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Tanim K, Holtzhausen A, Thapa A, Huelse JM, Graham DK, Earp HS. MERTK Inhibition as a Targeted Novel Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7660. [PMID: 39062902 PMCID: PMC11277220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147660] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this issue honoring the contributions of Greg Lemke, the Earp and Graham lab teams discuss several threads in the discovery, action, signaling, and translational/clinical potential of MERTK, originally called c-mer, a member of the TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK (TAM) family of receptor tyrosine kinases. The 30-year history of the TAM RTK family began slowly as all three members were orphan RTKs without known ligands and/or functions when discovered by three distinct alternate molecular cloning strategies in the pre-genome sequencing era. The pace of understanding their physiologic and pathophysiologic roles has accelerated over the last decade. The activation of ligands bridging externalized phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) has placed these RTKs in a myriad of processes including neurodevelopment, cancer, and autoimmunity. The field is ripe for further advancement and this article hopefully sets the stage for further understanding and therapeutic intervention. Our review will focus on progress made through the collaborations of the Earp and Graham labs over the past 30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.M. Tanim
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Alisha Holtzhausen
- Lineburger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Aashis Thapa
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Justus M. Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - H. Shelton Earp
- Lineburger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Zhang BC, Lai CM, Luo BY, Shao JW. Triterpenoids-templated self-assembly nanosystem for biomimetic delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 based on the synergy of TLR-2 and ICB to enhance HCC immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:3205-3217. [PMID: 39027252 PMCID: PMC11252477 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Combination immunotherapy has shown promising potential for enhancing the objective response rate compared to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) monotherapy. However, combination therapy with multi-drugs is limited by the different properties of the agents and inconsistent synergistic targeted delivery. Herein, based on a universal triterpene template and the anticancer active agent ursolic acid (UA), a cytomembrane-coated biomimetic delivery nanoplatform (UR@M) prepared by the self-assembly of a PD-L1 targeted CRISPR/Cas9 system and UA was designed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. UR@M showed enhanced tumor accumulation in vivo with homologous tumor targeting, and CRISPR in the nanosystem exhibited potent gene-editing efficiency of 76.53% in vitro and 62.42% in vivo with no off-target effects. UA activated the natural immune system through the TLR-2-MyD88-TRAF6 pathway, which synergistically enhanced the proliferation of natural killer cells and dendritic cells and realized excellent immune cytotoxic T cell infiltration by combining with the ICB of PD-L1. The strategy of work along both lines based on innate immune and adaptive immunity displayed a significant effect in tumor regression. Overall, the UA-templated strategy "killed three birds with one stone" by establishing a self-assembly nanosystem, inducing tumor cell death, and promoting synergistic immunostimulation for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Chen Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, the Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan 523058, China
| | - Chun-Mei Lai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Bang-Yue Luo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Jing-Wei Shao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, MinjiangUniversity, Fuzhou, 350108, China
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Danielli SG, Wurth J, Morice S, Kisele S, Surdez D, Delattre O, Bode PK, Wachtel M, Schäfer BW. Evaluation of the Role of AXL in Fusion-positive Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma Identifies the Small-molecule Inhibitor Bemcentinib (BGB324) as Potent Chemosensitizer. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:864-876. [PMID: 38471796 PMCID: PMC11148551 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0285] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a highly aggressive pediatric cancer with features of skeletal muscle differentiation. More than 80% of the high-risk patients ultimately fail to respond to chemotherapy treatment, leading to limited therapeutic options and dismal prognostic rates. The lack of response and subsequent tumor recurrence is driven in part by stem cell-like cells, the tumor subpopulation that is enriched after treatment, and characterized by expression of the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL). AXL mediates survival, migration, and therapy resistance in several cancer types; however, its function in RMS remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of AXL in RMS tumorigenesis, migration, and chemotherapy response, and whether targeting of AXL with small-molecule inhibitors could potentiate the efficacy of chemotherapy. We show that AXL is expressed in a heterogeneous manner in patient-derived xenografts (PDX), primary cultures and cell line models of RMS, consistent with its stem cell-state selectivity. By generating a CRISPR/Cas9 AXL knock-out and overexpressing models, we show that AXL contributes to the migratory phenotype of RMS, but not to chemotherapy resistance. Instead, pharmacologic blockade with the AXL inhibitors bemcentinib (BGB324), cabozantinib and NPS-1034 rapidly killed RMS cells in an AXL-independent manner and augmented the efficacy of the chemotherapeutics vincristine and cyclophosphamide. In vivo administration of the combination of bemcentinib and vincristine exerted strong antitumoral activity in a rapidly progressing PDX mouse model, significantly reducing tumor burden compared with single-agent treatment. Collectively, our data identify bemcentinib as a promising drug to improve chemotherapy efficacy in patients with RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara G. Danielli
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jakob Wurth
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Morice
- Balgrist University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Samanta Kisele
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Didier Surdez
- Balgrist University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
- INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Laboratory, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Delattre
- INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Laboratory, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Peter K. Bode
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Beat W. Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Cunningham KT, Maizels RM. We are what we eat: macrophages and efferocytosis. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:446-448. [PMID: 38772757 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.05.004] [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: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Liebold et al. recently revealed how the identity of dying cells drives distinct changes to the macrophages which engulf and clear them, a process known as efferocytosis. During infection with the helminth Schistosoma mansoni, liver macrophages recapitulate these phenotypes, mediated by Axl/MerTK receptors and regulating egg burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle T Cunningham
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Rick M Maizels
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Ghosh S, Finnemann SC, Vollrath D, Rothlin CV. In the Eyes of the Beholder-New Mertk Knockout Mouse and Re-Evaluation of Phagocytosis versus Anti-Inflammatory Functions of MERTK. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5299. [PMID: 38791338 PMCID: PMC11121519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Greg Lemke's laboratory was one of the pioneers of research into the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Not only was Tyro3 cloned in his laboratory, but his group also extensively studied mice knocked out for individual or various combinations of the TAM RTKs Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk. Here we primarily focus on one of the paralogs-MERTK. We provide a historical perspective on rodent models of loss of Mertk function and their association with retinal degeneration and blindness. We describe later studies employing mouse genetics and the generation of newer knockout models that point out incongruencies with the inference that loss of MERTK-dependent phagocytosis is sufficient for severe, early-onset photoreceptor degeneration in mice. This discussion is meant to raise awareness with regards to the limitations of the original Mertk knockout mouse model generated using 129 derived embryonic stem cells and carrying 129 derived alleles and the role of these alleles in modifying Mertk knockout phenotypes or even displaying Mertk-independent phenotypes. We also suggest molecular approaches that can further Greg Lemke's scintillating legacy of dissecting the molecular functions of MERTK-a protein that has been described to function in phagocytosis as well as in the negative regulation of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Ghosh
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Silvia C. Finnemann
- Center for Cancer, Genetic Diseases and Gene Regulation, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA;
| | - Douglas Vollrath
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Carla V. Rothlin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Sheng Y, Hu W, Chen S, Zhu X. Efferocytosis by macrophages in physiological and pathological conditions: regulatory pathways and molecular mechanisms. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1275203. [PMID: 38779685 PMCID: PMC11109379 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1275203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Efferocytosis is defined as the highly effective phagocytic removal of apoptotic cells (ACs) by professional or non-professional phagocytes. Tissue-resident professional phagocytes ("efferocytes"), such as macrophages, have high phagocytic capacity and are crucial to resolve inflammation and aid in homeostasis. Recently, numerous exciting discoveries have revealed divergent (and even diametrically opposite) findings regarding metabolic immune reprogramming associated with efferocytosis by macrophages. In this review, we highlight the key metabolites involved in the three phases of efferocytosis and immune reprogramming of macrophages under physiological and pathological conditions. The next decade is expected to yield further breakthroughs in the regulatory pathways and molecular mechanisms connecting immunological outcomes to metabolic cues as well as avenues for "personalized" therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan−Ran Sheng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen−Ting Hu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siman Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao−Yong Zhu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Lee YJ, Kim M, Kim HS, Kang JL. Administration of Gas6 attenuates lung fibrosis via inhibition of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast activation. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:20. [PMID: 38578518 PMCID: PMC10997547 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09858-5] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast activation are major events in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis. Here, we investigated whether growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) plays a protective role in lung fibrosis via suppression of the EMT and fibroblast activation. rGas6 administration inhibited the EMT in isolated mouse ATII cells 14 days post-BLM treatment based on morphologic cellular alterations, changes in mRNA and protein expression profiles of EMT markers, and induction of EMT-activating transcription factors. BLM-induced increases in gene expression of fibroblast activation-related markers and the invasive capacity of primary lung fibroblasts in primary lung fibroblasts were reversed by rGas6 administration. Furthermore, the hydroxyproline content and collagen accumulation in interstitial areas with damaged alveolar structures in lung tissue were reduced by rGas6 administration. Targeting Gas6/Axl signaling events with specific inhibitors of Axl (BGB324), COX-2 (NS-398), EP1/EP2 receptor (AH-6809), or PGD2 DP2 receptor (BAY-u3405) reversed the inhibitory effects of rGas6 on EMT and fibroblast activation. Finally, we confirmed the antifibrotic effects of Gas6 using Gas6-/- mice. Therefore, Gas6/Axl signaling events play a potential role in inhibition of EMT process and fibroblast activation via COX-2-derived PGE2 and PGD2 production, ultimately preventing the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ji Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
| | - Minsuk Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
| | - Hee-Sun Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
| | - Jihee Lee Kang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea.
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea.
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Kur IM, Weigert A. Phosphatidylserine externalization as immune checkpoint in cancer. Pflugers Arch 2024:10.1007/s00424-024-02948-7. [PMID: 38573347 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02948-7] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite recent advances in cancer treatment including immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, new unconventional biomarkers and targets for the detection, prognosis, and treatment of cancer are still in high demand. Tumor cells are characterized by mutations that allow their unlimited growth, program their local microenvironment to support tumor growth, and spread towards distant sites. While a major focus has been on altered tumor genomes and proteomes, crucial signaling molecules such as lipids have been underappreciated. One of these molecules is the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) that is usually found at cytosolic surfaces of cellular membranes but can be rapidly and massively shuttled to the extracellular leaflet of the plasma membrane during apoptosis to serve as a limiting factor for immune responses. These immunosuppressive interactions are exploited by tumor cells to evade the immune system. In this review, we describe mechanisms of immune regulation in tumors, discuss if PS may constitute an inhibitory immune checkpoint, and describe current and future strategies for targeting PS to reactivate the tumor-associated immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan-Maximiliano Kur
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (CPI), 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Hong SM, Lee A, Kim B, Lee J, Seon S, Ha Y, Ng JT, Yoon G, Lim SB, Morgan MJ, Cha J, Lee D, Kim Y. NAMPT-Driven M2 Polarization of Tumor-Associated Macrophages Leads to an Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2303177. [PMID: 38308188 PMCID: PMC11005718 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303177] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a metabolic enzyme with key roles in inflammation. Previous studies have examined the consequences of its upregulated expression in cancer cells themselves, but studies are limited with respect to its role in the other cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) during colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, it is founded that NAMPT is highly expressed in SPP1+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), a unique subset of TAMs associated with immunosuppressive activity. A NAMPThigh gene signature in SPP1+ TAMs correlated with worse prognostic outcomes in CRC patients. The effect of Nampt deletion in the myeloid compartment of mice during CRC development is explored. NAMPT deficiency in macrophages resulted in HIF-1α destabilization, leading to reduction in M2-like TAM polarization. NAMPT deficiency caused significant decreases in the efferocytosis activity of macrophages, which enhanced STING signaling and the induction of type I IFN-response genes. Expression of these genes contributed to anti-tumoral immunity via potentiation of cytotoxic T cell activity in the TME. Overall, these findings suggest that NAMPT-initiated TAM-specific genes can be useful in predicting poor CRC patient outcomes; strategies aimed at targeting NAMPT may provide a promising therapeutic approach for building an immunostimulatory TME in CRC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Mi Hong
- Department of BiochemistryAjou University School of Medicine164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
| | - A‐Yeon Lee
- Department of BiochemistryAjou University School of Medicine164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesGraduate School of Ajou University164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong‐Ju Kim
- Department of BiochemistryAjou University School of Medicine164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesGraduate School of Ajou University164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong‐Eun Lee
- Department of BiochemistryAjou University School of Medicine164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesGraduate School of Ajou University164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
| | - Su‐Yeon Seon
- Department of BiochemistryAjou University School of Medicine164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesGraduate School of Ajou University164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
| | - Yu‐Jin Ha
- Department of BiochemistryAjou University School of Medicine164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesGraduate School of Ajou University164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
| | - Jestlin Tianthing Ng
- Department of BiochemistryAjou University School of Medicine164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesGraduate School of Ajou University164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
| | - Gyesoon Yoon
- Department of BiochemistryAjou University School of Medicine164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesGraduate School of Ajou University164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
| | - Su Bin Lim
- Department of BiochemistryAjou University School of Medicine164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesGraduate School of Ajou University164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
| | - Michael J. Morgan
- Department of Natural SciencesNortheastern State UniversityTahlequahOK74464USA
| | - Jong‐Ho Cha
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of MedicineInha UniversityIncheon22212South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science and EngineeringGraduate SchoolInha UniversityIncheon22212South Korea
| | - Dakeun Lee
- Department of Biomedical SciencesGraduate School of Ajou University164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
- Department of PathologyAjou University School of Medicine164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
| | - You‐Sun Kim
- Department of BiochemistryAjou University School of Medicine164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesGraduate School of Ajou University164 Worldcup‐ro, Yeongtong‐guSuwonGyeonggi‐do16499Republic of Korea
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Cheng M, Chen S, Li K, Wang G, Xiong G, Ling R, Zhang C, Zhang Z, Han H, Chen Z, Wang X, Liang Y, Tian G, Zhou R, Zhu Y, Ma J, Liu J, Lin S, Xu H, Chen D, Li Y, Peng L. CD276-dependent efferocytosis by tumor-associated macrophages promotes immune evasion in bladder cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2818. [PMID: 38561369 PMCID: PMC10985117 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46735-5] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Interplay between innate and adaptive immune cells is important for the antitumor immune response. However, the tumor microenvironment may turn immune suppressive, and tumor associated macrophages are playing a role in this transition. Here, we show that CD276, expressed on tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), play a role in diminishing the immune response against tumors. Using a model of tumors induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine in BLCA male mice we show that genetic ablation of CD276 in TAMs blocks efferocytosis and enhances the expression of the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) of TAMs. This in turn increases CD4 + and cytotoxic CD8 + T cell infiltration of the tumor. Combined single cell RNA sequencing and functional experiments reveal that CD276 activates the lysosomal signaling pathway and the transcription factor JUN to regulate the expression of AXL and MerTK, resulting in enhanced efferocytosis in TAMs. Proving the principle, we show that simultaneous blockade of CD276 and PD-1 restrain tumor growth better than any of the components as a single intervention. Taken together, our study supports a role for CD276 in efferocytosis by TAMs, which is potentially targetable for combination immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maosheng Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ganping Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gan Xiong
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Rongsong Ling
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Caihua Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Guoli Tian
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruoxing Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jieyi Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiahong Liu
- Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, NO.8 the east street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Hao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - Demeng Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230031, China.
| | - Liang Peng
- Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, NO.8 the east street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100071, China.
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11
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Marquez-Palencia M, Herrera LR, Parida PK, Ghosh S, Kim K, Das NM, Gonzalez-Ericsson PI, Sanders ME, Mobley BC, Diegeler S, Aguilera TA, Peng Y, Lewis CM, Arteaga CL, Hanker AB, Whitehurst AW, Lorens JB, Brekken RA, Davis AJ, Malladi S. AXL/WRNIP1 Mediates Replication Stress Response and Promotes Therapy Resistance and Metachronous Metastasis in HER2+ Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2024; 84:675-687. [PMID: 38190717 PMCID: PMC11221606 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1459] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Therapy resistance and metastatic progression are primary causes of cancer-related mortality. Disseminated tumor cells possess adaptive traits that enable them to reprogram their metabolism, maintain stemness, and resist cell death, facilitating their persistence to drive recurrence. The survival of disseminated tumor cells also depends on their ability to modulate replication stress in response to therapy while colonizing inhospitable microenvironments. In this study, we discovered that the nuclear translocation of AXL, a TAM receptor tyrosine kinase, and its interaction with WRNIP1, a DNA replication stress response factor, promotes the survival of HER2+ breast cancer cells that are resistant to HER2-targeted therapy and metastasize to the brain. In preclinical models, knocking down or pharmacologically inhibiting AXL or WRNIP1 attenuated protection of stalled replication forks. Furthermore, deficiency or inhibition of AXL and WRNIP1 also prolonged metastatic latency and delayed relapse. Together, these findings suggest that targeting the replication stress response, which is a shared adaptive mechanism in therapy-resistant and metastasis-initiating cells, could reduce metachronous metastasis and enhance the response to standard-of-care therapies. SIGNIFICANCE Nuclear AXL and WRNIP1 interact and mediate replication stress response, promote therapy resistance, and support metastatic progression, indicating that targeting the AXL/WRNIP1 axis is a potentially viable therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Marquez-Palencia
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Luis Reza Herrera
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Pravat Kumar Parida
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Suvranil Ghosh
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Kangsan Kim
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Nikitha M. Das
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Paula I. Gonzalez-Ericsson
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Melinda E. Sanders
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Bret C. Mobley
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sebastian Diegeler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Todd A. Aguilera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yan Peng
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Cheryl M Lewis
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Carlos L. Arteaga
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ariella B. Hanker
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | | | - James B Lorens
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390 USA
| | - Anthony J. Davis
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Srinivas Malladi
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Lead Contact
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12
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Xuan L, Bai C, Ju Z, Luo J, Guan H, Zhou PK, Huang R. Radiation-targeted immunotherapy: A new perspective in cancer radiotherapy. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 75:1-11. [PMID: 38061920 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.11.003] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
In contemporary oncology, radiation therapy and immunotherapy stand as critical treatments, each with distinct mechanisms and outcomes. Radiation therapy, a key player in cancer management, targets cancer cells by damaging their DNA with ionizing radiation. Its effectiveness is heightened when used alongside other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. Employing varied radiation types like X-rays, gamma rays, and proton beams, this approach aims to minimize damage to healthy tissue. However, it is not without risks, including potential damage to surrounding normal cells and side effects ranging from skin inflammation to serious long-term complications. Conversely, immunotherapy marks a revolutionary step in cancer treatment, leveraging the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. It manipulates the immune system's specificity and memory, offering a versatile approach either alone or in combination with other treatments. Immunotherapy is known for its targeted action, long-lasting responses, and fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies. The interaction between radiation therapy and immunotherapy is intricate, with potential for both synergistic and antagonistic effects. Their combined use can be more effective than either treatment alone, but careful consideration of timing and sequence is essential. This review explores the impact of various radiation therapy regimens on immunotherapy, focusing on changes in the immune microenvironment, immune protein expression, and epigenetic factors, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment strategies and ongoing research to enhance the efficacy of these combined therapies in cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Xuan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China; Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Chenjun Bai
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zhao Ju
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China; Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jinhua Luo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China; Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hua Guan
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Ping-Kun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Ruixue Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China.
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13
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Kubasch AS, Peterlin P, Cluzeau T, Götze KS, Sockel K, Teipel R, Jentzsch M, Attalah H, Sebert M, Chermat F, Gloaguen S, Puttrich M, Cross M, Schneider M, Kayser S, Schipp D, Giagounidis A, Tirado-Gonzalez I, Descot A, van de Loosdrecht A, Weigert A, Metzeler KH, Fenaux P, Medyouf H, Platzbecker U, Ades L. Efficacy and safety of bemcentinib in patients with advanced myelodysplastic neoplasms or acute myeloid leukemia failing hypomethylating agents- the EMSCO phase II BERGAMO trial. Leukemia 2023; 37:2309-2313. [PMID: 37735558 PMCID: PMC10624604 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02029-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A S Kubasch
- Department of Hematology, Hemostaseology, Cellular Therapy and Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
- German MDS Study Group (D-MDS), Leipzig, Germany
- The European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO), Leipzig, Germany
| | - P Peterlin
- The European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO), Leipzig, Germany
- Service d'hématologie Clinique, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - T Cluzeau
- The European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO), Leipzig, Germany
- CHU de Nice, Département d'Hématologie Clinique, Nice, France
| | - K S Götze
- German MDS Study Group (D-MDS), Leipzig, Germany
- The European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO), Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - K Sockel
- German MDS Study Group (D-MDS), Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - R Teipel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - M Jentzsch
- Department of Hematology, Hemostaseology, Cellular Therapy and Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - H Attalah
- Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies, Paris, France
| | - M Sebert
- Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies, Paris, France
- Service d'Hématologie Seniors, Hopital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris and Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - F Chermat
- Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies, Paris, France
| | - S Gloaguen
- German MDS Study Group (D-MDS), Leipzig, Germany
- The European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO), Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - M Cross
- Department of Hematology, Hemostaseology, Cellular Therapy and Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - M Schneider
- Department of Hematology, Hemostaseology, Cellular Therapy and Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - S Kayser
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Mannheim, Germany
- NCT Trial Center, National Center of Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - D Schipp
- DS-Statistics, Rosenthal-Bielatal, Germany
| | - A Giagounidis
- German MDS Study Group (D-MDS), Leipzig, Germany
- The European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO), Leipzig, Germany
- Department for Oncology, Hematology and Palliative Care, Marien Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - I Tirado-Gonzalez
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - A Descot
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - A van de Loosdrecht
- The European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO), Leipzig, Germany
- Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - A Weigert
- Department of Hematology, Hemostaseology, Cellular Therapy and Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - K H Metzeler
- Department of Hematology, Hemostaseology, Cellular Therapy and Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - P Fenaux
- The European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO), Leipzig, Germany
- Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies, Paris, France
- Service d'Hématologie Seniors, Hopital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris and Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - H Medyouf
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Research Consortium, Frankfurt/Mainz partner site, DKFZ Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - U Platzbecker
- Department of Hematology, Hemostaseology, Cellular Therapy and Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany.
- German MDS Study Group (D-MDS), Leipzig, Germany.
- The European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO), Leipzig, Germany.
| | - L Ades
- The European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO), Leipzig, Germany
- Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies, Paris, France
- Service d'Hématologie Seniors, Hopital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris and Paris Cité University, Paris, France
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14
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DeRyckere D, Huelse JM, Earp HS, Graham DK. TAM family kinases as therapeutic targets at the interface of cancer and immunity. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:755-779. [PMID: 37667010 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00813-7] [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] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Novel treatment approaches are needed to overcome innate and acquired mechanisms of resistance to current anticancer therapies in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment. The TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are potential therapeutic targets in a wide range of cancers. In cancer cells, TAM RTKs activate signalling pathways that promote cell survival, metastasis and resistance to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents and targeted therapies. TAM RTKs also function in innate immune cells, contributing to various mechanisms that suppress antitumour immunity and promote resistance to immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, TAM antagonists provide an unprecedented opportunity for both direct and immune-mediated therapeutic activity provided by inhibition of a single target, and are likely to be particularly effective when used in combination with other cancer therapies. To exploit this potential, a variety of agents have been designed to selectively target TAM RTKs, many of which have now entered clinical testing. This Review provides an essential guide to the TAM RTKs for clinicians, including an overview of the rationale for therapeutic targeting of TAM RTKs in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment, a description of the current preclinical and clinical experience with TAM inhibitors, and a perspective on strategies for continued development of TAM-targeted agents for oncology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Justus M Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Shelton Earp
- Department of Medicine, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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15
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Cao H, Wu T, Zhou X, Xie S, Sun H, Sun Y, Li Y. Progress of research on PD-1/PD-L1 in leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1265299. [PMID: 37822924 PMCID: PMC10562551 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1265299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia cells prevent immune system from clearing tumor cells by inducing the immunosuppression of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. In recent years, further understanding of the BM microenvironment and immune landscape of leukemia has resulted in the introduction of several immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors, T-cell engager, antibody drug conjugates, and cellular therapies in clinical trials. Among them, the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis is a significant checkpoint for controlling immune responses, the PD-1 receptor on tumor-infiltrating T cells is bound by PD-L1 on leukemia cells. Consequently, the activation of tumor reactive T cells is inhibited and their apoptosis is promoted, preventing the rejection of the tumor by immune system and thus resulting in the occurrence of immune tolerance. The PD-1/PD-L1 axis serves as a significant mechanism by which tumor cells evade immune surveillance, and PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of lymphomas and varieties of solid tumors. However, the development of drugs targeting PD-1/PD-L1 in leukemia remains in the clinical-trial stage. In this review, we tally up the basic research and clinical trials on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in leukemia, as well as discuss the relevant toxicity and impacts of PD-1/PD-L1 on other immunotherapies such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, bi-specific T-cell engager, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Cao
- Department of Pediatrics, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Shuyang Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Hongfang Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yunxiao Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Youjie Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
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16
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Tang Y, Zang H, Wen Q, Fan S. AXL in cancer: a modulator of drug resistance and therapeutic target. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:148. [PMID: 37328828 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02726-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
AXL is a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) receptor tyrosine kinases family (RTKs), and its abnormal expression has been linked to clinicopathological features and poor prognosis of cancer patients. There is mounting evidence supporting AXL's role in the occurrence and progression of cancer, as well as drug resistance and treatment tolerance. Recent studies revealed that reducing AXL expression can weaken cancer cells' drug resistance, indicating that AXL may be a promising target for anti-cancer drug treatment. This review aims to summarize the AXL's structure, the mechanisms regulating and activating it, and its expression pattern, especially in drug-resistant cancers. Additionally, we will discuss the diverse functions of AXL in mediating cancer drug resistance and the potential of AXL inhibitors in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoxiang Tang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Hongjing Zang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Qiuyuan Wen
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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17
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Pei JP, Wang Y, Ma LP, Wang X, Liu L, Zhang Y, Jin R, Ren ZQ, Deng Y, Shen JK, Meng T, Yu K. AXL antibody and AXL-ADC mediate antitumor efficacy via targeting AXL in tumor-intrinsic epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor-associated M2-like macrophage. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:1290-1303. [PMID: 36650292 PMCID: PMC10203350 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-01047-6] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is an emerging driver of cancer recurrence, while its molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study we investigated how AXL regulated the disease progression and poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We performed AXL transcriptome analysis from TCGA datasets, and found that AXL expression was significantly elevated in NSCLC and TNBC correlating with poor prognosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune-tolerant tumor microenvironment (TME). Knockdown of AXL or treatment with two independent AXL antibodies (named anti-AXL and AXL02) all diminished cell migration and EMT in AXL-high expressing NSCLC and TNBC cell lines. In a mouse model of 4T1 TNBC, administration of anti-AXL antibody substantially inhibited lung metastases formation and growth, accompanied by reduced downstream signaling activation, EMT and proliferation index, as well as an increased apoptosis and activated anti-tumor immunity. We found that AXL was abundantly activated in tumor nodule-infiltrated M2-macrophages. A specific anti-AXL antibody blocked bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) M2-polarization in vitro. Targeting of AXL in M2-macrophage in addition to tumor cell substantially suppressed CSF-1 production and eliminated M2-macrophage in TME, leading to a coordinated enhancement in both the innate and adaptive immunity reflecting M1-like macrophages, mature dendritic cells, cytotoxic T cells and B cells. We generated a novel and humanized AXL-ADC (AXL02-MMAE) employing a site-specific conjugation platform. AXL02-MMAE exerted potent cytotoxicity against a panel of AXL-high expressing tumor cell lines (IC50 < 0.1 nmol/L) and suppressed in vivo growth of multiple NSCLC and glioma tumors (a minimum efficacy dose<1 mg/kg). Compared to chemotherapy, AXL02-MMAE achieved a superior efficacy in regressing large sized tumors, eliminated AXL-H tumor cell-dependent M2-macrophage infiltration with a robust accumulation of inflammatory macrophages and mature dendritic cells. Our results support AXL-targeted therapy for treatment of advanced NSCLC and TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Peng Pei
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lan-Ping Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Rui Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yan Deng
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jing-Kang Shen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Tao Meng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Ker Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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18
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Sun Y, Hu H, Liu Z, Xu J, Gao Y, Zhan X, Zhou S, Zhong W, Wu D, Wang P, Rao Z, Kong L, Zhou H. Macrophage STING signaling promotes NK cell to suppress colorectal cancer liver metastasis via 4-1BBL/4-1BB co-stimulation. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006481. [PMID: 36927529 PMCID: PMC10030919 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Macrophage innate immune response plays an important role in tumorigenesis. However, the role and mechanism of macrophage STING signaling in modulating tumor microenvironment to suppress tumor growth at secondary sites remains largely unclear. METHODS STING expression was assessed in liver samples from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis. Global or myeloid stimulator of interferon gene (STING)-deficient mice, myeloid NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-deficient mice, and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to a mouse model of CRC liver metastasis by intrasplenic injection of murine colon carcinoma cells (MC38). Liver non-parenchymal cells including macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells were isolated for flow cytometry analysis. Bone marrow-derived macrophages pretreated with MC38 were co-cultured with splenic NK cells for in vitro studies. RESULTS Significant activation of STING signaling were detected in adjacent and tumor tissues and intrahepatic macrophages. Global or myeloid STING-deficient mice had exacerbated CRC liver metastasis and shorten survival, with decreased intrahepatic infiltration and impaired antitumor function of NK cells. Depletion of NK cells in WT animals increased their metastatic burden, while no significant effects were observed in myeloid STING-deficient mice. STING activation contributed to the secretion of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β by macrophages, which optimized antitumor activity of NK cells by promoting the expression of 4-1BBL in macrophages and 4-1BB in NK cells, respectively. Moreover, MC38 treatment activated macrophage NLRP3 signaling, which was inhibited by STING depletion. Myeloid NLRP3 deficiency increased tumor burden and suppressed activation of NK cells. NLRP3 activation by its agonist effectively suppressed CRC liver metastasis in myeloid SITNG-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that STING signaling promoted NLRP3-mediated IL-18 and IL-1β production of macrophages to optimize the antitumor function of NK cells via the co-stimulation signaling of 4-1BBL/4-1BB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haoran Hu
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiyun Gao
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyu Zhan
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shun Zhou
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weizhe Zhong
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongming Wu
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhuqing Rao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lianbao Kong
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haoming Zhou
- Hepatobiliary Center, Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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19
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Huang H, Jiang J, Chen R, Lin Y, Chen H, Ling Q. The role of macrophage TAM receptor family in the acute-to-chronic progression of liver disease: From friend to foe? Liver Int 2022; 42:2620-2631. [PMID: 35900248 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic macrophages, the key cellular components of the liver, emerge as essential players in liver inflammation, tissue repair and subsequent fibrosis, as well as tumorigenesis. Recently, the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family, consisting of Tyro3, Axl and MerTK, was found to be a pivotal modulator of macrophages. Activation of macrophage TAM receptor signalling promotes the efferocytosis of apoptotic cells and skews the polarization of macrophages. After briefly reviewing the mechanisms of TAM receptor signalling in macrophage polarization, we focus on their role in liver diseases from acute injury to chronic inflammation, fibrosis and then to tumorigenesis. Notably, macrophage TAM receptor signalling seems to be a two-edged sword for liver diseases. On one hand, the activation of TAM receptor signalling inhibits inflammation and facilitates tissue repair during acute liver injury. On the other hand, continuous activation of the signalling contributes to the process of chronic inflammation into fibrosis and tumorigenesis by evoking hepatic stellate cells and inhibiting anti-tumour immunity. Therefore, targeting macrophage TAM receptors and clarifying its downstream pathways will be exciting prospects for the precaution and treatment of liver diseases, particularly at different stages or statuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Huang
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingyu Jiang
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruihan Chen
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yimou Lin
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Ling
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou, China
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20
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Peters S, Paz-Ares L, Herbst RS, Reck M. Addressing CPI resistance in NSCLC: targeting TAM receptors to modulate the tumor microenvironment and future prospects. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004863. [PMID: 35858709 PMCID: PMC9305809 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority of cases. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs), including those targeting programmed cell death protein-1 and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1), have revolutionized the treatment landscape for various cancers. Notably, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-based regimens now form the standard first-line therapy for metastatic NSCLC, substantially improving patients' overall survival. Despite the progress made using CPI-based therapies in advanced NSCLC, most patients experience disease progression after an initial response due to resistance. Given the currently limited therapeutic options available for second-line and beyond settings in NSCLC, new treatment approaches are needed to improve long-term survival in these patients. Thus, CPI resistance is an emerging concept in cancer treatment and an active area of clinical research.Among the key mechanisms of CPI resistance is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Effective CPI therapy is based on shifting immune responses against cancer cells, therefore, manipulating the immunosuppressive TME comprises an important strategy to combat CPI resistance. Several aspects of the TME can contribute to treatment resistance in NSCLC, including through the activation of Tyro3, Axl, MerTK (TAM) receptors which are essential pleiotropic regulators of immune homeostasis. Their roles include negatively modulating the immune response, therefore ectopic expression of TAM receptors in the context of cancer can contribute to the immunosuppressive, protumorigenic TME. Furthermore, TAM receptors represent important candidates to simultaneously target both tumor cells and immune cells in the TME. Clinical development of TAM receptor inhibitors (TAM RIs) is increasingly focused on their ability to rescue the antitumor immune response, thereby shifting the immunosuppressive TME to an immunostimulatory TME. There is a strong biological rationale for combining TAM RIs with a CPI to overcome resistance and improve long-term clinical responses in NSCLC. Combinatorial clinical trials of TAM RIs with CPIs are underway with encouraging preliminary results. This review outlines the key mechanisms of CPI resistance, including the role of the immunosuppressive TME, and discusses the rationale for targeting TAM receptors as a novel, promising therapeutic strategy to overcome CPI resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Peters
- Medical Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luis Paz-Ares
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre and CNIO-H12O Lung Cancer Unit, Universidad Complutense and Ciberonc, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roy S Herbst
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Martin Reck
- Lung Clinic Grosshansdorf, Airway Research Center North, Center for Lung Research, Grosshansdorf, Germany
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21
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Zhang WN, Li XP, Wang PF, Zhu L, Xiao XH, Dai YJ. Comprehensive analysis of the novel omicron receptor AXL in cancers. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:3304-3312. [PMID: 35782741 PMCID: PMC9234055 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.06.051] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 is constantly mutating, and the new coronavirus such as Omicron has spread to many countries around the world. Anexelekto (AXL) is a transmembrane protein with biological functions such as promoting cell growth, migration, aggregation, metastasis and adhesion, and plays an important role in cancers and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Unlike angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), AXL was highly expressed in respiratory system cells. In this study, we verified the AXL expression in cancer and normal tissues and found AXL expression was strongly correlated with cancer prognosis, tumor mutation burden (TMB), the microsatellite instability (MSI) in most tumor types. Immune infiltration analysis also demonstrated that there was an inextricable link between AXL expression and immune scores in cancer patients, especially in BLCA, BRCA and CESC. The NK-cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, myeloid dendritic cells, as one of the important components of the tumor microenvironment, were highly expressed AXL. In addition, AXL-related tumor neoantigens were identified and might provide the novel potential targets for tumor vaccines or SARS-Cov-2 vaccines research in cancer patients.
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Key Words
- ACC, adrenocortical carcinoma
- ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- AXL
- AXL, anexelekto
- BLCA, bladder urothelial carcinoma
- BRCA, breast invasive carcinoma
- CHOL, cholangiocarcinoma
- COAD, colon adenocarcinoma
- COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019
- Cancer
- DFI, disease-free interval
- DLBC, lymphoid neoplasm diffuse large b-cell lymphoma
- ESCA, esophageal carcinoma
- GBM, glioblastoma multiforme
- HNSC, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- Immune infiltration
- KICH, kidney chromophobe
- KIRC, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
- KIRP, kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma
- LAML, acute myeloid leukemia
- LGG, brain lower grade glioma
- LIHC, liver hepatocellular carcinoma
- LUAD, lung adenocarcinoma
- LUSC, lung squamous cell carcinoma
- MESO, mesothelioma
- MSI, microsatellite instability
- Neoantigens
- OS, overall survival
- OV, ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma
- Omicron
- PAAD, pancreatic adenocarcinoma
- PCPG, pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma
- PFI, progression-free interval, disease-specific survival
- PRAD, prostate adenocarcinoma
- SARC, sarcoma
- SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
- SKCM, skin cutaneous melanoma
- STAD, stomach adenocarcinoma
- TGCT, testicular germ cell tumors
- THCA, thyroid carcinoma
- TIMER, tumor immune estimation resource
- TMB, tumor mutation burden
- UCEC, uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma
- UMAP, uniform manifold approximation and projection for dimension reduction
- UVM, uveal melanoma
- Vaccines
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Na Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xue-Ping Li
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 500020, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Peng-Fei Wang
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Lu Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xin-Hua Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Yu-Jun Dai
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 500020, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
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22
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Two-Front War on Cancer-Targeting TAM Receptors in Solid Tumour Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102488. [PMID: 35626092 PMCID: PMC9140196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102488] [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: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of TAM kinases in both normal and neoplastic cells. In this review, we present and discuss the role of the TAM family (AXL, MERTK, TYRO3) of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) as a dual target in cancer, due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment. This review presents the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment, focusing on the distinct structures of TAM receptor tyrosine kinases. We analyse and compare different strategies of TAM inhibition, for a full perspective of current and future battlefields in the war with cancer. Abstract Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane receptors that bind growth factors and cytokines and contain a regulated kinase activity within their cytoplasmic domain. RTKs play an important role in signal transduction in both normal and malignant cells, and their encoding genes belong to the most frequently affected genes in cancer cells. The TAM family proteins (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are involved in diverse biological processes: immune regulation, clearance of apoptotic cells, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Recent studies show that TAMs share overlapping functions in tumorigenesis and suppression of antitumour immunity. MERTK and AXL operate in innate immune cells to suppress inflammatory responses and promote an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, while AXL expression correlates with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and motility in tumours. Therefore, TAM RTKs represent a dual target in cancer due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. We critically assess and compare current approaches to target TAM RTKs in solid tumours and the development of new inhibitors for both extra- and intracellular domains of TAM receptor kinases.
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Abstract
Despite FDA approval of nine new drugs for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the United States over the last 4 years, AML remains a major area of unmet medical need among hematologic malignancies. In this review, we discuss the development of promising new molecular targeted approaches for AML, including menin inhibition, novel IDH1/2 inhibitors, and preclinical means to target TET2, ASXL1, and RNA splicing factor mutations. In addition, we review progress in immune targeting of AML through anti-CD47, anti-SIRPα, and anti-TIM-3 antibodies; bispecific and trispecific antibodies; and new cellular therapies in development for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Omar Abdel-Wahab
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
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24
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Spohr C, Poggio T, Andrieux G, Schönberger K, Cabezas-Wallscheid N, Boerries M, Halbach S, Illert AL, Brummer T. Gab2 deficiency prevents Flt3-ITD driven acute myeloid leukemia in vivo. Leukemia 2022; 36:970-982. [PMID: 34903841 PMCID: PMC8979819 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01490-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Internal tandem duplications (ITD) of the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) predict poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and often co-exist with inactivating DNMT3A mutations. In vitro studies implicated Grb2-associated binder 2 (GAB2) as FLT3-ITD effector. Utilizing a Flt3-ITD knock-in, Dnmt3a haploinsufficient mouse model, we demonstrate that Gab2 is essential for the development of Flt3-ITD driven AML in vivo, as Gab2 deficient mice displayed prolonged survival, presented with attenuated liver and spleen pathology and reduced blast counts. Furthermore, leukemic bone marrow from Gab2 deficient mice exhibited reduced colony-forming unit capacity and increased FLT3 inhibitor sensitivity. Using transcriptomics, we identify the genes encoding for Axl and the Ret co-receptor Gfra2 as targets of the Flt3-ITD/Gab2/Stat5 axis. We propose a pathomechanism in which Gab2 increases signaling of these receptors by inducing their expression and by serving as downstream effector. Thereby, Gab2 promotes AML aggressiveness and drug resistance as it incorporates these receptor tyrosine kinases into the Flt3-ITD signaling network. Consequently, our data identify GAB2 as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in human AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Spohr
- grid.5963.9Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Teresa Poggio
- grid.5963.9Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Department of Medicine I, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- grid.5963.9Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Schönberger
- grid.5963.9Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.429509.30000 0004 0491 4256Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany ,grid.4372.20000 0001 2105 1091International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMPRS-MCB), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nina Cabezas-Wallscheid
- grid.429509.30000 0004 0491 4256Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany ,Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies (CIBSS), 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Boerries
- grid.5963.9Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Halbach
- grid.5963.9Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna L. Illert
- grid.5963.9Department of Medicine I, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tilman Brummer
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Center for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
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25
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Yan D, Earp HS, DeRyckere D, Graham DK. Targeting MERTK and AXL in EGFR Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5639. [PMID: 34830794 PMCID: PMC8616094 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MERTK and AXL are members of the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases and are abnormally expressed in 69% and 93% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), respectively. Expression of MERTK and/or AXL provides a survival advantage for NSCLC cells and correlates with lymph node metastasis, drug resistance, and disease progression in patients with NSCLC. The TAM receptors on host tumor infiltrating cells also play important roles in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, MERTK and AXL are attractive biologic targets for NSCLC treatment. Here, we will review physiologic and oncologic roles for MERTK and AXL with an emphasis on the potential to target these kinases in NSCLCs with activating EGFR mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
| | - H. Shelton Earp
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
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26
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Intrinsic and Extrinsic Control of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by TAM Receptors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215448. [PMID: 34771611 PMCID: PMC8582520 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK are receptor tyrosine kinases of the TAM family, which are activated by their ligands Gas6 and Protein S. TAM receptors have large physiological implications, including the removal of dead cells, activation of immune cells, and prevention of bleeding. In the last decade, TAM receptors have been suggested to play a relevant role in liver fibrogenesis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The understanding of TAM receptor functions in tumor cells and their cellular microenvironment is of utmost importance to advances in novel therapeutic strategies that conquer chronic liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major subtype of liver cancer, showing high mortality of patients due to limited therapeutic options at advanced stages of disease. The receptor tyrosine kinases Tyro3, Axl and MerTK—belonging to the TAM family—exert a large impact on various aspects of cancer biology. Binding of the ligands Gas6 or Protein S activates TAM receptors causing homophilic dimerization and heterophilic interactions with other receptors to modulate effector functions. In this context, TAM receptors are major regulators of anti-inflammatory responses and vessel integrity, including platelet aggregation as well as resistance to chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the relevance of TAM receptors in the intrinsic control of HCC progression by modulating epithelial cell plasticity and by promoting metastatic traits of neoplastic hepatocytes. Depending on different etiologies of HCC, we further describe the overt role of TAM receptors in the extrinsic control of HCC progression by focusing on immune cell infiltration and fibrogenesis. Additionally, we assess TAM receptor functions in the chemoresistance against clinically used tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade in HCC progression. We finally address the question of whether inhibition of TAM receptors can be envisaged for novel therapeutic strategies in HCC.
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Therapeutic Targeting of the Gas6/Axl Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189953. [PMID: 34576116 PMCID: PMC8469858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many signaling pathways are dysregulated in cancer cells and the host tumor microenvironment. Aberrant receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways promote cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Hence, numerous therapeutic interventions targeting RTKs have been actively pursued. Axl is an RTK that belongs to the Tyro3, Axl, MerTK (TAM) subfamily. Axl binds to a high affinity ligand growth arrest specific 6 (Gas6) that belongs to the vitamin K-dependent family of proteins. The Gas6/Axl signaling pathway has been implicated to promote progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance in many cancer types. Therapeutic agents targeting Gas6 and Axl have been developed, and promising results have been observed in both preclinical and clinical settings when such agents are used alone or in combination therapy. This review examines the current state of therapeutics targeting the Gas6/Axl pathway in cancer and discusses Gas6- and Axl-targeting agents that have been evaluated preclinically and clinically.
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