1
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Xiang Y, Liu X, Wang Y, Zheng D, Meng Q, Jiang L, Yang S, Zhang S, Zhang X, Liu Y, Wang B. Mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: promising strategies to overcoming challenges. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1366260. [PMID: 38655260 PMCID: PMC11035781 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1366260] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a significant challenge in the treatment of this disease. The mechanisms of resistance are multifactorial and include molecular target alterations and activation of alternative pathways, tumor heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment change, immune evasion, and immunosuppression. Promising strategies for overcoming resistance include the development of combination therapies, understanding the resistance mechanisms to better use novel drug targets, the identification of biomarkers, the modulation of the tumor microenvironment and so on. Ongoing research into the mechanisms of resistance and the development of new therapeutic approaches hold great promise for improving outcomes for patients with NSCLC. Here, we summarize diverse mechanisms driving resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy in NSCLC and the latest potential and promising strategies to overcome the resistance to help patients who suffer from NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchu Xiang
- West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xudong Liu
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Cardiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Dawei Zheng
- The College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuxing Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liuzhou People’s Hospital, Liuzhou, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology (Liuzhou People’s Hospital), Liuzhou, China
| | - Lingling Jiang
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Sha Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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2
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DeVito NC, Nguyen YV, Sturdivant M, Plebanek MP, Howell K, Yarla N, Jain V, Aksu M, Beasley G, Theivanthiran B, Hanks BA. Gli2 Facilitates Tumor Immune Evasion and Immunotherapeutic Resistance by Coordinating Wnt Ligand and Prostaglandin Signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.31.587500. [PMID: 38617347 PMCID: PMC11014473 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.31.587500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance to immune checkpoint blockade has been commonly linked to the process of mesenchymal transformation (MT) and remains a prevalent obstacle across many cancer types. An improved mechanistic understanding for MT-mediated immune evasion promises to lead to more effective combination therapeutic regimens. Herein, we identify the Hedgehog transcription factor, Gli2, as a key node of tumor-mediated immune evasion and immunotherapy resistance during MT. Mechanistic studies reveal that Gli2 generates an immunotolerant tumor microenvironment through the upregulation of Wnt ligand production and increased prostaglandin synthesis. This pathway drives the recruitment, viability, and function of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) while also impairing type I conventional dendritic cell, CD8 + T cell, and NK cell functionality. Pharmacologic EP2/EP4 prostaglandin receptor inhibition and Wnt ligand inhibition each reverses a subset of these effects, while preventing primary and adaptive resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, respectively. A transcriptional Gli2 signature correlates with resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in stage IV melanoma patients, providing a translational roadmap to direct combination immunotherapeutics in the clinic. SIGNIFICANCE Gli2-induced EMT promotes immune evasion and immunotherapeutic resistance via coordinated prostaglandin and Wnt signaling.
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3
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Hutchenreuther J, Nguyen J, Quesnel K, Vincent KM, Petitjean L, Bourgeois S, Boyd M, Bou-Gharios G, Postovit LM, Leask A. Cancer-associated Fibroblast-specific Expression of the Matricellular Protein CCN1 Coordinates Neovascularization and Stroma Deposition in Melanoma Metastasis. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:556-570. [PMID: 38363129 PMCID: PMC10898341 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is the leading cause of skin cancer-related death. As prognosis of patients with melanoma remains problematic, identification of new therapeutic targets remains essential. Matricellular proteins are nonstructural extracellular matrix proteins. They are secreted into the tumor microenvironment to coordinate behavior among different cell types, yet their contribution to melanoma is underinvestigated. Examples of matricellular proteins include those comprising the CCN family. The CCN family member, CCN1, is highly proangiogenic. Herein, we show that, in human patients with melanoma, although found in several tumor cell types, CCN1 is highly expressed by a subset of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in patients with melanoma and this expression correlates positively with expression of proangiogenic genes and progressive disease/resistance to anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitors. Consistent with these observations, in a syngeneic C57BL6 mouse model of melanoma, loss of CCN1 expression from Col1A2-Cre-, herein identified as "universal," fibroblasts, impaired metastasis of subcutaneously injected B16F10 tumor cells to lung, concomitant with disrupted neovascularization and collagen organization. Disruption of the extracellular matrix in the loss of CCN1 was validated using a novel artificial intelligence-based image analysis platform that revealed significantly decreased phenotypic fibrosis and composite morphometric collagen scores. As drug resistance is linked to matrix deposition and neoangiogenesis, these data suggest that CCN1, due to its multifaceted role, may represent a novel therapeutic target for drug-resistant melanoma. Our data further emphasize the essential role that cancer-associated, (universal) Col1A2-Cre-fibroblasts and extracellular matrix remodeling play in coordinating behavior among different cell types within the tumor microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE In human patients, the expression of proangiogenic matricellular protein CCN1 in CAFs correlates positively with expression of stroma and angiogenic markers and progressive disease/resistance to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. In an animal model, loss of CCN1 from CAFs impaired metastasis of melanoma cells, neovascularization, and collagen deposition, emphasizing that CAFs coordinate cellular behavior in a tumor microenvironment and that CCN1 may be a novel target.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hutchenreuther
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Nguyen
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Katherine Quesnel
- Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Krista M. Vincent
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sophia Bourgeois
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Boyd
- Office of the Vice President of Research, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - George Bou-Gharios
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Basak NP, Jaganathan K, Das B, Muthusamy O, M R, Malhotra R, Samal A, Nath M, Ms G, Shankar AP, Bv P, Pillai V, Bv M, C J, K V, K GS, Govindan S, V S, Juby, R K, Bhowal C, Kumar U, K G, Malhotra M, Sankaran S. Tumor histoculture captures the dynamic interactions between tumor and immune components in response to anti-PD1 in head and neck cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1585. [PMID: 38383563 PMCID: PMC10881470 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45723-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamic interactions within the tumor micro-environment drive patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Existing preclinical models lack true representation of this complexity. Using a Head and Neck cancer patient derived TruTumor histoculture platform, the response spectrum of 70 patients to anti-PD1 treatment is investigated in this study. With a subset of 55 patient samples, multiple assays to characterize T-cell reinvigoration and tumor cytotoxicity are performed. Based on levels of these two response parameters, patients are stratified into five sub-cohorts, with the best responder and non-responder sub-cohorts falling at extreme ends of the spectrum. The responder sub-cohort exhibits high T-cell reinvigoration, high tumor cytotoxicity with T-cells homing into the tumor upon treatment whereas immune suppression and tumor progression pathways are pre-dominant in the non-responders. Some moderate responders benefit from combination of anti-CTLA4 with anti-PD1, which is evident from better cytotoxic T-cell: T-regulatory cell ratio and enhancement of tumor cytotoxicity. Baseline and on-treatment gene expression signatures from this study stratify responders and non-responders in unrelated clinical datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Biswajit Das
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Rajashekar M
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ritu Malhotra
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Amit Samal
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Moumita Nath
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ganesh Ms
- Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Prakash Bv
- Sri Lakshmi Multi-Speciality Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vijay Pillai
- Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Narayana Health, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Manjula Bv
- Bangalore Baptist Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayaprakash C
- DBR & SK Super Speciality Hospital, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Vasanth K
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Gowri Shankar K
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sindhu Govindan
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Syamkumar V
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Juby
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Koushika R
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandan Bhowal
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Upendra Kumar
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Govindaraj K
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohit Malhotra
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Satish Sankaran
- Farcast Biosciences India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
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5
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Meci A, Goyal N, Slonimsky G. Mechanisms of Resistance and Therapeutic Perspectives in Immunotherapy for Advanced Head and Neck Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:703. [PMID: 38398094 PMCID: PMC10887076 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040703] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is emerging as an effective treatment for advanced head and neck cancers and interest in this treatment modality has led to rapid expansion of this research. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab, monoclonal antibodies directed against the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor, are US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- and European Medical Agency (EMA)-approved immunotherapies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Resistance to immunotherapy is common, with about 60% of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC not responding to immunotherapy and only 20-30% of patients without disease progression in the long term. Overcoming resistance to immunotherapy is therefore essential for augmenting the effectiveness of immunotherapy in HNSCC. This review details the innate and adaptive mechanisms by which head and neck cancers can become resistant to immunotherapeutic agents, biomarkers that can be used for immunotherapy patient selection, as well as other factors of the tumor microenvironment correlated with therapeutic response and prognosis. Numerous combinations and novel immunotherapies are currently being trialed, based on better understood immune evasion mechanisms. These potential treatments hold the promise of overcoming resistance to immunotherapy in head and neck cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Meci
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Neerav Goyal
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Guy Slonimsky
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
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6
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Liu Q, Li L, Qin W, Chao T. Repurposing drugs for solid tumor treatment: focus on immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0281. [PMID: 37929901 PMCID: PMC10690875 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0281] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a significant global health challenge with limited treatment options beyond systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecular targeted therapy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality but the efficacy has plateaued, which therefore provides limited benefits to patients with cancer. Identification of more effective approaches to improve patient outcomes and extend survival are urgently needed. Drug repurposing has emerged as an attractive strategy for drug development and has recently garnered considerable interest. This review comprehensively analyses the efficacy of various repurposed drugs, such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) inhibitors, metformin, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) inhibitors, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), thymosin α1 (Tα1), aspirin, and bisphosphonate, in tumorigenesis with a specific focus on their impact on tumor immunology and immunotherapy. Additionally, we present a concise overview of the current preclinical and clinical studies investigating the potential therapeutic synergies achieved by combining these agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Long Li
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wan Qin
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tengfei Chao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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7
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Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Khabaz M, Hassan SL, Megahed M, Haikel Y, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Tumor Microenvironment as a Therapeutic Target in Melanoma Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3147. [PMID: 37370757 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123147] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor growth and therapy has recently attracted more attention in research and drug development. The ability of the microenvironment to trigger tumor maintenance, progression, and resistance is the main cause for treatment failure and tumor relapse. Accumulated evidence indicates that the maintenance and progression of tumor cells is determined by components of the microenvironment, which include stromal cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and immune cells), extracellular matrix (ECM), and soluble molecules (chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles). As a solid tumor, melanoma is not only a tumor mass of monolithic tumor cells, but it also contains supporting stroma, ECM, and soluble molecules. Melanoma cells are continuously in interaction with the components of the microenvironment. In the present review, we focus on the role of the tumor microenvironment components in the modulation of tumor progression and treatment resistance as well as the impact of the tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic target in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naji Kharouf
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Marla Khabaz
- Department of Production, Beta Factory for Veterinary Pharmaceutical Industries, Damascus 0100, Syria
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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8
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Harnessing epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to boost cancer immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:318-340. [PMID: 36823234 PMCID: PMC10066239 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-00980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is a powerful option for cancer treatment. Despite demonstrable progress, most patients fail to respond or achieve durable responses due to primary or acquired ICB resistance. Recently, tumor epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) was identified as a critical determinant in regulating immune escape and immunotherapy resistance in cancer. In this review, we summarize the emerging role of tumor EMP in ICB resistance and the tumor-intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms by which tumors exploit EMP to achieve immunosuppression and immune escape. We discuss strategies to modulate tumor EMP to alleviate immune resistance and to enhance the efficiency of ICB therapy. Our discussion provides new prospects to enhance the ICB response for therapeutic gain in cancer patients.
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9
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Zhang H, Chen L, Zhao Y, Luo N, Shi J, Xu S, Ma L, Wang M, Gu M, Mu C, Xiong Y. Relaxin-encapsulated polymeric metformin nanoparticles remodel tumor immune microenvironment by reducing CAFs for efficient triple-negative breast cancer immunotherapy. Asian J Pharm Sci 2023; 18:100796. [PMID: 37008735 PMCID: PMC10064789 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2023.100796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment which mediate desmoplastic response and are the primary driver for an immunosuppressive microenvironment, leading to the failure of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) immunotherapy. Therefore, depleting CAFs may enhance the effect of immunotherapy (such as PD-L1 antibody). Relaxin (RLN) has been demonstrated to significantly improve transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induced CAFs activation and tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. However, the short half-life and systemic vasodilation of RLN limit its in vivo efficacy. Here, plasmid encoding relaxin (pRLN) to locally express RLN was delivered with a new positively charged polymer named polymeric metformin (PolyMet), which could increase gene transfer efficiency significantly and have low toxicity that have been certified by our lab before. In order to improve the stability of pRLN in vivo, this complex was further formed lipid poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA)/PolyMet-pRLN nanoparticle (LPPR). The particle size of LPPR was 205.5 ± 2.9 nm, and the zeta potential was +55.4 ± 1.6 mV. LPPR displayed excellent tumor penetrating efficacy and weaken proliferation of CAFs in 4T1luc/CAFs tumor spheres in vitro. In vivo, it could reverse aberrantly activated CAFs by decreasing the expression of profibrogenic cytokine and remove the physical barrier to reshape the tumor stromal microenvironment, which enabled a 2.2-fold increase in cytotoxic T cell infiltration within the tumor and a decrease in immunosuppressive cells infiltration. Thus, LPPR was observed retarded tumor growth by itself in the 4T1 tumor bearing-mouse, and the reshaped immune microenvironment further led to facilitate antitumor effect when it combined with PD-L1 antibody (aPD-L1). Altogether, this study presented a novel therapeutic approach against tumor stroma using LPPR to achieve a combination regimen with immune checkpoint blockade therapy against the desmoplastic TNBC model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Liying Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ningchao Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jingbin Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shujun Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Lisha Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Menglin Wang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Mancang Gu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Chaofeng Mu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yang Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Corresponding author at: School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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10
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Ni JJ, Zhang ZZ, Ge MJ, Chen JY, Zhuo W. Immune-based combination therapy to convert immunologically cold tumors into hot tumors: an update and new insights. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:288-307. [PMID: 35927312 PMCID: PMC9889774 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As a breakthrough strategy for cancer treatment, immunotherapy mainly consists of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and other immunomodulatory drugs that provide a durable protective antitumor response by stimulating the immune system to fight cancer. However, due to the low response rate and unique toxicity profiles of immunotherapy, the strategies of combining immunotherapy with other therapies have attracted enormous attention. These combinations are designed to exert potent antitumor effects by regulating different processes in the cancer-immunity cycle. To date, immune-based combination therapy has achieved encouraging results in numerous clinical trials and has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for certain cancers with more studies underway. This review summarizes the emerging strategies of immune-based combination therapy, including combinations with another immunotherapeutic strategy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, targeted therapy, bacterial therapy, and stroma-targeted therapy. Here, we highlight the rationale of immune-based combination therapy, the biomarkers and the clinical progress for these immune-based combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Jiao Ni
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Institution of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zi-Zhen Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Institution of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ming-Jie Ge
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jing-Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Institution of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Zhuo
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Institution of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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11
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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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12
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Retzlaff J, Lai X, Berking C, Vera J. Integration of transcriptomics data into agent-based models of solid tumor metastasis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1930-1941. [PMID: 36942106 PMCID: PMC10024179 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.02.014] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in our understanding of cancer mostly relies on the systematic profiling of patient samples with high-throughput techniques like transcriptomics. With this approach, one can find gene signatures and networks underlying cancer aggressiveness and therapy resistance. However, omics data alone cannot generate insights into the spatiotemporal aspects of tumor progression. Here, multi-level computational modeling is a promising approach that would benefit from protocols to integrate the data generated by the high-throughput profiling of patient samples. We present a computational workflow to integrate transcriptomics data from tumor patients into hybrid, multi-scale cancer models. In the method, we conduct transcriptomics analysis to select key differentially regulated pathways in therapy responders and non-responders and link them to agent-based model parameters. We then determine global and local sensitivity through systematic model simulations that assess the relevance of parameter variations in triggering therapy resistance. We illustrate the methodology with a de novo generated agent-based model accounting for the interplay between tumor and immune cells in a melanoma micrometastasis. The application of the workflow identifies three distinct scenarios of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Retzlaff
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xin Lai
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Carola Berking
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julio Vera
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
- Corresponding author at: Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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13
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Barnestein R, Galland L, Kalfeist L, Ghiringhelli F, Ladoire S, Limagne E. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment modulation by chemotherapies and targeted therapies to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2120676. [PMID: 36117524 PMCID: PMC9481153 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2120676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid clinical development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the standard of care in cancer management has evolved rapidly. However, immunotherapy is not currently beneficial for all patients. In addition to intrinsic tumor factors, other etiologies of resistance to ICIs arise from the complex interplay between cancer and its microenvironment. Recognition of the essential role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer progression has led to a shift from a tumor-cell-centered view of cancer development, to the concept of a complex tumor ecosystem that supports tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. The expansion of immunosuppressive cells represents a cardinal strategy deployed by tumor cells to escape detection and elimination by the immune system. Regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and type-2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAM2) are major components of these inhibitory cellular networks, with the ability to suppress innate and adaptive anticancer immunity. They therefore represent major impediments to anticancer therapies, particularly immune-based interventions. Recent work has provided evidence that, beyond their direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, several conventional chemotherapeutic (CT) drugs and agents used in targeted therapies (TT) can promote the elimination or inactivation of suppressive immune cells, resulting in enhanced antitumor immunity. In this review, we will analyze findings pertaining to this concept, discuss the possible molecular bases underlying the selective targeting of these immunosuppressive cells by antineoplastic agents (CT and/or TT), and consider current challenges and future prospects related to the integration of these molecules into more efficient anticancer strategies, in the era of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robby Barnestein
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
| | - Loïck Galland
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
| | - Laura Kalfeist
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Sylvain Ladoire
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Emeric Limagne
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
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14
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Kang B, Camps J, Fan B, Jiang H, Ibrahim MM, Hu X, Qin S, Kirchhoff D, Chiang DY, Wang S, Ye Y, Shen Z, Bu Z, Zhang Z, Roider HG. Parallel single-cell and bulk transcriptome analyses reveal key features of the gastric tumor microenvironment. Genome Biol 2022; 23:265. [PMID: 36550535 PMCID: PMC9773611 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02828-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment (TME) has been shown to strongly influence treatment outcome for cancer patients in various indications and to influence the overall survival. However, the cells forming the TME in gastric cancer have not been extensively characterized. RESULTS We combine bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing from tumors and matched normal tissue of 24 treatment-naïve GC patients to better understand which cell types and transcriptional programs are associated with malignant transformation of the stomach. Clustering 96,623 cells of non-epithelial origin reveals 81 well-defined TME cell types. We find that activated fibroblasts and endothelial cells are most prominently overrepresented in tumors. Intercellular network reconstruction and survival analysis of an independent cohort imply the importance of these cell types together with immunosuppressive myeloid cell subsets and regulatory T cells in establishing an immunosuppressive microenvironment that correlates with worsened prognosis and lack of response in anti-PD1-treated patients. In contrast, we find a subset of IFNγ activated T cells and HLA-II expressing macrophages that are linked to treatment response and increased overall survival. CONCLUSIONS Our gastric cancer single-cell TME compendium together with the matched bulk transcriptome data provides a unique resource for the identification of new potential biomarkers for patient stratification. This study helps further to elucidate the mechanism of gastric cancer and provides insights for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boxi Kang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319BIOPIC, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Genomics, and School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jordi Camps
- grid.420044.60000 0004 0374 4101Biomedical Data Science, Research & Early Development Oncology, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - Biao Fan
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Hongpeng Jiang
- grid.411610.30000 0004 1764 2878Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China ,grid.411634.50000 0004 0632 4559Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mahmoud M. Ibrahim
- grid.420044.60000 0004 0374 4101Biomedical Data Science, Research & Early Development preMed, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Xueda Hu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319BIOPIC, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Genomics, and School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shishang Qin
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319BIOPIC, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Genomics, and School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dennis Kirchhoff
- grid.420044.60000 0004 0374 4101Immuno Oncology, Research & Early Development Oncology, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - Derek Y. Chiang
- Biomedical Data Science, Research & Early Development Oncology, Bayer US, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Shan Wang
- grid.411634.50000 0004 0632 4559Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411634.50000 0004 0632 4559Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjiang Ye
- grid.411634.50000 0004 0632 4559Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411634.50000 0004 0632 4559Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanlong Shen
- grid.411634.50000 0004 0632 4559Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411634.50000 0004 0632 4559Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaode Bu
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zemin Zhang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319BIOPIC, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Genomics, and School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Peking-Tsinghua Centre for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Helge G. Roider
- grid.420044.60000 0004 0374 4101Oncology Precision Medicine, Research & Early Development Oncology, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
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15
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Metropulos AE, Munshi HG, Principe DR. The difficulty in translating the preclinical success of combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint inhibition to clinical trial. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104380. [PMID: 36455409 PMCID: PMC9706619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment paradigm for solid tumors. However, even in cancers generally considered ICI-sensitive, responses can vary significantly. Thus, there is an ever-increasing interest in identifying novel means of improving therapeutic responses, both for cancers in which ICIs are indicated and those for which they have yet to show significant anti-tumor activity. To this end, Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) signaling is emerging as an important barrier to the efficacy of ICIs. Accordingly, several preclinical studies now support the use of combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint blockade, with near-uniform positive results across a wide range of tumor types. However, as these approaches have started to emerge in clinical trials, the addition of TGFβ inhibitors has often failed to show a meaningful benefit beyond the current generation of ICIs alone. Here, we summarize landmark clinical studies exploring combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint blockade. These studies not only reinforce the difficulty in translating results from rodents to clinical trials in immune-oncology but also underscore the need to re-evaluate the design of trials exploring this approach, incorporating both mechanism-driven combination strategies and novel, predictive biomarkers to identify the patients most likely to derive clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hidayatullah G Munshi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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16
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Theivanthiran B, Yarla N, Haykal T, Nguyen YV, Cao L, Ferreira M, Holtzhausen A, Al-Rohil R, Salama AKS, Beasley GM, Plebanek MP, DeVito NC, Hanks BA. Tumor-intrinsic NLRP3-HSP70-TLR4 axis drives premetastatic niche development and hyperprogression during anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabq7019. [PMID: 36417489 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq7019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The tumor-intrinsic NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) signaling axis is triggered by CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity and contributes to the development of adaptive resistance to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy by recruiting granulocytic polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) into the tumor microenvironment. Here, we demonstrate that the tumor NLRP3-HSP70 axis also drives the accumulation of PMN-MDSCs into distant lung tissues in a manner that depends on lung epithelial cell Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling, establishing a premetastatic niche that supports disease hyperprogression in response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Lung epithelial HSP70-TLR4 signaling induces the downstream Wnt5a-dependent release of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), thus promoting myeloid granulopoiesis and recruitment of PMN-MDSCs into pulmonary tissues. Treatment with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy enhanced the activation of this pathway through immunologic pressure and drove disease progression in the setting of Nlrp3 amplification. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of NLRP3 and HSP70 blocked PMN-MDSC accumulation in the lung in response to anti-PD-1 therapy and suppressed metastatic progression in preclinical models of melanoma and breast cancer. Elevated baseline concentrations of plasma HSP70 and evidence of NLRP3 signaling activity in tumor tissue specimens correlated with the development of disease hyperprogression and inferior survival in patients with stage IV melanoma undergoing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Together, this work describes a pathogenic mechanism underlying the phenomenon of disease hyperprogression in melanoma and offers candidate targets and markers capable of improving the management of patients with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balamayooran Theivanthiran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Nagendra Yarla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Tarek Haykal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Y-Van Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Linda Cao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Michelle Ferreira
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alisha Holtzhausen
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rami Al-Rohil
- Department of Pathology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Durham, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - April K S Salama
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Georgia M Beasley
- Department of Surgery, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Michael P Plebanek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Nicholas C DeVito
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Brent A Hanks
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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17
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Yu H, Sfakianos JP, Wang L, Hu Y, Daza J, Galsky MD, Sandhu HS, Elemento O, Faltas BM, Farkas AM, Bhardwaj N, Zhu J, Mulholland DJ. Tumor-Infiltrating Myeloid Cells Confer De Novo Resistance to PD-L1 Blockade through EMT-Stromal and Tgfβ-Dependent Mechanisms. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1729-1741. [PMID: 36129800 PMCID: PMC9706595 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Most patients with bladder cancer do not respond to ICB targeting of the PD-L1 signaling axis. Our modeling applied a de novo resistance signature to show that tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells promote poor treatment response in a TGFβ-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John P. Sfakianos
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Li Wang
- Sema4, Stamford, CT 06902 USA,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Yang Hu
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065
| | - Jorge Daza
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Matthew D. Galsky
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029
| | - Harkirat S. Sandhu
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065
| | - Bishoy M. Faltas
- Departments of Medicine, Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065,Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065
| | | | | | - Jun Zhu
- Sema4, Stamford, CT 06902 USA,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - David J. Mulholland
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029
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18
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Quach HT, Hou Z, Bellis RY, Saini JK, Amador-Molina A, Adusumilli PS, Xiong Y. Next-generation immunotherapy for solid tumors: combination immunotherapy with crosstalk blockade of TGFβ and PD-1/PD-L1. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1187-1202. [PMID: 36448335 PMCID: PMC10085570 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2152323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In solid tumor immunotherapy, less than 20% of patients respond to anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) agents. The role of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in diverse immunity is well-established; however, systemic blockade of TGFβ is associated with toxicity. Accumulating evidence suggests the role of crosstalk between TGFβ and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways. AREAS COVERED We focus on TGFβ and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway crosstalk and the determinant role of TGFβ in the resistance of immune checkpoint blockade. We provide the rationale for combination anti-TGFβ and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies for solid tumors and discuss the current status of dual blockade therapy in preclinical and clinical studies. EXPERT OPINION The heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment across solid tumors complicates patient selection, treatment regimens, and response and toxicity assessment for investigation of dual blockade agents. However, clinical knowledge from single-agent studies provides infrastructure to translate dual blockade therapies. Dual TGFβ and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade results in enhanced T-cell infiltration into tumors, a primary requisite for successful immunotherapy. A bifunctional fusion protein specifically targets TGFβ in the tumor microenvironment, avoiding systemic toxicity, and prevents interaction of PD-1+ cytotoxic cells with PD-L1+ tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue Tu Quach
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Zhaohua Hou
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Rebecca Y. Bellis
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jasmeen K. Saini
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Alfredo Amador-Molina
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Prasad S. Adusumilli
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Director, Mesothelioma Program; Head, Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Yuquan Xiong
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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19
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Zheng A, Wei Y, Zhao Y, Zhang T, Ma X. The role of cancer-associated mesothelial cells in the progression and therapy of ovarian cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1013506. [PMID: 36268019 PMCID: PMC9577001 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1013506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is currently one of the most common malignant tumors in females with poor survival rates around the world, killing about 200,000 women each year. Although great progress has been made in treatment, most patients receiving first-line therapy experience tumor recurrence. The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in regulating the progression and prognosis of ovarian cancer. Cancer-associated mesothelial cells are the main cell population in the tumor microenvironment, which affect the progression, prognosis and chemical resistance of ovarian cancer. Cancer-associated mesothelial cells can also interact with other microenvironmental components, such as exosomes, macrophages, and adipocytes. Some studies have developed drugs targeting cancer-associated mesothelial cells in ovarian cancer to evaluate the therapeutic efficiency. In this review we highlighted the key role of cancer-associated mesothelial cells in the progression and prognosis of ovarian cancer. We also described the progress of cancer-associated mesothelial cells targeted therapy for ovarian cancer. Continued insight into the role of cancer-associated mesothelial cells in ovarian cancer will potentially contribute to the development of new and effective therapeutic regiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Zheng
- Division of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Head & Neck Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuhao Wei
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunuo Zhao
- Division of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Division of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Division of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xuelei Ma,
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20
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Bai R, Cui J. Development of Immunotherapy Strategies Targeting Tumor Microenvironment Is Fiercely Ongoing. Front Immunol 2022; 13:890166. [PMID: 35833121 PMCID: PMC9271663 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.890166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune microenvironment is a very complex system that is influenced by a wide range of factors; in this microenvironment, various immune cells, stromal cells, and cytokines can interact with tumor cells and jointly regulate this complex ecosystem. During tumor development, the tumor microenvironment (TME) shows the upregulation of inhibitory signals and downregulation of activating signals, which result in an immunosuppressive microenvironment and lead to tumor immune escape. In recent years, a variety of precision immunotherapy strategies have been developed to remodel the TME into a positive immune microenvironment by stimulating or restoring the inherent tumor inhibition ability of the immune system so as to improve anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy. This review focuses on immunotherapy strategies targeting the TME, including those that target the microenvironment to inhibit signaling, activate signaling, and specifically involve many new targets such as physical barriers, immune cells and their surface molecular receptors, cytokines, and metabolic factors. Furthermore, it summarizes the challenges faced while conducting research on the tumor immune microenvironment and the corresponding solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- *Correspondence: Jiuwei Cui, , orcid.org/0000-0001-6496-7550
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21
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Tyan K, Abu-Shawer O, Baginska J, Severgnini M, Manos M, Vaitkevicius H, Grover S, Hodi FS, Rahma OE. Multiple high-grade and rare immune-related adverse events in a colon cancer patient with genomic and cytokine profiling. Immunotherapy 2022; 14:843-850. [PMID: 35695027 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2021-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of multiple high-grade and rare immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in a patient with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). A middle-aged MSI-H mCRC patient with metastases to the lungs and lymph nodes received several lines of chemotherapy and immunotherapy and developed five different high-grade irAEs during immunotherapy, including lymphadenitis, pneumonitis, hypophysitis, thyroiditis and transverse myelitis. Genomic profiling revealed high tumor mutational burden of 43 Muts/Mb. Cytokine profiling showed a threefold increase in MMP-9 shortly prior to the onset of lymphadenitis and a fourfold increase of Ang-1 1 week after the resolution of lymphadenitis. Further studies are warranted to investigate the association of MSI-H mCRC with irAEs and the role of cytokines in predicting irAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tyan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Osama Abu-Shawer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Joanna Baginska
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mariano Severgnini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael Manos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Henrikas Vaitkevicius
- Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Radnor, PA 19087, USA
| | - Shilpa Grover
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - F Stephen Hodi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Osama E Rahma
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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22
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Yan J, Wu X, Yu J, Kong Y, Cang S. An Immune-Related Gene Pair Index Predicts Clinical Response and Survival Outcome of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:839901. [PMID: 35280982 PMCID: PMC8907429 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.839901] [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: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The durable responses and favorable long-term outcomes are limited to a proportion of advanced melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Considering the critical role of antitumor immunity status in the regulation of ICI therapy responsiveness, we focused on the immune-related gene profiles and aimed to develop an individualized immune signature for predicting the benefit of ICI therapy. During the discovery phase, we integrated three published datasets of metastatic melanoma treated with anti-PD-1 (n = 120) and established an immune-related gene pair index (IRGPI) for patient classification. The IRGPI was constructed based on 31 immune-related gene pairs (IRGPs) consisting of 51 immune-related genes (IRGs). The ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of IRGPI with AUC = 0.854. Then, we retrospectively collected one anti-PD-1 therapy dataset of metastatic melanoma (n = 55) from Peking University Cancer Hospital (PUCH) and performed the whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing. Combined with another published dataset of metastatic melanoma received anti-CTLA-4 (VanAllen15; n = 42), we further validated the prediction accuracy of IRGPI for ICI therapy in two datasets (PUCH and VanAllen15) with AUCs of 0.737 and 0.767, respectively. Notably, the survival analyses revealed that higher IRGPI conferred poor survival outcomes in both the discovery and validation datasets. Moreover, correlation analyses of IRGPI with the immune cell infiltration and biological functions indicated that IRGPI may be an indicator of the immune status of the tumor microenvironment (TME). These findings demonstrated that IRGPI might serve as a novel marker for treating of melanoma with ICI, which needs to be validated in prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Yan
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Kong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Shundong Cang
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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23
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Fromme JE, Zigrino P. The Role of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Skin Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Resistance. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:864302. [PMID: 35558554 PMCID: PMC9086898 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.864302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix remodeling in the skin results from a delicate balance of synthesis and degradation of matrix components, ensuring tissue homeostasis. These processes are altered during tumor invasion and growth, generating a microenvironment that supports growth, invasion, and metastasis. Apart from the cellular component, the tumor microenvironment is rich in extracellular matrix components and bound factors that provide structure and signals to the tumor and stromal cells. The continuous remodeling in the tissue compartment sustains the developing tumor during the various phases providing matrices and proteolytic enzymes. These are produced by cancer cells and stromal fibroblasts. In addition to fostering tumor growth, the expression of specific extracellular matrix proteins and proteinases supports tumor invasion after the initial therapeutic response. Lately, the expression and structural modification of matrices were also associated with therapeutic resistance. This review will focus on the significant alterations in the extracellular matrix components and the function of metalloproteinases that influence skin cancer progression and support the acquisition of therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E. Fromme
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (MSSO ABCD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Paola Zigrino
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- *Correspondence: Paola Zigrino,
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24
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Tian L, Long F, Hao Y, Li B, Li Y, Tang Y, Li J, Zhao Q, Chen J, Liu M. A Cancer Associated Fibroblasts-Related Six-Gene Panel for Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Melanoma Driven by Weighted Correlation Network Analysis and Supervised Machine Learning. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:880326. [PMID: 35479936 PMCID: PMC9035939 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.880326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer with a poor prognosis and mortality. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy (e.g., anti-PD-1 therapy) has opened a new horizon in melanoma treatment, but some patients present a non-responsive state. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) make up the majority of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and have an important impact on the response to immunotherapy. There is still a lack of identification of CAFs-related predictors for anti-PD-1 therapy, although the establishment of immunotherapy biomarkers is well underway. This study aims to explore the potential CAFs-related gene panel for predicting the response to anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma patients and elucidating their potential effect on TME. Methods Three gene expression datasets from melanoma patients without anti-PD-1 treatment, in a total of 87 samples, were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) as the discovery sets (GSE91061) and validation sets (GSE78220 and GSE122220). The CAFs-related module genes were identified from the discovery sets by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Concurrently, we utilized differential gene analysis on the discovery set to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then, CAFs-related key genes were screened with the intersection of CAFs-related module genes and DEGs, succeeded by supervised machine learning-based identification. As a consequence of expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, survival analysis, staging analysis, TME analysis, and correlation analysis, the multidimensional systematic characterizations of the key genes were uncovered. The diagnostic performance of the CAFs-related gene panel was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in the validation sets. Eventually, the CAFs-related gene panel was verified by the expression from the single-cell analysis. Results The six-gene panel associated with CAFs were finally identified for predicting the response to anti-PD-1 therapy, including CDK14, SYNPO2, TCF4, GJA1, CPXM1, and TFPI. The multigene panel demonstrated excellent combined diagnostic performance with the area under the curve of ROC reaching 90.5 and 75.4% ~100% in the discovery and validation sets, respectively. Conclusion Confirmed by clinical treatment outcomes, the identified CAFs-related genes can be used as a promising biomarker panel for prediction to anti-PD-1 therapy response, which may serve as new immunotherapeutic targets to improve survival outcomes of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Tian
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Long
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Youjin Hao
- Cell Biology and Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Li
- Cell Biology and Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinghong Li
- Key Laboratory on Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Juan Chen
| | - Mingwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Mingwei Liu
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25
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Peritoneal Restoration by Repurposing Vitamin D Inhibits Ovarian Cancer Dissemination via Blockade of the TGF-β1/Thrombospondin-1 Axis. Matrix Biol 2022; 109:70-90. [PMID: 35339636 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ovarian cancer (OvCa), a lethal gynecological malignancy, disseminates to the peritoneum. Mesothelial cells (MCs) act as barriers in the abdominal cavity, preventing the adhesion of cancer cells. However, in patients with OvCa, they are transformed into cancer-associated mesothelial cells (CAMs) via mesenchymal transition and form a favorable microenvironment for tumors to promote metastasis. However, attempts for restoring CAMs to their original state have been limited. Here, we investigated whether inhibition of mesenchymal transition and restoration of MCs by vitamin D suppressed the OvCa dissemination in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The effect of vitamin D on the mutual association of MCs and OvCa cells was evaluated using in vitro coculture models and in vivo using a xenograft model. RESULTS Vitamin D restored the CAMs, and thrombospondin-1 (component of the extracellular matrix that is clinically associated with poor prognosis and is highly expressed in peritoneally metastasized OvCa) was found to promote OvCa cell adhesion and proliferation. Mechanistically, TGF-β1 secreted from OvCa cells enhanced thrombospondin-1 expression in CAMs via Smad-dependent TGF-β signaling. Vitamin D inhibited mesenchymal transition in MCs and suppressed thrombospondin-1 expression via vitamin D receptor/Smad3 competition, contributing to the marked reduction in peritoneal dissemination in vivo. Importantly, vitamin D restored CAMs from a stabilized mesenchymal state to the epithelial state and normalized thrombospondin-1 expression in preclinical models that mimic cancerous peritonitis in vivo. CONCLUSIONS MCs are key players in OvCa dissemination and peritoneal restoration and normalization of thrombospondin-1 expression by vitamin D may be a novel strategy for preventing OvCa dissemination.
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26
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Avagliano A, Arcucci A. Insights into Melanoma Fibroblast Populations and Therapeutic Strategy Perspectives: Friends or Foes? Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:6159-6168. [PMID: 35726413 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220620124138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is an aggressive and highly metastatic solid tumor associated with drug resistance. Before 2011, despite therapies based on cytokines or molecules inhibiting DNA synthesis, metastatic melanoma led to patient death within 18 months from diagnosis. However, recent studies on bidirectional interactions between melanoma cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) have had a significant impact on the development of new therapeutic strategies represented by targeted therapy and immunotherapy. In particular, the heterogeneous stromal fibroblast populations, including fibroblasts, fibroblast aggregates, myofibroblasts, and melanoma associated fibroblasts (MAFs), represent the most abundant cell population of TME and regulate cancer growth differently. Therefore, in this perspective article, we have highlighted the different impacts of fibroblast populations on cancer development and growth. In particular, we focused on the role of MAFs in sustaining melanoma cell survival, proliferation, migration and invasion, drug resistance, and immunoregulation. The important role of constitutively activated MAFs in promoting CM growth and immunoediting makes this cell type a promising target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Avagliano
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcucci
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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27
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signalling controls multiple cell fate decisions during development and tissue homeostasis; hence, dysregulation of this pathway can drive several diseases, including cancer. Here we discuss the influence that TGFβ exerts on the composition and behaviour of different cell populations present in the tumour immune microenvironment, and the context-dependent functions of this cytokine in suppressing or promoting cancer. During homeostasis, TGFβ controls inflammatory responses triggered by exposure to the outside milieu in barrier tissues. Lack of TGFβ exacerbates inflammation, leading to tissue damage and cellular transformation. In contrast, as tumours progress, they leverage TGFβ to drive an unrestrained wound-healing programme in cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as to suppress the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system. In consonance with this key role in reprogramming the tumour microenvironment, emerging data demonstrate that TGFβ-inhibitory therapies can restore cancer immunity. Indeed, this approach can synergize with other immunotherapies - including immune checkpoint blockade - to unleash robust antitumour immune responses in preclinical cancer models. Despite initial challenges in clinical translation, these findings have sparked the development of multiple therapeutic strategies that inhibit the TGFβ pathway, many of which are currently in clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele V F Tauriello
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Elena Sancho
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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28
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Dysregulation of Cytoskeleton Remodeling Drives Invasive Leading Cells Detachment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225648. [PMID: 34830801 PMCID: PMC8616115 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Detachment of cancer cells is the first step in tumor metastasis and malignancy. Our results showed that the TGF-β1/vimentin/focal adhesion protein assembly axis was involved in the control of the dynamics of initial tumor detachment under adequate nutrition, based on the Boyden chamber and 3D in-gel spheroid analysis. Abstract Detachment of cancer cells is the first step in tumor metastasis and malignancy. However, studies on the balance of initial tumor anchoring and detachment are limited. Herein, we revealed that the regulation of cytoskeleton proteins potentiates tumor detachment. The blockage of TGF-β1 using neutralizing antibodies induced cancer cell detachment in the Boyden chamber and 3D in-gel spheroid models. Moreover, treatment with latrunculin B, an actin polymerization inhibitor, enhanced cell dissociation by abolishing actin fibers, indicating that TGF-β1 mediates the formation of actin stress fibers, and is likely responsible for the dynamics of anchoring and detachment. Indeed, latrunculin B disrupted the formation of external TGF-β1-induced actin fibers and translocation of intracellular vinculin, a focal adhesion protein, resulting in the suppression of cell adhesion. Moreover, the silencing of vimentin substantially reduced cell adhesion and enhanced cell detachment, revealing that cell adhesion and focal adhesion protein translocation stimulated by TGF-β1 require vimentin. Using the 3D in-gel spheroid model, we found that latrunculin B suppressed the cell adhesion promoted by external TGF-β1, increasing the number of cells that penetrated the Matrigel and detached from the tumor spheres. Thus, cytoskeleton remodeling maintained the balance of cell anchoring and detachment, and the TGF-β1/vimentin/focal adhesion protein assembly axis was involved in the control dynamics of initial tumor detachment.
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29
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Chandra Jena B, Sarkar S, Rout L, Mandal M. The transformation of cancer-associated fibroblasts: Current perspectives on the role of TGF-β in CAF mediated tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Cancer Lett 2021; 520:222-232. [PMID: 34363903 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, the Transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β) has been significantly considered as an effective and ubiquitous mediator of cell growth. The cytokine, TGF-β is being increasingly recognized as the most potent inducer of cancer cell initiation, differentiation, migration as well as progression through both the SMAD-dependent and independent pathways. There is growing evidence that supports the role of secretory cytokine TGF-β as a crucial mediator of tumor-stroma crosstalk. Contextually, the CAFs are the prominent component of tumor stroma that helps in tumor progression and onset of chemoresistance. The interplay between the CAFs and the tumor cells through the paracrine signals is facilitated by cytokine TGF-β to induce the malignant progression. Here in this review, we have dissected the most recent advancements in understanding the mechanisms of TGF-β induced CAF activation, their multiple origins, and most importantly their role in conferring chemoresistance. Considering the pivotal role of TGF-β in tumor perogression and associated stemness, it is one the proven clinical targets We have also included the clinical trials going on, targeting the TGF-β and CAFs crosstalk with the tumor cells. Ultimately, we have underscored some of the outstanding issues that must be deciphered with utmost importance to unravel the successful strategies of anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikash Chandra Jena
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Siddik Sarkar
- CSIR-Indian Institue of Chemical Biology, Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Lipsa Rout
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Technical Education and Research, Siksha'O'Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Mahitosh Mandal
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India.
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30
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Therapeutic targeting of TGF-β in cancer: hacking a master switch of immune suppression. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:35-52. [PMID: 33399850 PMCID: PMC7796313 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancers may escape elimination by the host immune system by rewiring the tumour microenvironment towards an immune suppressive state. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a secreted multifunctional cytokine that strongly regulates the activity of immune cells while, in parallel, can promote malignant features such as cancer cell invasion and migration, angiogenesis, and the emergence of cancer-associated fibroblasts. TGF-β is abundantly expressed in cancers and, most often, its abundance associated with poor clinical outcomes. Immunotherapeutic strategies, particularly T cell checkpoint blockade therapies, so far, only produce clinical benefit in a minority of cancer patients. The inhibition of TGF-β activity is a promising approach to increase the efficacy of T cell checkpoint blockade therapies. In this review, we briefly outline the immunoregulatory functions of TGF-β in physiological and malignant contexts. We then deliberate on how the therapeutic targeting of TGF-β may lead to a broadened applicability and success of state-of-the-art immunotherapies.
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31
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Fibroblasts Influence the Efficacy, Resistance, and Future Use of Vaccines and Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060634. [PMID: 34200702 PMCID: PMC8230410 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are composed of not only epithelial cells but also many other cell types that contribute to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Within this space, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a prominent cell type, and these cells are connected to an increase in tumor progression as well as alteration of the immune landscape present in and around the tumor. This is accomplished in part by their ability to alter the presence of both innate and adaptive immune cells as well as the release of various chemokines and cytokines, together leading to a more immunosuppressive TME. Furthermore, new research implicates CAFs as players in immunotherapy response in many different tumor types, typically by blunting their efficacy. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), two major CAF proteins, are associated with the outcome of different immunotherapies and, additionally, have become new targets themselves for immune-based strategies directed at CAFs. This review will focus on CAFs and how they alter the immune landscape within tumors, how this affects response to current immunotherapy treatments, and how immune-based treatments are currently being harnessed to target the CAF population itself.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Immunotherapy has opened a new era in cancer treatment. Drugs represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors have led to important breakthroughs in the treatment of various solid tumors, greatly improving the survival rate of cancer patients. Many types of immunotherapeutic drugs have become widely available; however, their efficacy is variable, and relatively few patients with advanced cancer experience life-altering durable survival, reflecting the complex and highly regulated nature of the immune system. The research field of cancer immunotherapy (CIT) still faces many challenges in pursuing the broader social goal of "curing cancer." Increasing attention has been paid to strengthening the understanding of the molecular or cellular drivers of resistance to immunotherapy, actively exploring more effective therapeutic targets, and developing combination therapy strategies. Here, we review the key challenges that have emerged in the era of CIT and the possible solutions or development directions to overcome these difficulties, providing relevant references for basic research and the development of modified clinical treatment regimens.
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33
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Romano V, Belviso I, Venuta A, Ruocco MR, Masone S, Aliotta F, Fiume G, Montagnani S, Avagliano A, Arcucci A. Influence of Tumor Microenvironment and Fibroblast Population Plasticity on Melanoma Growth, Therapy Resistance and Immunoescape. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5283. [PMID: 34067929 PMCID: PMC8157224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) tissue represents a network constituted by cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME). A key feature of CM is the high structural and cellular plasticity of TME, allowing its evolution with disease and adaptation to cancer cell and environmental alterations. In particular, during melanoma development and progression each component of TME by interacting with each other and with cancer cells is subjected to dramatic structural and cellular modifications. These alterations affect extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, phenotypic profile of stromal cells, cancer growth and therapeutic response. The stromal fibroblast populations of the TME include normal fibroblasts and melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) that are highly abundant and flexible cell types interacting with melanoma and stromal cells and differently influencing CM outcomes. The shift from the normal microenvironment to TME and from normal fibroblasts to MAFs deeply sustains CM growth. Hence, in this article we review the features of the normal microenvironment and TME and describe the phenotypic plasticity of normal dermal fibroblasts and MAFs, highlighting their roles in normal skin homeostasis and TME regulation. Moreover, we discuss the influence of MAFs and their secretory profiles on TME remodelling, melanoma progression, targeted therapy resistance and immunosurveillance, highlighting the cellular interactions, the signalling pathways and molecules involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Romano
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Immacolata Belviso
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Alessandro Venuta
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Ruocco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.R.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Stefania Masone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Federica Aliotta
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.R.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Stefania Montagnani
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Angelica Avagliano
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
- Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcucci
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
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DeVito NC, Sturdivant M, Thievanthiran B, Xiao C, Plebanek MP, Salama AKS, Beasley GM, Holtzhausen A, Novotny-Diermayr V, Strickler JH, Hanks BA. Pharmacological Wnt ligand inhibition overcomes key tumor-mediated resistance pathways to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109071. [PMID: 33951424 PMCID: PMC8148423 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
While immune checkpoint blockade is associated with prolonged responses in multiple cancers, most patients still do not benefit from this therapeutic strategy. The Wnt-β-catenin pathway is associated with diminished T cell infiltration; however, activating mutations are rare, implicating a role for autocrine/paracrine Wnt ligand-driven signaling in immune evasion. In this study, we show that proximal mediators of the Wnt signaling pathway are associated with anti-PD-1 resistance, and pharmacologic inhibition of Wnt ligand signaling supports anti-PD-1 efficacy by reversing dendritic cell tolerization and the recruitment of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in autochthonous tumor models. We further demonstrate that the inhibition of Wnt signaling promotes the development of a tumor microenvironment that is more conducive to favorable responses to checkpoint blockade in cancer patients. These findings support a rationale for Wnt ligand-focused treatment approaches in future immunotherapy clinical trials and suggest a strategy for selecting those tumors more responsive to Wnt inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C DeVito
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Michael Sturdivant
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Balamayooran Thievanthiran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Christine Xiao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Michael P Plebanek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - April K S Salama
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Georgia M Beasley
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alisha Holtzhausen
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Veronica Novotny-Diermayr
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), A(∗)STAR, 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01 Chromos, Singapore 138670, Singapore
| | - John H Strickler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Brent A Hanks
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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35
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Ma J, Hu X, Dai B, Wang Q, Wang H. Bioinformatics analysis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: seeking key candidate genes and pathways. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11259. [PMID: 33954053 PMCID: PMC8052978 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the second most aggressive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Although much work has been done to optimize its treatment, patients with LSCC still have poor prognosis. Therefore, figuring out differentially expressed genes (DEGs) contained in the progression of LSCC and employing them as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers for LSCC is extremely meaningful. Methods Overlapping DEGs were screened from two standalone Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed. By applying STRING and Cytoscape, a protein–protein network was built, and module analysis was carried out. The hub genes were selected by maximal clique centrality with the CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape. UALCAN and GEPIA data were examined to validate the gene expression findings. Moreover, the connection of the hub genes with LSCC patient overall survival was studied employing The Cancer Genome Atlas. Then, western blot, qRT-PCR, CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays were bring to use for further verify the key genes. Results A total of 235 DEGs were recorded, including 83 upregulated and 152 downregulated genes. A total of nine hub genes that displayed a high degree of connectivity were selected. UALCAN and GEPIA databases verified that these genes were highly expressed in LSCC tissues. High expression of the SPP1, SERPINE1 and Matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP1) genes was connected to worse prognosis in patients with LSCC, according to the GEPIA online tool. Western blot and qRT-PCR testify SPP1, SERPINE1 and MMP1 were upregulated in LSCC cells. Inhibition of SPP1, SERPINE1 and MMP1 suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Conclusion The work here identified effective and reliable diagnostic and prognostic molecular biomarkers by unified bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification, indicating novel and necessary therapeutic targets for LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaodong Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Baoqiang Dai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Hongqin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
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36
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Petroni G, Buqué A, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G, Galluzzi L. Immunomodulation by targeted anticancer agents. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:310-345. [PMID: 33338426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
At odds with conventional chemotherapeutics, targeted anticancer agents are designed to inhibit precise molecular alterations that support oncogenesis or tumor progression. Despite such an elevated degree of molecular specificity, many clinically employed and experimental targeted anticancer agents also mediate immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive effects that (at least in some settings) influence therapeutic efficacy. Here, we discuss the main immunomodulatory effects of targeted anticancer agents and explore potential avenues to harness them in support of superior clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Petroni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aitziber Buqué
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France; INSERM U1015, Villejuif, France; Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer (CICBT) 1428, Villejuif, France; Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France; Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France; Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, China; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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37
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Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Harboring Microsatellite Instability or Mismatch Repair Deficiency. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051149. [PMID: 33800202 PMCID: PMC7962453 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a molecular indicator of defective DNA mismatch repair (dMMR). MSI/dMMR status is observed in approximately 5% of metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRC) but 10–18% of localized colorectal cancers. MSI/dMMR status is a major predictive biomarker for the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This review presents the current and future challenges of ICIs for patients with MSI/dMMR colorectal cancer. Abstract Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a tumor phenotype related to a deficient DNA mismatch repair system (dMMR). This phenotype, observed in 5% of metastatic mCRC but 10–18% of localized CRC, is associated with high tumor mutational burden with highly immunogenic neoantigens. It has emerged as a major predictive biomarker for the efficacy of ICIs. In this review, we will present a comprehensive overview of the literature concerning the efficacy of ICIs in MSI/dMMR mCRC, with a focus on new developments in first-line metastatic setting. Then, we will present current and future challenges of immuno-oncology for patients with MSI/dMMR metastatic CRC.
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38
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Strickler JH, Hanks BA, Khasraw M. Tumor Mutational Burden as a Predictor of Immunotherapy Response: Is More Always Better? Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:1236-1241. [PMID: 33199494 PMCID: PMC9912042 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including antibodies that block programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and PD-L1, have transformed the management of many cancers. However, the majority of patients have primary or acquired resistance to these immunotherapies. There is a significant unmet need for predictive biomarkers that can reliably identify patients who derive a clinically meaningful response from PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. High tumor mutational burden (TMB-H) has shown promise as a biomarker in lung cancer, but the broad applicability of TMB-H as a biomarker of response across all solid tumors is unclear. The FDA has approved the PD-1 inhibitor, pembrolizumab, as a therapy for all solid tumors with TMB equal to or greater than 10 mutations/megabase as measured by the FoundationOne CDx assay. This approval was based on an exploratory analysis of the KEYNOTE-158 study, which was a single-arm, phase II multi-cohort study of pembrolizumab for select, previously treated advanced solid tumors. Here, we elucidate the caveats of using TMB as a biomarker with a universal threshold across all solid tumors. While we recognize the importance of this and other FDA pan-cancer approvals, several questions about TMB as a predictive biomarker remain unanswered. In this perspective, we discuss clinical trial evidence in this area. We review the relationship between TMB and the tumor immune microenvironment. We highlight the risks of extrapolating evidence from a limited number of tumor histologies to all solid tumors, and we propose avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brent A. Hanks
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.,Duke Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. .,Duke Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Durham, North Carolina
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39
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Fu L, Li S, Xiao W, Yu K, Li S, Yuan S, Shen J, Dong X, Fang Z, Zhang J, Chen S, Li W, You H, Xia X, Kang T, Tan J, Chen G, Yang AK, Gao Y, Zhou P. DGKA Mediates Resistance to PD-1 Blockade. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:371-385. [PMID: 33608256 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunologic checkpoint blockade has been proven effective in a variety of malignancies. However, high rates of resistance have substantially hindered its clinical use. Understanding the underlying mechanisms may lead to new strategies for improving therapeutic efficacy. Although a number of signaling pathways have been shown to be associated with tumor cell-mediated resistance to immunotherapy, T cell-intrinsic resistant mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we demonstrated that diacylglycerol kinase alpha (Dgka) mediated T-cell dysfunction during anti-PD-1 therapy by exacerbating the exhaustion of reinvigorated tumor-specific T cells. Pharmacologic ablation of Dgka postponed T-cell exhaustion and delayed development of resistance to PD-1 blockade. Dgka inhibition also enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy. We further found that the expression of DGKA in cancer cells promoted tumor growth via the AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that DGKA might be a target in tumor cells as well. Together, these findings unveiled a molecular pathway mediating resistance to PD-1 blockade and provide a potential therapeutic strategy with combination immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyi Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sen Li
- Hospital (TCM) Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - WeiWei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kuai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sujing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianfei Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Xingjun Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqian Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wende Li
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua You
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tiebang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - An-Kui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - YuanHong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Penghui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
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40
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Lu G, Qiu Y, Su X. Targeting CXCL12-CXCR4 Signaling Enhances Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy Against Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 157:105606. [PMID: 33131745 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Insufficient T cell infiltration in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has limited its response rate to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies and motivated the development of immunostimulatory approaches to enhance the ICB therapy. CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor highly upregulated both on cell surface and cytoplasm in tumor tissues. Activating CXCR4 has been associated with increased immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we developed a CXCR4-targeted liposomal formulation (Liposomal-AMD3100) to enhance therapeutic efficacy of AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist. Particularly, AMD3100 is not only encapsulated into the liposome but coated on the surface of the formulation to serve as a targeting moiety and a dual blocker capable of inhibiting CXCR4 activation extracellularly and intracellularly. The Liposomal-AMD3100 remodeled both immune and stromal microenvironment more efficiently compared with free AMD3100, indicating better pharmacodynamic profile of AMD3100 achieved by liposomal formulation. The combination of anti-PD-L1 with Liposomal-AMD3100 formulation exhibited an increased antitumor effect and prolonged survival time compared with monotherapies in a murine TNBC model (4T1). This work proves that immune activation via liposomal delivery of CXCR4 inhibitors has a great potential to expand ICB therapies to originally ICB-insensitive cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowen Lu
- Department of Thyroid and breast mininally invasive surgery, Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital, No.251 Baizhang East Road, 315000 Ningbo, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
| | - Yier Qiu
- Department of Thyroid and breast mininally invasive surgery, Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital, No.251 Baizhang East Road, 315000 Ningbo, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobao Su
- Department of Thyroid and breast mininally invasive surgery, Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital, No.251 Baizhang East Road, 315000 Ningbo, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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41
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Linares J, Marín-Jiménez JA, Badia-Ramentol J, Calon A. Determinants and Functions of CAFs Secretome During Cancer Progression and Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:621070. [PMID: 33553157 PMCID: PMC7862334 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.621070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence are indicating that cancer development and malignant progression are not exclusively epithelial cancer cell-autonomous processes but may also depend on crosstalk with the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundantly represented in the TME and are continuously interacting with cancer cells. CAFs are regulating key mechanisms during progression to metastasis and response to treatment by enhancing cancer cells survival and aggressiveness. The latest advances in CAFs biology are pointing to CAFs-secreted factors as druggable targets and companion tools for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Especially, extensive research conducted in the recent years has underscored the potential of several cytokines as actionable biomarkers that are currently evaluated in the clinical setting. In this review, we explore the current understanding of CAFs secretome determinants and functions to discuss their clinical implication in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenniffer Linares
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan A. Marín-Jiménez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) - L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Badia-Ramentol
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Calon
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
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TGFβ Signaling in Photoaging and UV-Induced Skin Cancer. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:1104-1110. [PMID: 33358021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
UVR is a major etiology for premature skin aging that leads to photoaging and UV-induced skin cancers. In the skin, TGFβ signaling is a growth inhibitor for keratinocytes and a profibrotic factor in the dermis. It exerts context-dependent effects on tumor progression. Chronic UV exposure likely causes TGFβ1/SMAD3 signaling activation and contributes to metalloproteinase-induced collagen degradation and photoinflammation in photoaging. UV irradiation also causes gene mutations in key elements of the TGFβ pathway, including TGFβRI, TGFβRII, SMAD2, and SMAD4. These mutations enable tumor cells to escape from TGFβ-induced growth inhibition and induce genomic instability and cancer stem cells, leading to the initiation, progression, invasion, and metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Furthermore, UV-induced mutations cause TGFβ overexpression in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of cSCC, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and cutaneous melanoma, resulting in inflammation, angiogenesis, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune inhibition, supporting cancer survival, immune evasion, and metastasis. The pleiotropic effects of TGFβ provide possible treatment options for photoaging and skin cancer. Given the high UV-induced mutational burden and immune-repressive TME seen in cSCC, BCC, and cutaneous melanoma, treatment with the combination of a TGFβ signaling inhibitor and immune checkpoint blockade could reverse immune evasion to reduce tumor growth.
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Ahmed R, Muralidharan R, Srivastava A, Johnston SE, Zhao YD, Ekmekcioglu S, Munshi A, Ramesh R. Molecular Targeting of HuR Oncoprotein Suppresses MITF and Induces Apoptosis in Melanoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020166. [PMID: 33418925 PMCID: PMC7825065 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The human antigen R (HuR) protein regulates the expression of hundreds of proteins in a cell that support tumor growth, drug resistance, and metastases. HuR is overexpressed in several human cancers, including melanoma, and is a molecular target for cancer therapy. Our study objective, therefore, was to develop HuR-targeted therapy for melanoma. We identified that HuR regulates the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) that has been implicated in both intrinsic and acquired drug resistance in melanoma and is a putative therapeutic target in melanoma. Using a gene therapeutic approach, we demonstrated silencing of HuR reduced MITF protein expression and inhibited the growth of melanoma cells but not normal melanocytes. However, combining HuR-targeted therapy with a small molecule MEK inhibitor suppressed MITF and produced a synergistic antitumor activity against melanoma cells. Our study results demonstrate that HuR is a promising target for melanoma treatment and offers new combinatorial treatment strategies for overriding MITF-mediated drug resistance. Abstract Background: Treatment of metastatic melanoma possesses challenges due to drug resistance and metastases. Recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have shown clinical benefits in melanoma patients with increased survival. However, a subset of patients who initially respond to targeted therapy relapse and succumb to the disease. Therefore, efforts to identify new therapeutic targets are underway. Due to its role in stabilizing several oncoproteins’ mRNA, the human antigen R (HuR) has been shown as a promising molecular target for cancer therapy. However, little is known about its potential role in melanoma treatment. Methods: In this study, we tested the impact of siRNA-mediated gene silencing of HuR in human melanoma (MeWo, A375) and normal melanocyte cells in vitro. Cells were treated with HuR siRNA encapsulated in a lipid nanoparticle (NP) either alone or in combination with MEK inhibitor (U0126) and subjected to cell viability, cell-cycle, apoptosis, Western blotting, and cell migration and invasion assays. Cells that were untreated or treated with control siRNA-NP (C-NP) were included as controls. Results: HuR-NP treatment significantly reduced the expression of HuR and HuR-regulated oncoproteins, induced G1 cell cycle arrest, activated apoptosis signaling cascade, and mitigated melanoma cells’ aggressiveness while sparing normal melanocytes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that HuR-NP treatment significantly reduced the expression of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) in both MeWo and MITF-overexpressing MeWo cells (p < 0.05). Finally, combining HuR-NP with U0126 resulted in synergistic antitumor activity against MeWo cells (p < 0.01). Conclusion: HuR-NP exhibited antitumor activity in melanoma cells independent of their oncogenic B-RAF mutational status. Additionally, combinatorial therapy incorporating MEK inhibitor holds promise in overriding MITF-mediated drug resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebaz Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.A.); (R.M.); (A.S.)
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Ranganayaki Muralidharan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.A.); (R.M.); (A.S.)
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (Y.D.Z.); (A.M.)
| | - Akhil Srivastava
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.A.); (R.M.); (A.S.)
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (Y.D.Z.); (A.M.)
| | - Sarah E. Johnston
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Yan D. Zhao
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (Y.D.Z.); (A.M.)
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Suhendan Ekmekcioglu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Anupama Munshi
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (Y.D.Z.); (A.M.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Rajagopal Ramesh
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.A.); (R.M.); (A.S.)
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (Y.D.Z.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-405-271-6101
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Luo B, He Z, Huang S, Wang J, Han D, Xue H, Liu P, Zeng X, Lu D. Long Non-Coding RNA 554 Promotes Cardiac Fibrosis via TGF-β1 Pathway in Mice Following Myocardial Infarction. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:585680. [PMID: 33390954 PMCID: PMC7772239 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.585680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Cardiac fibrosis is observed in nearly every form of myocardial disease. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play an important role in cardiac fibrosis, but the detailed molecular mechanism remains unknown. Object: We aimed at characterizing lncRNA 554 expression in murine cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) after myocardial infarction (MI) to identify CF-enriched lncRNA and investigate its function and contribution to cardiac fibrosis and function. Methods and Results: In this study, we identified lncRNA NONMMUT022554 (lncRNA 554) as a regulator of MI-induced cardiac fibrosis. We found that lncRNA 554 was significantly up-regulated in the mouse hearts following MI. Further study showed that lncRNA 554 was predominantly expressed in cardiac fibroblasts, indicating a potential role of lncRNA 554 in cardiac fibrosis. In vitro knockdown of lncRNA 554 by siRNA suppressed fibroblasts migration and expression of extracellular matrix (ECM); while overexpression of lncRNA 554 promoted expression of ECM genes. Consistently, lentivirus mediated in vivo knockdown of lncRNA 554 could inhibit cardiac fibrosis and improve cardiac function in mouse model of MI. More importantly, TGF-β1 inhibitor (TEW-7197) could reverse the pro-fibrotic function of lncRNA 554 in CFs. This suggests that the effects of lncRNA 554 on cardiac fibrosis is TGF-β1 dependent. Conclusion: Collectively, our study illustrated the role of lncRNA 554 in cardiac fibrosis, suggested that lncRNA 554 might be a novel target for cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bihui Luo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiyu He
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Shijun Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yue Bei People's Hospital, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinping Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Dunzheng Han
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Peiying Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaojun Zeng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongfeng Lu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
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Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Hushmandi K, Hashemi F, Rahmani Moghadam E, Raei M, Kalantari M, Tavakol S, Mohammadinejad R, Najafi M, Tay FR, Makvandi P. Progress in Natural Compounds/siRNA Co-delivery Employing Nanovehicles for Cancer Therapy. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2020; 22:669-700. [PMID: 33095554 PMCID: PMC8015217 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.0c00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy using natural compounds, such as resveratrol, curcumin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, etoposide, doxorubicin, and camptothecin, is of importance in cancer therapy because of the outstanding therapeutic activity and multitargeting capability of these compounds. However, poor solubility and bioavailability of natural compounds have limited their efficacy in cancer therapy. To circumvent this hurdle, nanocarriers have been designed to improve the antitumor activity of the aforementioned compounds. Nevertheless, cancer treatment is still a challenge, demanding novel strategies. It is well-known that a combination of natural products and gene therapy is advantageous over monotherapy. Delivery of multiple therapeutic agents/small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a potent gene-editing tool in cancer therapy can maximize the synergistic effects against tumor cells. In the present review, co-delivery of natural compounds/siRNA using nanovehicles are highlighted to provide a backdrop for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty
of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci
University, Orta Mahalle,
Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı,
Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
- Sabanci
University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla 34956, Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci
University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla 34956, Istanbul Turkey
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department
of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology &
Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1419963114, Iran
| | - Farid Hashemi
- Department
of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Rahmani Moghadam
- Department
of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran
| | - Mehdi Raei
- Health Research
Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah
University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1435916471, Iran
| | - Mahshad Kalantari
- Department
of Genetics, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Azad University, Tehran 19168931813, Iran
| | - Shima Tavakol
- Cellular
and Molecular Research Center, Iran University
of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614525, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics
Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616911319, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical
Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran
- Radiology
and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran
| | - Franklin R. Tay
- College
of Graduate Studies, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, United States
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Centre for Micro-BioRobotics, viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa Italy
- Department
of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, 14496-14535 Tehran, Iran
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46
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Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling in Fibrotic Diseases and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121666. [PMID: 33322749 PMCID: PMC7763058 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is essential in embryo development and maintaining normal homeostasis. Extensive evidence shows that TGF-β activation acts on several cell types, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, to form a pro-fibrotic environment, ultimately leading to fibrotic diseases. TGF-β is stored in the matrix in a latent form; once activated, it promotes a fibroblast to myofibroblast transition and regulates extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and remodeling in fibrosis. TGF-β signaling can also promote cancer progression through its effects on the tumor microenvironment. In cancer, TGF-β contributes to the generation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that have different molecular and cellular properties from activated or fibrotic fibroblasts. CAFs promote tumor progression and chronic tumor fibrosis via TGF-β signaling. Fibrosis and CAF-mediated cancer progression share several common traits and are closely related. In this review, we consider how TGF-β promotes fibrosis and CAF-mediated cancer progression. We also discuss recent evidence suggesting TGF-β inhibition as a defense against fibrotic disorders or CAF-mediated cancer progression to highlight the potential implications of TGF-β-targeted therapies for fibrosis and cancer.
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47
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Simiczyjew A, Dratkiewicz E, Mazurkiewicz J, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. The Influence of Tumor Microenvironment on Immune Escape of Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8359. [PMID: 33171792 PMCID: PMC7664679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The low efficiency of currently-used anti-cancer therapies poses a serious challenge, especially in the case of malignant melanoma, a cancer characterized by elevated invasiveness and relatively high mortality rate. The role of the tumor microenvironment in the progression of melanoma and its acquisition of resistance to treatment seems to be the main focus of recent studies. One of the factors that, in normal conditions, aids the organism in its fight against the cancer and, following the malignant transformation, adapts to facilitate the development of the tumor is the immune system. A variety of cell types, i.e., T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic and natural killer cells, as well as neutrophils, support the growth and invasiveness of melanoma cells, utilizing a plethora of mechanisms, including secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules, induction of inhibitory receptors expression, or depletion of essential nutrients. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the processes regulated by tumor-associated cells that promote the immune escape of melanoma cells. The described mechanisms offer potential new targets for anti-cancer treatment and should be further studied to improve currently-employed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Justyna Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
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Yao Q, Gu L, Su R, Chen B, Cao H. Efficacy and safety of combination PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors for malignant solid tumours: A systematic review. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:13494-13506. [PMID: 33078904 PMCID: PMC7701512 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of multiple malignant solid tumours with programmed death (PD)-1/PD ligand (PD-L) 1 inhibitors has been reported. However, the efficacy and immune adverse effects of combination therapies are controversial. This meta-analysis was performed with PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library from their inception until January 2020. Random-effect model was adopted because of relatively high heterogeneity. We also calculated hazard ratio (HR) of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and risk ratio (RR) of adverse events (AEs), the incidence of grade 3-5 AEs by tumour subgroup, therapeutic schedules and therapy lines. Nineteen articles were selected using the search strategy for meta-analysis. Combined PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors prolonged OS and PFS (HR 0.72, P < 0.001) and (HR 0.66, P < 0.001). In addition, incidence of all-grade and grade 3-5 AEs was not significant in the two subgroup analyses (HR 1.01, P = 0.31) and (HR 1.10, P = 0.07), respectively. Our meta-analysis indicated that combination therapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors had greater clinical benefits and adverse events were not increased significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qigu Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou CityChina
| | - Lihu Gu
- Department of General SurgeryHwaMei HospitalUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingbo CityChina
| | - Rong Su
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou CityChina
| | - Bangsheng Chen
- Emergency Medical CenterThe Second Hospital of YinzhouNingbo CityChina
| | - Hongcui Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou CityChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Aging and Physic‐chemical Injury DiseasesHangzhou CityChina
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Marvin DL, Heijboer R, ten Dijke P, Ritsma L. TGF-β signaling in liver metastasis. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e160. [PMID: 33252863 PMCID: PMC7701955 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of liver metastases drastically worsens the prognosis of cancer patients. The liver is the second most prevalent metastatic site in cancer patients, but systemic therapeutic opportunities that target liver metastases are still limited. To aid the discovery of novel treatment options for metastatic liver disease, we provide insight into the cellular and molecular steps required for liver colonization. For successful colonization in the liver, adaptation of tumor cells and surrounding stroma is essential. This includes the formation of a pre-metastatic niche, the creation of a fibrotic and immune suppressive environment, angiogenesis, and adaptation of tumor cells. We illustrate that transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a central cytokine in all these processes. At last, we devise that future research should focus on TGF-β inhibitory strategies, especially in combination with immunotherapy. This promising systemic treatment strategy has potential to eliminate distant metastases as the efficacy of immunotherapy will be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieuwke L Marvin
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Rosan Heijboer
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Laila Ritsma
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
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50
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Spatial and Temporal Changes in PD-L1 Expression in Cancer: The Role of Genetic Drivers, Tumor Microenvironment and Resistance to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197139. [PMID: 32992658 PMCID: PMC7583014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies blocking immune inhibitory receptors programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) on T-cells have dramatically improved patient outcomes in a range of advanced cancers. However, the lack of response, and the development of resistance remain major obstacles to long-term improvements in patient outcomes. There is significant interest in the clinical use of biomarkers to improve patient selection, and the expression of PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) is often reported as a potential biomarker of response. However, accumulating evidence suggests that the predictive value of PD-L1 expression in tumor biopsies is relatively low due, in part, to its complex biology. In this review, we discuss the biological consequences of PD-L1 expression by various cell types within the tumor microenvironment, and the complex mechanisms that regulate PD-L1 expression at the genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic levels.
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