy, may also be optimized for individual patients to remodel the immunosuppressive microenvironment for enhanced therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-qiao Fan
- Third General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Meng-Fei Wang
- Third General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hai-Long Chen
- Third General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Dong Shang
- Third General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jugal K. Das
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX USA
| | - Jianxun Song
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX USA
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