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Kong C, Guo Z, Liu F, Tang N, Wang M, Yang D, Li C, Yang Z, Ma Y, Wang P, Tang Q. Triad3A-Mediated K48-Linked ubiquitination and degradation of TLR9 impairs mitochondrial bioenergetics and exacerbates diabetic cardiomyopathy. J Adv Res 2024; 61:65-81. [PMID: 37625569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.08.015] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeted protein degradation represents a promising therapeutic approach, while diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) arises as a consequence of aberrant insulin secretion and impaired glucose and lipid metabolism in the heart.. OBJECTIVES Considering that the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating energy metabolism, safeguarding cardiomyocytes, and influencing glucose uptake, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of TLR9 on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and elucidate its underlying mechanism. METHODS Mouse model of DCM was established using intraperitoneal injection of STZ, and mice were transfected with adeno-associated virus serotype 9-TLR9 (AAV9-TLR9) to assess the role of TLR9 in DCM. To explore the mechanism of TLR9 in regulating DCM disease progression, we conducted interactome analysis and employed multiple molecular approaches. RESULTS Our study revealed a significant correlation between TLR9 expression and mouse DCM. TLR9 overexpression markedly mitigated cardiac dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in DCM, while inflammation levels remained relatively unaffected. Mechanistically, TLR9 overexpression positively modulated mitochondrial bioenergetics and activated the AMPK-PGC1a signaling pathway. Furthermore, we identified Triad3A as an interacting protein that facilitated TLR9's proteasomal degradation through K48-linked ubiquitination. Inhibiting Triad3A expression improved cardiac function and pathological changes in DCM by enhancing TLR9 activity. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study highlight the critical role of TLR9 in maintaining cardiac function and mitigating pathological alterations in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Triad3A-mediated regulation of TLR9 expression and function has significant implications for understanding the pathogenesis of DCM. Targeting TLR9 and its interactions with Triad3A may hold promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for diabetic cardiomyopathy. Further research is warranted to fully explore the therapeutic potential of TLR9 modulation in the context of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Kong
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zhen Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Fangyuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Nan Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Chenfei Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zheng Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yulan Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Qizhu Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, PR China.
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Lanng KRB, Lauridsen EL, Jakobsen MR. The balance of STING signaling orchestrates immunity in cancer. Nat Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41590-024-01872-3. [PMID: 38918609 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01872-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, it has become clear that the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is critical for a variety of immune responses. This endoplasmic reticulum-anchored adaptor protein has regulatory functions in host immunity across a spectrum of conditions, including infectious diseases, autoimmunity, neurobiology and cancer. In this Review, we outline the central importance of STING in immunological processes driven by expression of type I and III interferons, as well as inflammatory cytokines, and we look at therapeutic options for targeting STING. We also examine evidence that challenges the prevailing notion that STING activation is predominantly beneficial in combating cancer. Further exploration is imperative to discern whether STING activation in the tumor microenvironment confers true benefits or has detrimental effects. Research in this field is at a crossroads, as a clearer understanding of the nuanced functions of STING activation in cancer is required for the development of next-generation therapies.
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Sobczak JM, Barkovska I, Balke I, Rothen DA, Mohsen MO, Skrastina D, Ogrina A, Martina B, Jansons J, Bogans J, Vogel M, Bachmann MF, Zeltins A. Identifying Key Drivers of Efficient B Cell Responses: On the Role of T Help, Antigen-Organization, and Toll-like Receptor Stimulation for Generating a Neutralizing Anti-Dengue Virus Response. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:661. [PMID: 38932390 PMCID: PMC11209419 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060661] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
T help (Th), stimulation of toll-like receptors (pathogen-associated molecular patterns, PAMPs), and antigen organization and repetitiveness (pathogen-associated structural patterns, PASPs) were shown numerous times to be important in driving B-cell and antibody responses. In this study, we dissected the individual contributions of these parameters using newly developed "Immune-tag" technology. As model antigens, we used eGFP and the third domain of the dengue virus 1 envelope protein (DV1 EDIII), the major target of virus-neutralizing antibodies. The respective proteins were expressed alone or genetically fused to the N-terminal fragment of the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) capsid protein-nCMV, rendering the antigens oligomeric. In a step-by-step manner, RNA was attached as a PAMP, and/or a universal Th-cell epitope was genetically added for additional Th. Finally, a PASP was added to the constructs by displaying the antigens highly organized and repetitively on the surface of CMV-derived virus-like particles (CuMV VLPs). Sera from immunized mice demonstrated that each component contributed stepwise to the immunogenicity of both proteins. All components combined in the CuMV VLP platform induced by far the highest antibody responses. In addition, the DV1 EDIII induced high levels of DENV-1-neutralizing antibodies only if displayed on VLPs. Thus, combining multiple cues typically associated with viruses results in optimal antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M. Sobczak
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irena Barkovska
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Ina Balke
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Dominik A. Rothen
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mona O. Mohsen
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dace Skrastina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Anete Ogrina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Byron Martina
- Artemis Bioservices, 2629 JD Delft, The Netherlands;
- Protinhi Therapeutics, 6534 AT Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Juris Jansons
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Janis Bogans
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Monique Vogel
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin F. Bachmann
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Andris Zeltins
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
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Knight AD, Luke JJ. Beyond Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Emerging Targets in Melanoma Therapy. Curr Oncol Rep 2024:10.1007/s11912-024-01551-4. [PMID: 38789670 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-024-01551-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides a comprehensive update on recent advancements in melanoma treatment by highlighting promising therapeutics with an aim to increase awareness of novel interventions currently in development. RECENT FINDINGS Over the last decade there has been considerable expansion of the previously available treatment options for patients with melanoma. In particular, novel immunotherapeutics have been developed to expand on the clinical advancements brought by BRAF targeting and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Despite the success of checkpoint inhibitors there remains an unmet need for patients that do not respond to treatment. This review delves into the latest advancements in novel checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, oncolytic viruses, vaccines, bispecific antibodies, and adoptive cell therapy. Preclinical experiments and early-stage clinical trials studies have demonstrated promising results for these therapies, many of which have moved into pivotal, phase 3 studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Knight
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3459 Fifth Ave. Room W-927, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jason J Luke
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh, 5150 Centre Ave. Room 1.27C, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA.
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5
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Qian W, Ye J, Xia S. DNA sensing of dendritic cells in cancer immunotherapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1391046. [PMID: 38841190 PMCID: PMC11150630 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1391046] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are involved in the initiation and maintenance of immune responses against malignant cells by recognizing conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). According to recent studies, tumor cell-derived DNA molecules act as DAMPs and are recognized by DNA sensors in DCs. Once identified by sensors in DCs, these DNA molecules trigger multiple signaling cascades to promote various cytokines secretion, including type I IFN, and then to induce DCs mediated antitumor immunity. As one of the potential attractive strategies for cancer therapy, various agonists targeting DNA sensors are extensively explored including the combination with other cancer immunotherapies or the direct usage as major components of cancer vaccines. Moreover, this review highlights different mechanisms through which tumor-derived DNA initiates DCs activation and the mechanisms through which the tumor microenvironment regulates DNA sensing of DCs to promote tumor immune escape. The contributions of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and checkpoint inhibitors in tumor therapy to the DNA sensing of DCs are also discussed. Finally, recent clinical progress in tumor therapy utilizing agonist-targeted DNA sensors is summarized. Indeed, understanding more about DNA sensing in DCs will help to understand more about tumor immunotherapy and improve the efficacy of DC-targeted treatment in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Ye
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Center for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sheng Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Borges VM, Marinho FV, Caldeira CVA, de Queiroz NMGP, Oliveira SC. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy induces an efficient antitumor response to control murine melanoma depending on MyD88 signaling. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1380069. [PMID: 38835781 PMCID: PMC11148268 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1380069] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the first line treatment for bladder cancer and it is also proposed for melanoma immunotherapy. BCG modulates the tumor microenvironment (TME) inducing an antitumor effective response, but the immune mechanisms involved still poorly understood. The immune profile of B16-F10 murine melanoma cells was assessed by infecting these cells with BCG or stimulating them with agonists for different innate immune pathways such as TLRs, inflammasome, cGAS-STING and type I IFN. B16-F10 did not respond to any of those stimuli, except for type I IFN agonists, contrasting with bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) that showed high production of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, we confirmed that BCG is able to infect B16-F10, which in turn can activate macrophages and spleen cells from mice in co-culture experiments. Furthermore, we established a subcutaneous B16-F10 melanoma model for intratumoral BCG treatment and compared wild type mice to TLR2-/-, TLR3-/-, TLR4-/-, TLR7-/-, TLR3/7/9-/-, caspase 1-/-, caspase 11-/-, IL-1R-/-, cGAS-/-, STING-/-, IFNAR-/-, MyD88-/-deficient animals. These results in vivo demonstrate that MyD88 signaling is important for BCG immunotherapy to control melanoma in mice. Also, BCG fails to induce cytokine production in the co-culture experiments using B16-F10 and BMDMs or spleen cells derived from MyD88-/- compared to wild-type (WT) animals. Immunotherapy with BCG was not able to induce the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the TME from MyD88-/- mice, impairing tumor control and IFN-γ production by T cells. In conclusion, MyD88 impacts on both innate and adaptive responses to BCG leading to an efficient antitumor response against melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius M Borges
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fábio V Marinho
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Christiane V A Caldeira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Nina M G P de Queiroz
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Sergio C Oliveira
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Institut Pasteur de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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7
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Lin X, Kang K, Chen P, Zeng Z, Li G, Xiong W, Yi M, Xiang B. Regulatory mechanisms of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancers. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:108. [PMID: 38762484 PMCID: PMC11102195 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02023-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune evasion contributes to cancer growth and progression. Cancer cells have the ability to activate different immune checkpoint pathways that harbor immunosuppressive functions. The programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligands (PD-Ls) are considered to be the major immune checkpoint molecules. The interaction of PD-1 and PD-L1 negatively regulates adaptive immune response mainly by inhibiting the activity of effector T cells while enhancing the function of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs), largely contributing to the maintenance of immune homeostasis that prevents dysregulated immunity and harmful immune responses. However, cancer cells exploit the PD-1/PD-L1 axis to cause immune escape in cancer development and progression. Blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 by neutralizing antibodies restores T cells activity and enhances anti-tumor immunity, achieving remarkable success in cancer therapy. Therefore, the regulatory mechanisms of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancers have attracted an increasing attention. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the roles of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in human autoimmune diseases and cancers. We summarize all aspects of regulatory mechanisms underlying the expression and activity of PD-1 and PD-L1 in cancers, including genetic, epigenetic, post-transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms. In addition, we further summarize the progress in clinical research on the antitumor effects of targeting PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies alone and in combination with other therapeutic approaches, providing new strategies for finding new tumor markers and developing combined therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Kuan Kang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Pan Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Mei Yi
- Department of Dermotology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Bo Xiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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8
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Zhang X, Li Z, Peng Q, Liu C, Wu Y, Wen Y, Zheng R, Xu C, Tian J, Zheng X, Yan Q, Wang J, Ma J. Epstein-Barr virus suppresses N 6-methyladenosine modification of TLR9 to promote immune evasion. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107226. [PMID: 38537697 PMCID: PMC11061751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107226] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human tumor virus associated with a variety of malignancies, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric cancers, and B-cell lymphomas. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications modulate a wide range of cellular processes and participate in the regulation of virus-host cell interactions. Here, we discovered that EBV infection downregulates toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) m6A modification levels and thus inhibits TLR9 expression. TLR9 has multiple m6A modification sites. Knockdown of METTL3, an m6A "writer", decreases TLR9 protein expression by inhibiting its mRNA stability. Mechanistically, Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 increases METTL3 protein degradation via K48-linked ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Additionally, YTHDF1 was identified as an m6A "reader" of TLR9, enhancing TLR9 expression by promoting mRNA translation in an m6A -dependent manner, which suggests that EBV inhibits TLR9 translation by "hijacking" host m6A modification mechanism. Using the METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 inhibits TLR9-induced B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin secretion, and opposes TLR9-induced immune responses to assist tumor cell immune escape. In clinical lymphoma samples, the expression of METTL3, YTHDF1, and TLR9 was highly correlated with immune cells infiltration. This study reveals a novel mechanism that EBV represses the important innate immunity molecule TLR9 through modulating the host m6A modification system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Zhang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengshuo Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiu Peng
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Can Liu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yangge Wu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuqing Wen
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Run Zheng
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chenxiao Xu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junrui Tian
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Qun Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Immunology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, China.
| | - Jian Ma
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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9
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Kawai T, Ikegawa M, Ori D, Akira S. Decoding Toll-like receptors: Recent insights and perspectives in innate immunity. Immunity 2024; 57:649-673. [PMID: 38599164 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are an evolutionarily conserved family in the innate immune system and are the first line of host defense against microbial pathogens by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). TLRs, categorized into cell surface and endosomal subfamilies, recognize diverse PAMPs, and structural elucidation of TLRs and PAMP complexes has revealed their intricate mechanisms. TLRs activate common and specific signaling pathways to shape immune responses. Recent studies have shown the importance of post-transcriptional regulation in TLR-mediated inflammatory responses. Despite their protective functions, aberrant responses of TLRs contribute to inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Understanding the delicate balance between TLR activation and regulatory mechanisms is crucial for deciphering their dual role in immune defense and disease pathogenesis. This review provides an overview of recent insights into the history of TLR discovery, elucidation of TLR ligands and signaling pathways, and their relevance to various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Kawai
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Nara 630-0192, Japan; Life Science Collaboration Center (LiSCo), Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Nara 630-0192, Japan.
| | - Moe Ikegawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ori
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Shizuo Akira
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DSS (CAMaD), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Laboratory of Host Defense, Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Department of Host Defense, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases (RIMD), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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10
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Su C, Kim SK, Wang CX, Kirsch DG, Monjazeb AM. Radiotherapy Combined with Intralesional Immunostimulatory Agents for Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Semin Radiat Oncol 2024; 34:243-257. [PMID: 38508788 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shifted the treatment paradigm for many types of cancer. Unfortunately, the most commonly used immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), have yielded limited benefit for most types of soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Radiotherapy (RT) is a mainstay of sarcoma therapy and can induce immune modulatory effects. Combining immunotherapy and RT in STS may be a promising strategy to improve sarcoma response to RT and increase the efficacy of immunotherapy. Most combination strategies have employed immunotherapies, such as ICI, that derepress immune suppressive networks. These have yielded only modest results, possibly due to the limited immune stimulatory effects of RT. Combining RT with immune stimulatory agents has yielded promising preclinical and clinical results but can be limited by the toxic nature of systemic administration of immune stimulants. Using intralesional immune stimulants may generate stronger RT immune modulation and less systemic toxicity, which may be a feasible strategy in accessible tumors such as STS. In this review, we summarize the immune modulatory effects of RT, the mechanism of action of various immune stimulants, including toll-like receptor agonists, and data for combinatorial strategies utilizing these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Soo Kyoung Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC Davis Health, Davis, CA
| | - Charles X Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC Davis Health, Davis, CA
| | - David G Kirsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University, Durham, NC; Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arta M Monjazeb
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC Davis Health, Davis, CA.
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11
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Heras-Murillo I, Adán-Barrientos I, Galán M, Wculek SK, Sancho D. Dendritic cells as orchestrators of anticancer immunity and immunotherapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:257-277. [PMID: 38326563 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00859-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogeneous group of antigen-presenting innate immune cells that regulate adaptive immunity, including against cancer. Therefore, understanding the precise activities of DCs in tumours and patients with cancer is important. The classification of DC subsets has historically been based on ontogeny; however, single-cell analyses are now additionally revealing a diversity of functional states of DCs in cancer. DCs can promote the activation of potent antitumour T cells and immune responses via numerous mechanisms, although they can also be hijacked by tumour-mediated factors to contribute to immune tolerance and cancer progression. Consequently, DC activities are often key determinants of the efficacy of immunotherapies, including immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Potentiating the antitumour functions of DCs or using them as tools to orchestrate short-term and long-term anticancer immunity has immense but as-yet underexploited therapeutic potential. In this Review, we outline the nature and emerging complexity of DC states as well as their functions in regulating adaptive immunity across different cancer types. We also describe how DCs are required for the success of current immunotherapies and explore the inherent potential of targeting DCs for cancer therapy. We focus on novel insights on DCs derived from patients with different cancers, single-cell studies of DCs and their relevance to therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Heras-Murillo
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Adán-Barrientos
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Galán
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefanie K Wculek
- Innate Immune Biology Laboratory, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Sancho
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Ke Y, Xin K, Tao Y, Li L, Chen A, Shao J, Zhu J, Zhang D, Cen L, Chu Y, Yu L, Liu B, Liu Q. A Thermosensitive Bi-Adjuvant Hydrogel Triggers Epitope Spreading to Promote the Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Frameshift Neoantigens. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306889. [PMID: 38308098 PMCID: PMC11005695 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306889] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-specific frameshift mutations encoding peptides (FSPs) are highly immunogenic neoantigens for personalized cancer immunotherapy, while their clinical efficacy is limited by immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and self-tolerance. Here, a thermosensitive hydrogel (FSP-RZ-BPH) delivering dual adjuvants R848 (TLR7/8 agonist) + Zn2+ (cGAS-STING agonist) is designed to promote the efficacy of FSPs on murine forestomach cancer (MFC). After peritumoral injection, FSP-RZ-BPH behaves as pH-responsive sustained drug release at sites near the tumor to effectively transform the immunosuppressive TME into an inflammatory type. FSP-RZ-BPH orchestrates innate and adaptive immunity to activate dendritic cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes and increase the number of FSPs-reactive effector memory T cells (TEM) in tumor by 2.9 folds. More importantly, these TEM also exhibit memory responses to nonvaccinated neoantigens on MFC. This epitope spreading effect contributes to reduce self-tolerance to maintain long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. In MFC suppressive model, FSP-RZ-BPH achieves 84.8% tumor inhibition rate and prolongs the survival of tumor-bearing mice with 57.1% complete response rate. As a preventive tumor vaccine, FSP-RZ-BPH can also significantly delay tumor growth. Overall, the work identifies frameshift MFC neoantigens for the first time and demonstrates the thermosensitive bi-adjuvant hydrogel as an effective strategy to boost bystander anti-tumor responses of frameshift neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaohua Ke
- The Comprehensive Cancer CentreNanjing Drum Tower HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing University321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
| | - Kai Xin
- Department of OncologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
| | - Yaping Tao
- The Comprehensive Cancer CentreNanjing Drum Tower HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing University321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of OncologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
| | - Aoxing Chen
- Department of OncologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
| | - Jingyi Shao
- Department of OncologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
| | - Junmeng Zhu
- The Comprehensive Cancer CentreNanjing Drum Tower HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing University321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
| | - Dinghu Zhang
- Zhejiang Cancer HospitalHangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM)Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhou310022China
| | - Lanqi Cen
- The Comprehensive Cancer CentreNanjing Drum Tower HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing University321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
| | - Yanhong Chu
- The Comprehensive Cancer CentreNanjing Drum Tower HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing University321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
| | - Lixia Yu
- The Comprehensive Cancer CentreNanjing Drum Tower HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing University321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer CentreNanjing Drum Tower HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing University321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
- Department of OncologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
| | - Qin Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer CentreNanjing Drum Tower HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Medical SchoolNanjing University321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
- Department of OncologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine321 Zhongshan RoadNanjing210008China
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13
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Hu A, Sun L, Lin H, Liao Y, Yang H, Mao Y. Harnessing innate immune pathways for therapeutic advancement in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:68. [PMID: 38523155 PMCID: PMC10961329 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01765-9] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The innate immune pathway is receiving increasing attention in cancer therapy. This pathway is ubiquitous across various cell types, not only in innate immune cells but also in adaptive immune cells, tumor cells, and stromal cells. Agonists targeting the innate immune pathway have shown profound changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and improved tumor prognosis in preclinical studies. However, to date, the clinical success of drugs targeting the innate immune pathway remains limited. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that activation of the innate immune pathway can paradoxically promote tumor progression. The uncertainty surrounding the therapeutic effectiveness of targeted drugs for the innate immune pathway is a critical issue that needs immediate investigation. In this review, we observe that the role of the innate immune pathway demonstrates heterogeneity, linked to the tumor development stage, pathway status, and specific cell types. We propose that within the TME, the innate immune pathway exhibits multidimensional diversity. This diversity is fundamentally rooted in cellular heterogeneity and is manifested as a variety of signaling networks. The pro-tumor effect of innate immune pathway activation essentially reflects the suppression of classical pathways and the activation of potential pro-tumor alternative pathways. Refining our understanding of the tumor's innate immune pathway network and employing appropriate targeting strategies can enhance our ability to harness the anti-tumor potential of the innate immune pathway and ultimately bridge the gap from preclinical to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), and Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine (Ministry of Education), and Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
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14
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Tiberio L, Laffranchi M, Zucchi G, Salvi V, Schioppa T, Sozzani S, Del Prete A, Bosisio D. Inhibitory receptors of plasmacytoid dendritic cells as possible targets for checkpoint blockade in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360291. [PMID: 38504978 PMCID: PMC10948453 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the major producers of type I interferons (IFNs), which are essential to mount antiviral and antitumoral immune responses. To avoid exaggerated levels of type I IFNs, which pave the way to immune dysregulation and autoimmunity, pDC activation is strictly regulated by a variety of inhibitory receptors (IRs). In tumors, pDCs display an exhausted phenotype and correlate with an unfavorable prognosis, which largely depends on the accumulation of immunosuppressive cytokines and oncometabolites. This review explores the hypothesis that tumor microenvironment may reduce the release of type I IFNs also by a more pDC-specific mechanism, namely the engagement of IRs. Literature shows that many cancer types express de novo, or overexpress, IR ligands (such as BST2, PCNA, CAECAM-1 and modified surface carbohydrates) which often represent a strong predictor of poor outcome and metastasis. In line with this, tumor cells expressing ligands engaging IRs such as BDCA-2, ILT7, TIM3 and CD44 block pDC activation, while this blocking is prevented when IR engagement or signaling is inhibited. Based on this evidence, we propose that the regulation of IFN secretion by IRs may be regarded as an "innate checkpoint", reminiscent of the function of "classical" adaptive immune checkpoints, like PD1 expressed in CD8+ T cells, which restrain autoimmunity and immunopathology but favor chronic infections and tumors. However, we also point out that further work is needed to fully unravel the biology of tumor-associated pDCs, the neat contribution of pDC exhaustion in tumor growth following the engagement of IRs, especially those expressed also by other leukocytes, and their therapeutic potential as targets of combined immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tiberio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Laffranchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Schioppa
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvano Sozzani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Annalisa Del Prete
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Bosisio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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15
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Fletcher KA, Johnson DB. Investigational Approaches for Treatment of Melanoma Patients Progressing After Standard of Care. Cancer J 2024; 30:126-131. [PMID: 38527267 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The advent of effective immunotherapy, specifically cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 and programmed cell death 1 inhibitors, as well as targeted therapy including BRAF/MEK inhibitors, has dramatically changed the prognosis for metastatic melanoma patients. Up to 50% of patients may experience long-term survival currently. Despite these advances in melanoma treatment, many patients still progress and die of their disease. As such, there are many studies aimed at providing new treatment options for this population. Therapies currently under investigation include, but are not limited to, novel immunotherapies, targeted therapies, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and other cellular therapies, oncolytic viral therapy and other injectables, and fecal microbiota transplant. In this review, we discuss the emerging treatment options for metastatic melanoma patients who have progressed on standard of care treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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16
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Haugh AM, Daud AI. Current Role and Status for Intratumoral Injection Therapies in Metastatic Melanoma. Cancer J 2024; 30:108-112. [PMID: 38527264 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Intratumoral therapies represent a unique avenue for drug development in melanoma as patients often have accessible lesions that are particularly amenable to these approaches. In addition, a majority of intratumoral therapies have focused on stimulating antitumor immune responses, making them a particularly attractive option for use in melanoma. In this review, we describe applications for talimogene laherparepvec, a US Food and Drug Administration-approved intratumoral therapy in melanoma, as well as several classes of intratumoral therapies in development including novel oncolytic viruses, mRNA-based intratumoral injections, and cytokines and other signaling molecules.
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17
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Wang F, Fu K, Wang Y, Pan C, Wang X, Liu Z, Yang C, Zheng Y, Li X, Lu Y, To KKW, Xia C, Zhang J, Shi Z, Hu Z, Huang M, Fu L. Small-molecule agents for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:905-952. [PMID: 38486980 PMCID: PMC10935485 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.010] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, exemplified by the remarkable clinical benefits of the immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, is revolutionizing cancer therapy. They induce long-term tumor regression and overall survival benefit in many types of cancer. With the advances in our knowledge about the tumor immune microenvironment, remarkable progress has been made in the development of small-molecule drugs for immunotherapy. Small molecules targeting PRR-associated pathways, immune checkpoints, oncogenic signaling, metabolic pathways, cytokine/chemokine signaling, and immune-related kinases have been extensively investigated. Monotherapy of small-molecule immunotherapeutic drugs and their combinations with other antitumor modalities are under active clinical investigations to overcome immune tolerance and circumvent immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance. Here, we review the latest development of small-molecule agents for cancer immunotherapy by targeting defined pathways and highlighting their progress in recent clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kai Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Can Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xueping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Kenneth Kin Wah To
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Zhi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zeping Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Min Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
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18
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Shao N, Qiu H, Liu J, Xiao D, Zhao J, Chen C, Wan J, Guo M, Liang G, Zhao X, Xu L. Targeting lipid metabolism of macrophages: A new strategy for tumor therapy. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00071-7. [PMID: 38373649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipid metabolism has been implicated in a variety of normal cellular processes and strongly related to the development of multiple diseases, including tumor. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) has emerged as a crucial regulator in tumorigenesis and promising target for tumor treatment. AIM OF REVIEW A thorough understanding of TAM lipid metabolism and its value in tumorigenesis may provide new ideas for TAM-based anti-tumor therapy. Key scientific concepts of review: TAMs can be divided into two main types, M1-like TAMs and M2-like TAMs, which play anti-tumor and pro-tumor functions in tumor occurrence and development, respectively. Accumulating evidence has shown that lipid metabolic reprogramming, including fatty acid uptake and utilization, cholesterol expulsion, controls the polarization of TAMs and affects the tumorgenesis. These advances in uncovering the intricacies of lipid metabolism and TAMs have yielded new insights on tumor development and treatment. In this review, we aim to provide an update on the current understanding of the lipid metabolic reprogramming made by TAMs to adapt to the harsh tumor microenvironment (TME). In particular, we emphasize that there is complex lipid metabolism connections between TAMs and distinct tumors, which influences TAM to bias from M1 to M2 phenotype in tumor progression, and ultimately promotes tumor occurrence and development. Finally, we discuss the existing issues on therapeutic strategies by reprogramming TAMs based on lipid metabolism regulation (or increasing the ratio of M1/M2-like TAMs) that could be applied in the future to clinical tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Shao
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Hui Qiu
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Daimin Xiao
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhao
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Jiajia Wan
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Mengmeng Guo
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Guiyou Liang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550031, China.
| | - Xu Zhao
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guizhou, Guiyang 550025, China; Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China.
| | - Lin Xu
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China.
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19
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Wang S, Wang J, Chen Z, Luo J, Guo W, Sun L, Lin L. Targeting M2-like tumor-associated macrophages is a potential therapeutic approach to overcome antitumor drug resistance. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:31. [PMID: 38341519 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00522-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor drug resistance emerges from the interaction of two critical factors: tumor cellular heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute essential components of the TME. M2-like TAMs are essential in facilitating tumor metastasis as well as augmenting the drug resistance of tumors. This review encapsulates the mechanisms that M2-like TAMs use to promote tumor drug resistance. We also describe the emerging therapeutic strategies that are currently targeting M2-like TAMs in combination with other antitumor drugs, with some still undergoing clinical trial evaluation. Furthermore, we summarize and analyze various existing approaches for developing novel drugs that target M2-like TAMs to overcome tumor resistance, highlighting how targeting M2-like TAMs can effectively stop tumor growth, metastasis, and overcome tumor drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingrui Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Luo
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lizhu Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Clinical Research Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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20
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Cornice J, Verzella D, Arboretto P, Vecchiotti D, Capece D, Zazzeroni F, Franzoso G. NF-κB: Governing Macrophages in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:197. [PMID: 38397187 PMCID: PMC10888451 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), where they sustain tumor progression and or-tumor immunity. Due to their plasticity, macrophages can exhibit anti- or pro-tumor functions through the expression of different gene sets leading to distinct macrophage phenotypes: M1-like or pro-inflammatory and M2-like or anti-inflammatory. NF-κB transcription factors are central regulators of TAMs in cancers, where they often drive macrophage polarization toward an M2-like phenotype. Therefore, the NF-κB pathway is an attractive therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy in a wide range of human tumors. Hence, targeting NF-κB pathway in the myeloid compartment is a potential clinical strategy to overcome microenvironment-induced immunosuppression and increase anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we discuss the role of NF-κB as a key driver of macrophage functions in tumors as well as the principal strategies to overcome tumor immunosuppression by targeting the NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cornice
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Daniela Verzella
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Paola Arboretto
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Davide Vecchiotti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Daria Capece
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Guido Franzoso
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
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21
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Clark ES, Benaduce AP, Khan WN, Martinez O, Gilboa E. Vaccination against neoantigens induced in cross-priming cDC1 in vivo. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:9. [PMID: 38231450 PMCID: PMC10794404 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03597-y] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) play a pivotal role in protective immunity against pathogens and cancer. However, their low frequency in the blood and tissues limits their use in immune therapy. We have recently described a method to vaccinate against neoantigens that are induced in tumor cells by targeted delivery of a TAP siRNA to dendritic cells using a TLR9 binding CpG oligonucleotide. Since TLR9 is also expressed in immune suppressive myeloid populations TLR9 targeting could reduce the effectiveness of this approach. Here, we describe a modular multivalent antibody platform to target the TAP siRNA to resident Clec9a expressing cDC1 and show that it leads to selective and sustained TAP downregulation in cDC1 and inhibits tumor growth in mice more effectively than CpG targeted siRNA. To induce DC maturation an agonistic CD40 antibody was administered to the siRNA treated mice. To obviate the need for a second drug formulation and reduce the risk of toxicity, we exploited the multivalent nature of this targeting platform to co-deliver the TAP siRNA and a DC maturation agent, a CpG containing oligonucleotide, to cDC1 in vivo and show that it was more effective than Clec9a targeting of TAP siRNA in combination with CD40 antibody. This study describes a way to manipulate the function of cDC1 cells in vivo using a broadly applicable antibody-based targeting platform to deliver multiple biological agents to specific cells in vivo to potentiate (immune) therapy and to probe the biology of specific cell types in their natural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Clark
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1550 NW 10th Avenue Medical Campus, Papanicolaou Building 257, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Ana Paula Benaduce
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1550 NW 10th Avenue Medical Campus, Papanicolaou Building 257, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Wasif N Khan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1550 NW 10th Avenue Medical Campus, Papanicolaou Building 257, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Olivier Martinez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1550 NW 10th Avenue Medical Campus, Papanicolaou Building 257, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Mnemo Therapeutics, Paris, France
| | - Eli Gilboa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1550 NW 10th Avenue Medical Campus, Papanicolaou Building 257, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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22
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Chen J, Chan TTH, Zhou J. Lipid metabolism in the immune niche of tumor-prone liver microenvironment. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:68-84. [PMID: 37474318 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a common primary site not only for tumorigenesis, but also for cancer metastasis. Advanced cancer patients with liver metastases also show reduced response rates and survival benefits when treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Accumulating evidence has highlighted the importance of the liver immune microenvironment in determining tumorigenesis, metastasis-organotropism, and immunotherapy resistance. Various immune cells such as T cells, natural killer and natural killer T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells, and stromal cells including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, and hepatocytes are implicated in contributing to the immune niche of tumor-prone liver microenvironment. In parallel, as the major organ for lipid metabolism, the increased abundance of lipids and their metabolites is linked to processes crucial for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and related liver cancer development. Furthermore, the proliferation, differentiation, and functions of hepatic immune and stromal cells are also reported to be regulated by lipid metabolism. Therefore, targeting lipid metabolism may hold great potential to reprogram the immunosuppressive liver microenvironment and synergistically enhance the immunotherapy efficacy in the circumstance of liver metastasis. In this review, we describe how the hepatic microenvironment adapts to the lipid metabolic alterations in pathologic conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. We also illustrate how these immunometabolic alterations promote the development of liver cancers and immunotherapy resistance. Finally, we discuss the current therapeutic options and hypothetic combination immunotherapies for the treatment of advanced liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintian Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Thomas T H Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Jingying Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, SAR, P.R. China
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23
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Hu A, Sun L, Lin H, Liao Y, Yang H, Mao Y. Harnessing the innate immune system by revolutionizing macrophage-mediated cancer immunotherapy. J Biosci 2024; 49:63. [PMID: 38864238 PMCID: PMC10961329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising and safer alternative to conventional cancer therapies. It involves adaptive T-cell therapy, cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based therapies. However, most of these modalities encounter restrictions in solid tumours owing to a dense, highly hypoxic and immune-suppressive microenvironment as well as the heterogeneity of tumour antigens. The elevated intra-tumoural pressure and mutational rates within fastgrowing solid tumours present challenges in efficient drug targeting and delivery. The tumour microenvironment is a dynamic niche infiltrated by a variety of immune cells, most of which are macrophages. Since they form a part of the innate immune system, targeting macrophages has become a plausible immunotherapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss several versatile approaches (both at pre-clinical and clinical stages) such as the direct killing of tumour-associated macrophages, reprogramming pro-tumour macrophages to anti-tumour phenotypes, inhibition of macrophage recruitment into the tumour microenvironment, novel CAR macrophages, and genetically engineered macrophages that have been devised thus far. These strategies comprise a strong and adaptable macrophage-toolkit in the ongoing fight against cancer and by understanding their significance, we may unlock the full potential of these immune cells in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), and Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine (Ministry of Education), and Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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24
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Margalit O, Lieberman S, Redinsky I, Halparin S, Honig N, Raskin S, Ben-Ayun M, Shacham-Shmueli E, Halpern N, Urban D, Ackerstein A, Shulman K, Ben-Ami E, Semenisty V, Purim O, Yarom N, Golan T, Boursi B, Appel S, Symon Z, Berger R, Mauro D, Krieg AM, Lawrence YR. Combination Treatment of Intratumoral Vidutolimod, Radiosurgery, Nivolumab, and Ipilimumab for Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Carcinoma With Liver Metastases. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2023; 22:442-449.e1. [PMID: 37657954 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2023.08.004] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer (MSS mCRC) is largely refractory to immune checkpoint inhibition. We hypothesized that a combination of intratumoral TLR9 agonist, radiosurgery and dual PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade would induce a local focus of immune stimulation, evoking a systemic immune response. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this phase I single-institution study, patients with MSS mCRC were treated with a priming dose of s.c vidutolimod, 3 intratumoral injections of vidutolimod and radiosurgery, combined with nivolumab and ipilimumab. Cytokine levels were measured at baseline and at 7 (± 2) weeks. Patients were accrued to 4 consecutive cohorts: (1) Safety run-in without radiosurgery, (2) Radiosurgery prior to intratumoral therapy, (3) Radiosurgery prior to intratumoral therapy with a condensed timeline, and (4) Radiosurgery to extrahepatic lesion following completion of intratumoral therapy. RESULTS A total of 19 patients were accrued. Median age was 59 years (range 40-71), 68% were male, median number of previous systemic treatments was 3 (range 2-5). None of the patients responded, aside from 1 patient, attributed to high tumor mutational burden. Grade 3 liver toxicity was reported in 0%, 0%, 75%, and 17% in cohorts 1 to 4, respectively. Systemic levels of CXCL10 and IL-10 increased, with a median of 407 versus 78 pg/mL (P = .01), and 66 versus 40 pg/mL (P = .03), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The combination of intratumoral vidutolimod, radiosurgery, nivolumab and ipilimumab was not found to be efficacious in MSS mCRC with liver metastases. The juxtaposition of liver irradiation and intratumoral vidutolimod injection was associated with high hepatic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofer Margalit
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sivan Lieberman
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ilanit Redinsky
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Halparin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nir Honig
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Stephen Raskin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maoz Ben-Ayun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Einat Shacham-Shmueli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Naama Halpern
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Damien Urban
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Aliza Ackerstein
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Katerina Shulman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lady Davis Carmel Hospital, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eytan Ben-Ami
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Valeriya Semenisty
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Ofer Purim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nirit Yarom
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shamir Medical Center, Beer Yaacov, Israel
| | - Talia Golan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ben Boursi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sarit Appel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zvi Symon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raanan Berger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Yaacov R Lawrence
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College & Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University-Jefferson Health, Phila, PA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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25
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Oda W, Umemura K, Ito K, Kawamoto Y, Takahashi Y, Takakura Y. Development of potent unmethylated CpG DNA hydrogel by introducing i-motifs into long single-stranded DNA. Int J Pharm 2023; 646:123438. [PMID: 37741558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) DNA is recognized by Toll-like receptor 9, expressed in the endosomes of immune cells, and induces the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. CpG DNA is, therefore, expected to be used as vaccine adjuvants, but there are many obstacles for its therapeutic application, such as poor cellular uptake and biostability. Long single-stranded DNA (lssDNA) synthesized by rolling circle amplification can be a useful delivery carrier for CpG DNA because of its cellular uptake efficiency, but the immunostimulatory effect is transient because it is easily degraded in endosomes. To improve its stability, we constructed lssDNA which forms hydrogel by i-motifs in an acidic environment mimicking endosome, and incorporated CpG DNA into lssDNA (i-CpG-lssDNA). We synthesized lssDNA containing the optimized i-motif sequence, and confirmed the formation of a DNA hydrogel in an acidic environment. The i-CpG-lssDNA elicited a potent proinflammatory cytokine production in murine macrophages, compared to CpG DNA-containing lssDNA without i-motifs. Consistently, its intradermal administration induced potent inflammatory cytokines at the regional lymph nodes. These results suggested that i-CpG-lssDNA could serve as a novel type of adjuvant for the induction of a potent immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakana Oda
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Keisuke Umemura
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Koichi Ito
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kawamoto
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Yoshinobu Takakura
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Pavlick AC, Ariyan CE, Buchbinder EI, Davar D, Gibney GT, Hamid O, Hieken TJ, Izar B, Johnson DB, Kulkarni RP, Luke JJ, Mitchell TC, Mooradian MJ, Rubin KM, Salama AK, Shirai K, Taube JM, Tawbi HA, Tolley JK, Valdueza C, Weiss SA, Wong MK, Sullivan RJ. Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) clinical practice guideline on immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma, version 3.0. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006947. [PMID: 37852736 PMCID: PMC10603365 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first approval for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma more than a decade ago, immunotherapy has completely transformed the treatment landscape of this chemotherapy-resistant disease. Combination regimens including ICIs directed against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) with anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) agents or, more recently, anti-lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) agents, have gained regulatory approvals for the treatment of metastatic cutaneous melanoma, with long-term follow-up data suggesting the possibility of cure for some patients with advanced disease. In the resectable setting, adjuvant ICIs prolong recurrence-free survival, and neoadjuvant strategies are an active area of investigation. Other immunotherapy strategies, such as oncolytic virotherapy for injectable cutaneous melanoma and bispecific T-cell engager therapy for HLA-A*02:01 genotype-positive uveal melanoma, are also available to patients. Despite the remarkable efficacy of these regimens for many patients with cutaneous melanoma, traditional immunotherapy biomarkers (ie, programmed death-ligand 1 expression, tumor mutational burden, T-cell infiltrate and/or microsatellite stability) have failed to reliably predict response. Furthermore, ICIs are associated with unique toxicity profiles, particularly for the highly active combination of anti-PD-1 plus anti-CTLA-4 agents. The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a panel of experts to develop this clinical practice guideline on immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma, including rare subtypes of the disease (eg, uveal, mucosal), with the goal of improving patient care by providing guidance to the oncology community. Drawing from published data and clinical experience, the Expert Panel developed evidence- and consensus-based recommendations for healthcare professionals using immunotherapy to treat melanoma, with topics including therapy selection in the advanced and perioperative settings, intratumoral immunotherapy, when to use immunotherapy for patients with BRAFV600-mutated disease, management of patients with brain metastases, evaluation of treatment response, special patient populations, patient education, quality of life, and survivorship, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte E Ariyan
- Department of Surgery Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Diwakar Davar
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburg Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Gibney
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Omid Hamid
- The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, A Cedars-Sinai Affiliate, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tina J Hieken
- Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Benjamin Izar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rajan P Kulkarni
- Departments of Dermatology, Oncological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Center for Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research, Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Operative Care Division, VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jason J Luke
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tara C Mitchell
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meghan J Mooradian
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Krista M Rubin
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - April Ks Salama
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University, Durham, Carolina, USA
| | - Keisuke Shirai
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Janis M Taube
- Department of Dermatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hussein A Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - J Keith Tolley
- Patient Advocate, Melanoma Research Alliance, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Caressa Valdueza
- Cutaneous Oncology Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sarah A Weiss
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Michael K Wong
- Patient Advocate, Melanoma Research Alliance, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ryan J Sullivan
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Mellid-Carballal R, Gutierrez-Gutierrez S, Rivas C, Garcia-Fuentes M. Viral protein-based nanoparticles (part 2): Pharmaceutical applications. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 189:106558. [PMID: 37567394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106558] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Viral protein nanoparticles (ViP NPs) such as virus-like particles and virosomes are structures halfway between viruses and synthetic nanoparticles. The biological nature of ViP NPs endows them with the biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional properties that many synthetic nanoparticles lack. At the same time, the absence of a viral genome avoids the safety concerns of viruses. Such characteristics of ViP NPs offer a myriad of opportunities for theirapplication at several points across disease development: from prophylaxis to diagnosis and treatment. ViP NPs present remarkable immunostimulant properties, and thus the vaccination field has benefited the most from these platforms capable of overcoming the limitations of both traditional and subunit vaccines. This was reflected in the marketing authorization of several VLP- and virosome-based vaccines. Besides, ViP NPs inherit the ability of viruses to deliver their cargo to target cells. Because of that, ViP NPs are promising candidates as vectors for drug and gene delivery, and for diagnostic applications. In this review, we analyze the pharmaceutical applications of ViP NPs, describing the products that are commercially available or under clinical evaluation, but also the advances that scientists are making toward the implementation of ViP NPs in other areas of major pharmaceutical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Mellid-Carballal
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Sara Gutierrez-Gutierrez
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Rivas
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)-CSIC, Spain
| | - Marcos Garcia-Fuentes
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Qin Z, Zheng M. Advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for melanoma (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:416. [PMID: 37559935 PMCID: PMC10407994 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly type of skin cancer and is known for its poor prognosis as soon as metastasis occurs. Since 2011, new and effective therapies for metastatic melanoma have emerged, with US Food and Drug Administration approval of multiple targeted agents, such as V-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors and multiple immunotherapy agents, such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and anti-programmed cell death protein 1/ligand 1 blockade. Based on insight into the respective advantages of the above two strategies, the present article provided a review of clinical trials of the application of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, as well as novel approaches of their combinations for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in recent years, with a focus on upcoming initiatives to improve the efficacy of these treatment approaches for metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Qin
- No. 4 Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200051, P.R. China
| | - Mei Zheng
- No. 4 Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200051, P.R. China
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Mooradian MJ, Sullivan RJ. Immunotherapy in Melanoma: Recent Advancements and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4176. [PMID: 37627204 PMCID: PMC10452647 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition has fundamentally altered the treatment paradigm of resectable and unresectable melanoma, resulting in dramatic improvements in patient outcomes. With these advances, the five-year overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed unresectable disease has eclipsed 50%. Ongoing research is focused on improving outcomes further, with a considerable emphasis on preventing de novo and acquired resistance and personalizing therapeutic options. Here, we review the ongoing advancements in the treatment of malignant melanoma, focusing on novel combination strategies that aim to build upon the successes of the last decade.
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Ruzzi F, Semprini MS, Scalambra L, Palladini A, Angelicola S, Cappello C, Pittino OM, Nanni P, Lollini PL. Virus-like Particle (VLP) Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12963. [PMID: 37629147 PMCID: PMC10454695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612963] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are increasingly being studied as a possible strategy to prevent and treat cancers. While several prophylactic vaccines for virus-caused cancers are approved and efficiently used worldwide, the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines needs to be further implemented. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled protein structures that mimic native viruses or bacteriophages but lack the replicative material. VLP platforms are designed to display single or multiple antigens with a high-density pattern, which can trigger both cellular and humoral responses. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of preventive VLP-based vaccines currently approved worldwide against HBV and HPV infections or under evaluation to prevent virus-caused cancers. Furthermore, preclinical and early clinical data on prophylactic and therapeutic VLP-based cancer vaccines were summarized with a focus on HER-2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ruzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Maria Sofia Semprini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Laura Scalambra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Arianna Palladini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Stefania Angelicola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Chiara Cappello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Olga Maria Pittino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Patrizia Nanni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
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Pelka S, Guha C. Enhancing Immunogenicity in Metastatic Melanoma: Adjuvant Therapies to Promote the Anti-Tumor Immune Response. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2245. [PMID: 37626741 PMCID: PMC10452223 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer characterized by low survival rates. Less than 50% of advanced melanoma patients respond to current therapies, and of those patients that do respond, many present with tumor recurrence due to resistance. The immunosuppressive tumor-immune microenvironment (TIME) remains a major obstacle in melanoma therapy. Adjuvant treatment modalities that enhance anti-tumor immune cell function are associated with improved patient response. One potential mechanism to stimulate the anti-tumor immune response is by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumors. ICD leads to the release of damage-associated molecular patterns within the TIME, subsequently promoting antigen presentation and anti-tumor immunity. This review summarizes relevant concepts and mechanisms underlying ICD and introduces the potential of non-ablative low-intensity focused ultrasound (LOFU) as an immune-priming therapy that can be combined with ICD-inducing focal ablative therapies to promote an anti-melanoma immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pelka
- Department of Development and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Chandan Guha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Institute of Onco-Physics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Zhao X, Dong Y, Zhang J, Chen C, Gao L, Shi C, Fu Z, Han M, Tang C, Sun P, Yang Z, Zhang C, Zhao K, Jiang X. Reversing immune evasion using a DNA nano-orchestrator for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. Acta Biomater 2023; 166:512-523. [PMID: 37150276 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Immune evasion caused by the paucity of MHCI is a prominent characteristic of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), which is thought to underlie dysfunctional even absent adaptive T cell immunity and is responsible for ineffective immunotherapy. Here, we report a ROS-responsive DNA nano-orchestrator to cascade reverse MHC I-associated immune evasion and boost anti-tumor T cell stimulation, stimulating the activation of tumoricidal immunity against PAAD. Chloroquine phosphate (CQP) as an autophagy inhibitor was first encapsulated with ferritin, and via DNA modular self-assembly technology, the generated ferritin nanocores (FNC) were then caged into ROS-responsive CpG-DNA nanoframe. After systemic injection, the FNC-laden DNA nanoframe (FNC@NF) was passively enriched in tumor tissues in which the DNA nanoframe was cleaved upon the ROS stimulation. Oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) with CpG motifs was detached and functioned as a TLR9 agonist. The liberated FNC was then endocytosed in an actively targeted manner by binding to transferrin receptor 1. In the lysosome, CQP was burst released from FNC due to acid-triggering. Through CQP-mediated autophagy abrogation, MHC-I molecules were preserved. We demonstrated that cascade inhibiting autophagy and boosting TLR9 stimulation via our proposed DNA-based hybrid nanosystem restored MHC I on the tumor cell surface and reshaped the antigen presentation of DCs, and ultimately reversed immune evasion and synergistically reinforced the activation of cytotoxic T cells against PAAD cells. In sum, our work provides an alternative strategy for cascade reversing immune evasion and boosting anti-tumor T cell stimulation and holds great potential for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A DNA nano-orchestrator was created by sequentially assembling chloroquine phosphate-laden ferritin nanocores with ROS-responsive CpG-DNA nanoframe. Through cascade inhibiting autophagy and boosting TLR9 stimulation, the nano-orchestrator efficiently reversed MHC I-associated immune evasion and augmented anti-tumor T cell stimulation, which ultimately activated tumoricidal immunity against pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Zhao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yuanmin Dong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chen Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lin Gao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chongdeng Shi
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhipeng Fu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Maosen Han
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chunwei Tang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Peng Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 University Road, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
| | - Zhenmei Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Kun Zhao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Khalili S, Zeinali F, Moghadam Fard A, Taha SR, Fazlollahpour Naghibi A, Bagheri K, Shariat Zadeh M, Eslami Y, Fattah K, Asadimanesh N, Azarimatin A, Khalesi B, Almasi F, Payandeh Z. Macrophage-Based Therapeutic Strategies in Hematologic Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3722. [PMID: 37509382 PMCID: PMC10378576 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are types of immune cells, with ambivalent functions in tumor growth, which depend on the specific environment in which they reside. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a diverse population of immunosuppressive myeloid cells that play significant roles in several malignancies. TAM infiltration in malignancies has been linked to a poor prognosis and limited response to treatments, including those using checkpoint inhibitors. Understanding the precise mechanisms through which macrophages contribute to tumor growth is an active area of research as targeting these cells may offer potential therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Numerous investigations have focused on anti-TAM-based methods that try to eliminate, rewire, or target the functional mediators released by these cells. Considering the importance of these strategies in the reversion of tumor resistance to conventional therapies and immune modulatory vaccination could be an appealing approach for the immunosuppressive targeting of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The combination of reprogramming and TAM depletion is a special feature of this approach compared to other clinical strategies. Thus, the present review aims to comprehensively overview the pleiotropic activities of TAMs and their involvement in various stages of cancer development as a potent drug target, with a focus on hematologic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran 1678815811, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zeinali
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6135715794, Iran
| | - Atousa Moghadam Fard
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 4188783417, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Taha
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Andarz Fazlollahpour Naghibi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Kimia Bagheri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Shariat Zadeh
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Yeghaneh Eslami
- Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 4815733971, Iran
| | - Khashayar Fattah
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Asadimanesh
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Armin Azarimatin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar 5381637181, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj 3197619751, Iran
| | - Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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Luke JJ, Piha-Paul SA, Medina T, Verschraegen CF, Varterasian M, Brennan AM, Riese RJ, Sokolovska A, Strauss J, Hava DL, Janku F. Phase I Study of SYNB1891, an Engineered E. coli Nissle Strain Expressing STING Agonist, with and without Atezolizumab in Advanced Malignancies. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2435-2444. [PMID: 37227176 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE SYNB1891 is a live, modified strain of the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) engineered to produce cyclic dinucleotides under hypoxia, leading to STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) activation in phagocytic antigen-presenting cells in tumors and activating complementary innate immune pathways. PATIENTS AND METHODS This first-in-human study (NCT04167137) enrolled participants with refractory advanced cancers to receive repeat intratumoral injections of SYNB1891 either alone or in combination with atezolizumab, with the primary objective of evaluating the safety and tolerability of both regimens. RESULTS Twenty-four participants received monotherapy across six cohorts, and 8 participants received combination therapy in two cohorts. Five cytokine release syndrome events occurred with monotherapy, including one that met the criteria for dose-limiting toxicity at the highest dose; no other SYNB1891-related serious adverse events occurred, and no SYNB1891-related infections were observed. SYNB1891 was not detected in the blood at 6 or 24 hours after the first intratumoral dose or in tumor tissue 7 days following the first dose. Treatment with SYNB1891 resulted in activation of the STING pathway and target engagement as assessed by upregulation of IFN-stimulated genes, chemokines/cytokines, and T-cell response genes in core biopsies obtained predose and 7 days following the third weekly dose. In addition, a dose-related increase in serum cytokines was observed, as well as stable disease in 4 participants refractory to prior PD-1/L1 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS Repeat intratumoral injection of SYNB1891 as monotherapy and in combination with atezolizumab was safe and well tolerated, and evidence of STING pathway target engagement was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Luke
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Theresa Medina
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Filip Janku
- University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Tan JS, Jaffar Ali MNB, Gan BK, Tan WS. Next-generation viral nanoparticles for targeted delivery of therapeutics: Fundamentals, methods, biomedical applications, and challenges. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:955-978. [PMID: 37339432 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2228202] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are virus-based nanocarriers that have been studied extensively and intensively for biomedical applications. However, their clinical translation is relatively low compared to the predominating lipid-based nanoparticles. Therefore, this article describes the fundamentals, challenges, and solutions of the VNP-based platform, which will leverage the development of next-generation VNPs. AREAS COVERED Different types of VNPs and their biomedical applications are reviewed comprehensively. Strategies and approaches for cargo loading and targeted delivery of VNPs are examined thoroughly. The latest developments in controlled release of cargoes from VNPs and their mechanisms are highlighted too. The challenges faced by VNPs in biomedical applications are identified, and solutions are provided to overcome them. EXPERT OPINION In the development of next-generation VNPs for gene therapy, bioimaging and therapeutic deliveries, focus must be given to reduce their immunogenicity, and increase their stability in the circulatory system. Modular virus-like particles (VLPs) which are produced separately from their cargoes or ligands before all the components are coupled can speed up clinical trials and commercialization. In addition, removal of contaminants from VNPs, cargo delivery across the blood brain barrier (BBB), and targeting of VNPs to organelles intracellularly are challenges that will preoccupy researchers in this decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Sen Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Norizwan Bin Jaffar Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bee Koon Gan
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Siang Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Kruse B, Buzzai AC, Shridhar N, Braun AD, Gellert S, Knauth K, Pozniak J, Peters J, Dittmann P, Mengoni M, van der Sluis TC, Höhn S, Antoranz A, Krone A, Fu Y, Yu D, Essand M, Geffers R, Mougiakakos D, Kahlfuß S, Kashkar H, Gaffal E, Bosisio FM, Bechter O, Rambow F, Marine JC, Kastenmüller W, Müller AJ, Tüting T. CD4 + T cell-induced inflammatory cell death controls immune-evasive tumours. Nature 2023:10.1038/s41586-023-06199-x. [PMID: 37316667 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Most clinically applied cancer immunotherapies rely on the ability of CD8+ cytolytic T cells to directly recognize and kill tumour cells1-3. These strategies are limited by the emergence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-deficient tumour cells and the formation of an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment4-6. The ability of CD4+ effector cells to contribute to antitumour immunity independently of CD8+ T cells is increasingly recognized, but strategies to unleash their full potential remain to be identified7-10. Here, we describe a mechanism whereby a small number of CD4+ T cells is sufficient to eradicate MHC-deficient tumours that escape direct CD8+ T cell targeting. The CD4+ effector T cells preferentially cluster at tumour invasive margins where they interact with MHC-II+CD11c+ antigen-presenting cells. We show that T helper type 1 cell-directed CD4+ T cells and innate immune stimulation reprogramme the tumour-associated myeloid cell network towards interferon-activated antigen-presenting and iNOS-expressing tumouricidal effector phenotypes. Together, CD4+ T cells and tumouricidal myeloid cells orchestrate the induction of remote inflammatory cell death that indirectly eradicates interferon-unresponsive and MHC-deficient tumours. These results warrant the clinical exploitation of this ability of CD4+ T cells and innate immune stimulators in a strategy to complement the direct cytolytic activity of CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells and advance cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Kruse
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anthony C Buzzai
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Naveen Shridhar
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas D Braun
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Susan Gellert
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Knauth
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Joanna Pozniak
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johannes Peters
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Paulina Dittmann
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Mengoni
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tetje Cornelia van der Sluis
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Simon Höhn
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Asier Antoranz
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Krone
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yan Fu
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Di Yu
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Essand
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert Geffers
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sascha Kahlfuß
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hamid Kashkar
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Evelyn Gaffal
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Oliver Bechter
- Department of General Medical Oncology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Florian Rambow
- Department of Applied Computational Cancer Research, Institute for AI in Medicine (IKIM), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Andreas J Müller
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Tüting
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Health Campus Immunology Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Peng Z, Li M, Li H, Gao Q. PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade in ovarian cancer: dilemmas and opportunities. Drug Discov Today 2023:103666. [PMID: 37302543 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized treatment in oncology. Antibodies against PD-1/PD-L1 and ICI-based combinations are under clinical investigations in multiple cancers, including ovarian cancer. However, the success of ICIs has not materialized in ovarian cancer, which remains one of the few malignancies where ICIs exhibit modest efficacy as either monotherapy or combination therapy. In this review, we summarize completed and ongoing clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in ovarian cancer, categorize the underlying mechanisms of resistance emergence, and introduce candidate approaches to rewire the tumor microenvironment (TME) to potentiate anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Teaser: The intrinsic resistance of ovarian cancer to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade could be overcome by advanced understanding of underlying mechanisms and discoveries of new actionable targets for combinatory treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikun Peng
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cancer Biology Research Centre (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cancer Biology Research Centre (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cancer Biology Research Centre (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cancer Biology Research Centre (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Park HY, Ashayeripanah M, Chopin M. Harnessing dendritic cell diversity in cancer immunotherapy. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 82:102341. [PMID: 37236040 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are ubiquitous immune cells endowed with a unique capacity to initiate antigen-specific immunity and tolerance. Owing to their unique functional attributes, DCs have long been considered ideal candidates for the induction of effective antitumour responses. At the forefront of the cancer-immunity cycle, attempts to harness DC natural adjuvant properties in the clinic have resulted so far in suboptimal antitumour responses. A better understanding of the heterogeneity of the DC network and its dynamics within the tumour microenvironment will provide a blueprint to fully capitalise on their functional properties to achieve more effective antitumour responses. In this review, we will briefly summarise the origin and heterogeneity of the DC network, their roles in shaping antitumour immunity and in modulating the response to immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Young Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Mitra Ashayeripanah
- Department of Biochemistry, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Michaël Chopin
- Department of Biochemistry, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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Indini A, Lombardo M, Sidoni A, Gianatti A, Mandalà M, Massi D. Pathology of Immunotherapy-induced Responses in Cutaneous Melanoma: Current Evidences and Future Perspectives. Adv Anat Pathol 2023; 30:218-229. [PMID: 36221225 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the last years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated remarkable anti-tumor activity and beneficial effects in patients with early and advanced melanoma. However, ICIs provide clinical benefit only in a minority of patients due to primary and/or acquired resistance mechanisms. Immunotherapy resistance is a complex phenomenon relying on genetic and epigenetic factors, which ultimately influence the interplay between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Information is accumulating on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the production of resistance and the resulting diminished therapeutic efficacy. In addition, current knowledge on predictors of response and toxicity to immunotherapy and on biomarkers that reliably identify resistant patients is in progress. In this review, we will focus on the tumor microenvironment changes induced by ICIs in melanoma, summarizing the available evidence of clinical trials in the neoadjuvant and metastatic setting. We will also overview the role of potential biomarkers in predicting disease response to ICIs, providing insight into current and future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurizio Lombardo
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Varese
| | - Angelo Sidoni
- Section of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
| | | | - Mario Mandalà
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia
| | - Daniela Massi
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Fernandez-Rodriguez L, Cianciaruso C, Bill R, Trefny MP, Klar R, Kirchhammer N, Buchi M, Festag J, Michel S, Kohler RH, Jones E, Maaske A, Vom Berg J, Kobold S, Kashyap AS, Jaschinski F, Dixon KO, Pittet MJ, Zippelius A. Dual TLR9 and PD-L1 targeting unleashes dendritic cells to induce durable antitumor immunity. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006714. [PMID: 37208130 PMCID: PMC10201251 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006714] [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] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have been a breakthrough in clinical oncology, these therapies fail to produce durable responses in a significant fraction of patients. This lack of long-term efficacy may be due to a poor pre-existing network linking innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we present an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based strategy that dually targets toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), aiming to overcome resistance to anti-PD-L1 monoclonal therapy. METHODS We designed a high-affinity immunomodulatory IM-TLR9:PD-L1-ASO antisense oligonucleotide (hereafter, IM-T9P1-ASO) targeting mouse PD-L1 messenger RNA and activating TLR9. Then, we performed in vitro and in vivo studies to validate the IM-T9P1-ASO activity, efficacy, and biological effects in tumors and draining lymph nodes. We also performed intravital imaging to study IM-T9P1-ASO pharmacokinetics in the tumor. RESULTS IM-T9P1-ASO therapy, unlike PD-L1 antibody therapy, results in durable antitumor responses in multiple mouse cancer models. Mechanistically, IM-T9P1-ASO activates a state of tumor-associated dendritic cells (DCs), referred to here as DC3s, which have potent antitumor potential but express the PD-L1 checkpoint. IM-T9P1-ASO has two roles: it triggers the expansion of DC3s by engaging with TLR9 and downregulates PD-L1, thereby unleashing the antitumor functions of DC3s. This dual action leads to tumor rejection by T cells. The antitumor efficacy of IM-T9P1-ASO depends on the antitumor cytokine interleukin-12 (IL-12), produced by DC3s, and Batf3, a transcription factor required for DC development. CONCLUSIONS By simultaneously targeting TLR9 and PD-L1, IM-T9P1-ASO amplifies antitumor responses via DC activation, leading to sustained therapeutic efficacy in mice. By highlighting differences and similarities between mouse and human DCs, this study could serve to develop similar therapeutic strategies for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Cianciaruso
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ruben Bill
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marcel P Trefny
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Richard Klar
- Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co KG, Planegg Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nicole Kirchhammer
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mélanie Buchi
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julia Festag
- Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co KG, Planegg Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sven Michel
- Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co KG, Planegg Martinsried, Germany
| | - Rainer H Kohler
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elham Jones
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andre Maaske
- Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co KG, Planegg Martinsried, Germany
| | - Johannes Vom Berg
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Abhishek S Kashyap
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frank Jaschinski
- Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co KG, Planegg Martinsried, Germany
| | - Karen O Dixon
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mikael J Pittet
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne Branch, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Zippelius
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Venzel R, Campos MCP, de Oliveira LP, Dan Lins RV, Siena ÁDD, Mesquita KT, Moreira Dos Santos TP, Nohata N, Arruda LCM, Sales-Campos H, Neto MPC. Clinical and molecular overview of immunotherapeutic approaches for malignant skin melanoma: Past, present and future. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 186:103988. [PMID: 37086955 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional therapeutic approaches for malignant melanoma, have proved to be limited and/or ineffective, especially with respect to their role in improving patient survival and tumor recurrence. In this regard, immunotherapy has been demonstrated to be a promising therapeutic alternative, boosting antitumor responses through the modulation of cell signaling pathways involved in the effector mechanisms of the immune system, particularly, the so-called "immunological checkpoints". Clinical studies on the efficacy and safety of immunotherapeutic regimens, alone or in combination with other antitumor approaches, have increased dramatically in recent decades, with very encouraging results. Hence, this review will discuss the current immunotherapeutic regimens used to treat malignant melanoma, as well as the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. In addition, current clinical studies that have investigated the use, efficacy, and adverse events of immunotherapy in melanoma will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaelly Venzel
- Institute of Health and Biotechnology, Federal University of Amazonas, Coari, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tálita Pollyana Moreira Dos Santos
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Head & Neck Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Nijiro Nohata
- Oncology Science Unit, MSD K.K, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Helioswilton Sales-Campos
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, GO, Brazil
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Zheng H, Yu X, Ibrahim ML, Foresman D, Xie M, Johnson JO, Boyle TA, Ruffell B, Perez BA, Antonia SJ, Ready N, Saltos AN, Cantwell MJ, Beg AA. Combination IFNβ and Membrane-Stable CD40L Maximize Tumor Dendritic Cell Activation and Lymph Node Trafficking to Elicit Systemic T-cell Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:466-485. [PMID: 36757308 PMCID: PMC10165690 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Oncolytic virus therapies induce the direct killing of tumor cells and activation of conventional dendritic cells (cDC); however, cDC activation has not been optimized with current therapies. We evaluated the adenoviral delivery of engineered membrane-stable CD40L (MEM40) and IFNβ to locally activate cDCs in mouse tumor models. Combined tumor MEM40 and IFNβ expression induced the highest cDC activation coupled with increased lymph node migration, increased systemic antitumor CD8+ T-cell responses, and regression of established tumors in a cDC1-dependent manner. MEM40 + IFNβ combined with checkpoint inhibitors led to effective control of distant tumors and lung metastases. An oncolytic adenovirus (MEM-288) expressing MEM40 + IFNβ in phase I clinical testing induced cancer cell loss concomitant with enhanced T-cell infiltration and increased systemic presence of tumor T-cell clonotypes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This approach to simultaneously target two major DC-activating pathways has the potential to significantly affect the solid tumor immunotherapy landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zheng
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Xiaoqing Yu
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Mohammed L Ibrahim
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dana Foresman
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Mengyu Xie
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Theresa A Boyle
- Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
- Thoracic Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Brian Ruffell
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Scott J Antonia
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Neal Ready
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Amer A Beg
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
- Thoracic Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
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Garate-Soraluze E, Serrano-Mendioroz I, Rodriguez-Ruiz M. Methods to assess radiation induced abscopal responses in mice. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 180:81-92. [PMID: 37890934 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.02.011] [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] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) can work together with the immune system to eliminate cancer. It can cause immunogenic cell death and facilitate tumor neoantigen presentation and thereby the cross-priming of tumor-specific T-lymphocytes, turning irradiated tumors into in-situ vaccines. Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that RT in conjunction with ICB leads to systemic anti-tumor immune responses, thus stimulating interest in using ICB to overcome primary and acquired cancer resistance to radiotherapy. However, the systemic effects (abscopal effects) obtained to date are far from being acceptable for clinical translation. In this context, multiple preclinical mouse models have demonstrated that a variety of immunotherapy agents can be delivered locally to enhance antitumor immunity both in a local and systemic fashion. Using two slightly asynchronous and anatomically distant subcutaneous B16OVA tumors in syngeneic immunocompetent hosts (C57BL/6), we describe the feasibility of a local immunotherapy treatment given in combination with external beam irradiation, which exerts immune-mediated antitumor effects in mice and humans upon intratumoral delivery. With minor variations, the same technique can be easily applied to a variety of mouse transplantable tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eneko Garate-Soraluze
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irantzu Serrano-Mendioroz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Rodriguez-Ruiz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Navarra Clinic, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
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van der Sluis TC, Beyrend G, van der Gracht ETI, Abdelaal T, Jochems SP, Belderbos RA, Wesselink TH, van Duikeren S, van Haften FJ, Redeker A, Ouboter LF, Beyranvand Nejad E, Camps M, Franken KLMC, Linssen MM, Hohenstein P, de Miranda NFCC, Mei H, Bins AD, Haanen JBAG, Aerts JG, Ossendorp F, Arens R. OX40 agonism enhances PD-L1 checkpoint blockade by shifting the cytotoxic T cell differentiation spectrum. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:100939. [PMID: 36796366 PMCID: PMC10040386 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.100939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) has the power to eradicate cancer, but the mechanisms that determine effective therapy-induced immune responses are not fully understood. Here, using high-dimensional single-cell profiling, we interrogate whether the landscape of T cell states in the peripheral blood predict responses to combinatorial targeting of the OX40 costimulatory and PD-1 inhibitory pathways. Single-cell RNA sequencing and mass cytometry expose systemic and dynamic activation states of therapy-responsive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumor-bearing mice with expression of distinct natural killer (NK) cell receptors, granzymes, and chemokines/chemokine receptors. Moreover, similar NK cell receptor-expressing CD8+ T cells are also detected in the blood of immunotherapy-responsive cancer patients. Targeting the NK cell and chemokine receptors in tumor-bearing mice shows the functional importance of these receptors for therapy-induced anti-tumor immunity. These findings provide a better understanding of ICT and highlight the use and targeting of dynamic biomarkers on T cells to improve cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetje C van der Sluis
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Guillaume Beyrend
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tamim Abdelaal
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Systems and Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt; Pattern Recognition and Bioinformatics, Delft University of Technology, 2628XE Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Simon P Jochems
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robert A Belderbos
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas H Wesselink
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne van Duikeren
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Floortje J van Haften
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anke Redeker
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Laura F Ouboter
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Elham Beyranvand Nejad
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Camps
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kees L M C Franken
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Margot M Linssen
- Central Animal and Transgenic Facility, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Hohenstein
- Central Animal and Transgenic Facility, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Noel F C C de Miranda
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hailiang Mei
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Adriaan D Bins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John B A G Haanen
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joachim G Aerts
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ferry Ossendorp
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ramon Arens
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Negrao MV, Papadimitrakopoulou VA, Price AC, Tam AL, Furqan M, Laroia ST, Massarelli E, Pacheco J, Heymach JV, Tsao AS, Walker GV, Vora L, Mauro D, Kelley H, Wooldridge JE, Krieg AM, Niu J. Vidutolimod in Combination With Atezolizumab With and Without Radiation Therapy in Patients With Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 or Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Blockade-Resistant Advanced NSCLC. JTO Clin Res Rep 2023; 4:100423. [PMID: 36925644 PMCID: PMC10011508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtocrr.2022.100423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vidutolimod, a CpG-A TLR9 agonist, was investigated in a phase 1b study (CMP-001-003; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03438318) in combination with atezolizumab with and without radiation therapy (RT) in patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods Patients with progressive disease after anti-programmed cell death protein 1 or programmed death-ligand 1 therapy received either vidutolimod and atezolizumab (part A) or vidutolimod, atezolizumab, and RT (part B). The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of vidutolimod and atezolizumab with and without RT. Key secondary end point was best objective response rate per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1. Results Between March 28, 2018, and July 25, 2019, a total of 29 patients were enrolled and received at least one dose of vidutolimod (part A, n = 13; part B, n = 16). Intratumoral injections of vidutolimod were administered successfully, including injection of visceral lesions. The most common treatment-related adverse events (≥30%) were flu-like symptoms and hypotension. No objective responses were observed; 23.1% and 50.0% of the patients in parts A and B, respectively, had stable disease as best response. In parts A and B, 15.4% and 25.0% of the patients, respectively, had tumor shrinkage (<30% decrease in tumor size, nonirradiated). Enrollment was stopped owing to lack of objective responses. In the two patients with initial tumor shrinkage in part A, a strong serum induction of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 was observed. Conclusions Vidutolimod and atezolizumab with and without RT had a manageable safety profile, with minimal clinical activity in heavily pretreated patients with programmed cell death protein 1 or programmed death-ligand 1 blockade-resistant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo V Negrao
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Vassiliki A Papadimitrakopoulou
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrew C Price
- Department of Radiology, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, Arizona
| | - Alda L Tam
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Muhammad Furqan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Sandeep T Laroia
- Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Erminia Massarelli
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Jose Pacheco
- Department of Medicine-Medical Oncology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - John V Heymach
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Anne S Tsao
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gary V Walker
- Department of Radiology, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, Arizona
| | - Lalit Vora
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - David Mauro
- Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Jiaxin Niu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, Arizona
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Zou Y, Yaguchi T. Programmed cell death-1 blockade therapy in melanoma: Resistance mechanisms and combination strategies. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:264-275. [PMID: 36645031 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly aggressive tumor derived from melanocytes. In recent years, the incidence and mortality of melanoma have gradually increased, seriously threatening human health. Classic treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy show very limited efficacy. Due to the high immunogenicity of melanoma cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors have received considerable attention as melanoma treatments. One such therapy is blockade of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), which is one of the most important negative immune regulators and is mainly expressed on activated T cells. Disruption of the interactions between PD-1 and its ligands, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) or programmed death-ligand 2 (PD-L2) rejuvenates exhausted T cells and enhances antitumor immunity. Although PD-1 blockade therapy is widely used in melanoma, a substantial proportion of patients still show no response or short durations of remission. Recent researches have focused on revealing the underlying mechanisms for resistance to this treatment and improving its efficacy through combination therapy. Here, we will introduce the resistance mechanisms associated with PD-1 blockade therapy in melanoma and review the combination therapies available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Zou
- Division of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomonori Yaguchi
- Division of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Abstract
Tumour progression is modulated by the local microenvironment. This environment is populated by many immune cells, of which macrophages are among the most abundant. Clinical correlative data and a plethora of preclinical studies in mouse models of cancers have shown that tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a cancer-promoting role. Within the primary tumour, TAMs promote tumour cell invasion and intravasation and tumour stem cell viability and induce angiogenesis. At the metastatic site, metastasis-associated macrophages promote extravasation, tumour cell survival and persistent growth, as well as maintain tumour cell dormancy in some contexts. In both the primary and metastatic sites, TAMs are suppressive to the activities of cytotoxic T and natural killer cells that have the potential to eradicate tumours. Such activities suggest that TAMs will be a major target for therapeutic intervention. In this Perspective article, we chronologically explore the evolution of our understanding of TAM biology put into the context of major enabling advances in macrophage biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey W Pollard
- MRC-Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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48
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Ziogas DC, Theocharopoulos C, Koutouratsas T, Haanen J, Gogas H. Mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma: What we have to overcome? Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 113:102499. [PMID: 36542945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Marching into the second decade after the approval of ipilimumab, it is clear that immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically improved the prognosis of melanoma. Although the current edge is already high, with a 4-year OS% of 77.9% for adjuvant nivolumab and a 6.5-year OS% of 49% for nivolumab/ipilimumab combination in the metastatic setting, a high proportion of patients with advanced melanoma have no benefit from immunotherapy, or experience an early disease relapse/progression in the first few months of treatment, surviving much less. Reasonably, the primary and acquired resistance to ICIs has entered into the focus of clinical research with positive (e.g., nivolumab and relatlimab combination) and negative feedbacks (e.g., nivolumab with pegylated-IL2, pembrolizumab with T-VEC, nivolumab with epacadostat, and combinatorial triplets of BRAF/MEK inhibitors with immunotherapy). Many intrinsic (intracellular or intra-tumoral) but also extrinsic (systematic) events are considered to be involved in the development of this resistance to ICIs: i) melanoma cell immunogenicity (e.g., tumor mutational burden, antigen-processing machinery and immunogenic cell death, neoantigen affinity and heterogeneity, genomic instability, melanoma dedifferentiation and phenotypic plasticity), ii) immune cell trafficking, T-cell priming, and cell death evasion, iii) melanoma neovascularization, cellular TME components(e.g., Tregs, CAFs) and extracellular matrix modulation, iv) metabolic antagonism in the TME(highly glycolytic status, upregulated CD39/CD73/adenosine pathway, iDO-dependent tryptophan catabolism), v) T-cell exhaustion and negative immune checkpoints, and vi) gut microbiota. In the present overview, we discuss how these parameters compromise the efficacy of ICIs, with an emphasis on the lessons learned by the latest melanoma studies; and in parallel, we describe the main ongoing approaches to overcome the resistance to immunotherapy. Summarizing this information will improve the understanding of how these complicated dynamics contribute to immune escape and will help to develop more effective strategies on how anti-tumor immunity can surpass existing barriers of ICI-refractory melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios C Ziogas
- First Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
| | - Charalampos Theocharopoulos
- First Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
| | - Tilemachos Koutouratsas
- First Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
| | - John Haanen
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Helen Gogas
- First Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
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49
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Lemech C, Dredge K, Bampton D, Hammond E, Clouston A, Waterhouse NJ, Stanley AC, Leveque-El Mouttie L, Chojnowski GM, Haydon A, Pavlakis N, Burge M, Brown MP, Goldstein D. Phase Ib open-label, multicenter study of pixatimod, an activator of TLR9, in combination with nivolumab in subjects with microsatellite-stable metastatic colorectal cancer, metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and other solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006136. [PMID: 36634920 PMCID: PMC9843174 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pixatimod is a unique activator of the Toll-like Receptor 9 pathway. This phase I trial evaluated safety, efficacy and pharmacodynamics of pixatimod and PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab in immunologically cold cancers. METHODS 3+3 dose escalation with microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer (MSS mCRC) and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) expansion cohorts. Participants received pixatimod once weekly as a 1-hour intravenous infusion plus nivolumab every 2 weeks. Objectives included assessment of safety, antitumor activity, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetic profile. RESULTS Fifty-eight participants started treatment. The maximum tolerated dose of pixatimod was 25 mg in combination with 240 mg nivolumab, which was used in the expansion phases of the study. Twenty-one grade 3-5 treatment-related adverse events were reported in 12 participants (21%); one participant receiving 50 mg pixatimod/nivolumab had a treatment-related grade 5 AE. The grade 3/4 rate in the MSS mCRC cohort (n=33) was 12%. There were no responders in the mPDAC cohort (n=18). In the MSS mCRC cohort, 25 participants were evaluable (initial postbaseline assessment scans >6 weeks); of these, three participants had confirmed partial responses (PR) and eight had stable disease (SD) for at least 9 weeks. Clinical benefit (PR+SD) was associated with lower Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value and plasma IL-6 but increased IP-10 and IP-10/IL-8 ratio. In an MSS mCRC participant with PR as best response, increased infiltration of T cells, dendritic cells, and to a lesser extent NK cells, were evident 5 weeks post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS Pixatimod is well tolerated at 25 mg in combination with nivolumab. The efficacy signal and pharmacodynamic changes in MSS mCRC warrants further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05061017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lemech
- Scientia Clinical Research Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Keith Dredge
- Zucero Therapeutics Ltd, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Darryn Bampton
- Zucero Therapeutics Ltd, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Edward Hammond
- Zucero Therapeutics Ltd, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Clouston
- Department of Pathology, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nigel J Waterhouse
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amanda C Stanley
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Grace M Chojnowski
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Haydon
- Medical Oncology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nick Pavlakis
- Medical Oncology, Genesis Care, North Shore Health Hub, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia,Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Burge
- Medical Oncology, The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael P Brown
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia,Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David Goldstein
- Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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50
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Hargadon KM. Genetic dysregulation of immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways associated with tumor-intrinsic immune resistance: a molecular basis for combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy for cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:40. [PMID: 36629955 PMCID: PMC11072992 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the turn of the century, advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Although these approaches have far outperformed traditional therapies in various clinical settings, both remain plagued by mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance that limit therapeutic efficacy in many patients. With a focus on tumor-intrinsic resistance to immunotherapy, this review highlights our current understanding of the immunologic and oncogenic pathways whose genetic dysregulation in cancer cells enables immune escape. Emphasis is placed on genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic aberrations that influence the activity of these pathways in the context of immune resistance. Specifically, the role of pathways that govern interferon signaling, antigen processing and presentation, and immunologic cell death as determinants of tumor immune susceptibility are discussed. Likewise, mechanisms of tumor immune resistance mediated by dysregulated RAS-MAPK, WNT, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, and cell cycle pathways are described. Finally, this review highlights the ways in which recent insight into genetic dysregulation of these immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways is informing the design of combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy regimens that aim to restore immune susceptibility of cancer cells by overcoming resistance mechanisms that often limit the success of monotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian M Hargadon
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA.
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