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Zhang H, Li S, Wang D, Liu S, Xiao T, Gu W, Yang H, Wang H, Yang M, Chen P. Metabolic reprogramming and immune evasion: the interplay in the tumor microenvironment. Biomark Res 2024; 12:96. [PMID: 39227970 PMCID: PMC11373140 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00646-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells possess complex immune evasion mechanisms to evade immune system attacks, primarily through metabolic reprogramming, which significantly alters the tumor microenvironment (TME) to modulate immune cell functions. When a tumor is sufficiently immunogenic, it can activate cytotoxic T-cells to target and destroy it. However, tumors adapt by manipulating their metabolic pathways, particularly glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism, to create an immunosuppressive TME that promotes immune escape. These metabolic alterations impact the function and differentiation of non-tumor cells within the TME, such as inhibiting effector T-cell activity while expanding regulatory T-cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Additionally, these changes lead to an imbalance in cytokine and chemokine secretion, further enhancing the immunosuppressive landscape. Emerging research is increasingly focusing on the regulatory roles of non-tumor cells within the TME, evaluating how their reprogrammed glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism influence their functional changes and ultimately aid in tumor immune evasion. Despite our incomplete understanding of the intricate metabolic interactions between tumor and non-tumor cells, the connection between these elements presents significant challenges for cancer immunotherapy. This review highlights the impact of altered glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism in the TME on the metabolism and function of non-tumor cells, providing new insights that could facilitate the development of novel cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zhang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shizhen Li
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siyang Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tengfei Xiao
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Wangning Gu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Hongmin Yang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Wang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Minghua Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Pan Chen
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China.
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2
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Wang Y, Li J, Nakahata S, Iha H. Complex Role of Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) in the Tumor Microenvironment: Their Molecular Mechanisms and Bidirectional Effects on Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7346. [PMID: 39000453 PMCID: PMC11242872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) possess unique immunosuppressive activity among CD4-positive T cells. Tregs are ubiquitously present in mammals and function to calm excessive immune responses, thereby suppressing allergies or autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, due to their immunosuppressive function, Tregs are thought to promote cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a multicellular system composed of many cell types, including tumor cells, infiltrating immune cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Within this environment, Tregs are recruited by chemokines and metabolic factors and impede effective anti-tumor responses. However, in some cases, their presence can also improve patient's survival rates. Their functional consequences may vary across tumor types, locations, and stages. An in-depth understanding of the precise roles and mechanisms of actions of Treg is crucial for developing effective treatments, emphasizing the need for further investigation and validation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex and multifaceted roles of Tregs within the TME, elucidating cellular communications, signaling pathways, and their impacts on tumor progression and highlighting their potential anti-tumor mechanisms through interactions with functional molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Japan;
| | - Jiazhou Li
- Division of Biological Information Technology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
- Division of HTLV-1/ATL Carcinogenesis and Therapeutics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Shingo Nakahata
- Division of HTLV-1/ATL Carcinogenesis and Therapeutics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Hidekatsu Iha
- Department of Microbiology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Japan;
- Division of Pathophysiology, The Research Center for GLOBAL and LOCAL Infectious Diseases (RCGLID), Oita University, Yufu 879-5593, Japan
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3
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Li Y, Zhang C, Jiang A, Lin A, Liu Z, Cheng X, Wang W, Cheng Q, Zhang J, Wei T, Luo P. Potential anti-tumor effects of regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment: a review. J Transl Med 2024; 22:293. [PMID: 38509593 PMCID: PMC10953261 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05104-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the transcription factor FoxP3 are essential for maintaining immunological balance and are a significant component of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Single-cell RNA sequencing (ScRNA-seq) technology has shown that Tregs exhibit significant plasticity and functional diversity in various tumors within the TME. This results in Tregs playing a dual role in the TME, which is not always centered around supporting tumor progression as typically believed. Abundant data confirms the anti-tumor activities of Tregs and their correlation with enhanced patient prognosis in specific types of malignancies. In this review, we summarize the potential anti-tumor actions of Tregs, including suppressing tumor-promoting inflammatory responses and boosting anti-tumor immunity. In addition, this study outlines the spatial and temporal variations in Tregs function to emphasize that their predictive significance in malignancies may change. It is essential to comprehend the functional diversity and potential anti-tumor effects of Tregs to improve tumor therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cangang Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aimin Jiang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Anqi Lin
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pathophysiology, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiangshu Cheng
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road. Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongiiang, China
| | - Wanting Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ting Wei
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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4
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Zahedipour F, Jamialahmadi K, Zamani P, Reza Jaafari M. Improving the efficacy of peptide vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110721. [PMID: 37543011 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Peptide vaccines have shown great potential in cancer immunotherapy by targeting tumor antigens and activating the patient's immune system to mount a specific response against cancer cells. However, the efficacy of peptide vaccines in inducing a sustained immune response and achieving clinical benefit remains a major challenge. In this review, we discuss the current status of peptide vaccines in cancer immunotherapy and strategies to improve their efficacy. We summarize the recent advancements in the development of peptide vaccines in pre-clinical and clinical settings, including the use of novel adjuvants, neoantigens, nano-delivery systems, and combination therapies. We also highlight the importance of personalized cancer vaccines, which consider the unique genetic and immunological profiles of individual patients. We also discuss the strategies to enhance the immunogenicity of peptide vaccines such as multivalent peptides, conjugated peptides, fusion proteins, and self-assembled peptides. Although, peptide vaccines alone are weak immunogens, combining peptide vaccines with other immunotherapeutic approaches and developing novel approaches such as personalized vaccines can be promising methods to significantly enhance their efficacy and improve the clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Zahedipour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Jamialahmadi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parvin Zamani
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Yang J, Bae H. Drug conjugates for targeting regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment: guided missiles for cancer treatment. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1996-2004. [PMID: 37653036 PMCID: PMC10545761 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the tumor microenvironment (TME), regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in suppressing anticancer immune responses; therefore, various strategies targeting Tregs are becoming important for tumor therapy. To prevent the side effects of nonspecific Treg depletion, such as immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs), therapeutic strategies that specifically target Tregs in the TME are being investigated. Tumor-targeting drug conjugates are efficient drugs in which a cytotoxic payload is assembled into a carrier that binds Tregs via a linker. By allowing the drug to act selectively on target cells, this approach has the advantage of increasing the therapeutic effect and minimizing the side effects of immunotherapy. Antibody-drug conjugates, immunotoxins, peptide-drug conjugates, and small interfering RNA conjugates are being developed as Treg-targeting drug conjugates. In this review, we discuss key themes and recent advances in drug conjugates targeting Tregs in the TME, as well as future design strategies for successful use of drug conjugates for Treg targeting in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juwon Yang
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Shen X, Wu S, Yang Z, Zhu C. Establishment of an endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated lncRNAs model to predict prognosis and immunological characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287724. [PMID: 37647290 PMCID: PMC10468045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways play an essential role in the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and activation of the UPR pathway is strongly associated with tumor growth. However, the function of ERS-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HCC is less recognized. METHODS We have used TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) to obtain clinical and transcriptome data for HCC patients and the GSEA (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) molecular signature database to get the ERS gene. ERS-associated prognostic lncRNA was determined using univariate Cox regression study. Then, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariate Cox regression study were used to construct ERS-associated lncRNAs risk model. Next, we use Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival study, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, univariate and multivariate Cox regression study to validate and evaluate the risk model. GSEA reveals the underlying molecular mechanism of the risk model. In addition, differences in Immune cell Infiltration Study, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and immune checkpoints blockade (ICB) treatment between high and low risk groups were analyzed. RESULTS We constructed a risk model consisting of 6 ERS-associated lncRNAS (containingMKLN1-AS, LINC01224, AL590705.3, AC008622.2, AC145207.5, and AC026412.3). The KM survival study showed that the prognosis of HCC patients in low-risk group was better than that in high-risk group. ROC study, univariate and multivariate Cox regression study showed that the risk model had good predictive power for HCC patients. Our verification sample verified the aforesaid findings. GSEA suggests that several tumor- and metabolism-related signaling pathways are associated with risk groups. Simultaneously, we discovered that the risk models may help in the treatment of ICB and the selection of chemotherapeutic drugs. CONCLUSIONS In this article, we created an ERS-associated lncRNAs risk model to help prognostic diagnosis and personalized therapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyuan Shen
- School of Graduate, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Siyuan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- School of Graduate, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Chunfu Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
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7
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Pal D, De K, Yates TB, Kolape J, Muchero W. Mutating novel interaction sites in NRP1 reduces SARS-CoV-2 spike protein internalization. iScience 2023; 26:106274. [PMID: 36910328 PMCID: PMC9957656 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has become a severe global health problem because of its rapid spread. Both Ace2 and NRP1 provide initial viral binding sites for SARS-CoV-2. Here, we show that cysteine residues located in the vestigial plasminogen-apple-nematode (PAN) domain of NRP1 are necessary for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein internalization. Mutating novel cysteine residues in the PAN altered NRP1 stability and downstream activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and impaired its interaction with the spike protein. This resulted in a significant reduction in spike protein abundance in Vero-E6 cells for the original, alpha, and delta SARS-CoV-2 variants even in the presence of the Ace2. Moreover, mutating these cysteine residues in NRP1 significantly lowered its association with Plexin-A1. As the spike protein is a critical component for targeted therapy, our biochemical study may represent a distinct mechanism to develop a path for future therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debjani Pal
- Radioisotope Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
- Bioscience Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Kuntal De
- Bioscience Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Timothy B. Yates
- Bioscience Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Jaydeep Kolape
- Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Wellington Muchero
- Bioscience Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Corresponding author
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8
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Aria H, Rezaei M. Immunogenic cell death inducer peptides: A new approach for cancer therapy, current status and future perspectives. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114503. [PMID: 36921539 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD) is a type of cell death that kills tumor cells by stimulating the adaptive immune response against other tumor cells. ICD depends on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the secretion of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMP) by the dying tumor cell. DAMPs recruit innate immune cells such as Dendritic Cells (DC), triggering a cancer-specific immune response such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to eliminate remaining cancer cells. ICD is accompanied by several hallmarks in dying cells, such as surface translocation of ER chaperones, calreticulin (CALR), and extracellular secretion of DAMPs such as high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Therapeutic peptides can kill bacteria and tumor cells thus affecting the immune system. They have high specificity and affinity for their targets, small size, appropriate cell membrane penetration, short half-life, and simple production processes. Peptides are interesting agents for immunomodulation since they may overcome the limitations of other therapeutics. Thus, the development of peptides affecting the TME and active antitumoral immunity has been actively pursued. On the other hand, several peptides have been recently identified to trigger ICD and anti-cancer responses. In the present review, we review previous studies on peptide-induced ICD, their mechanism, their targets, and markers. They include anti-microbial peptides (AMPs), cationic or mitochondrial targeting, checkpoint inhibitors, antiapoptotic inhibitors, and "don't eat me" inhibitor peptides. Also, peptides will be investigated potentially inducing ICD that is divided into ER stressors, ATPase inhibitors, and anti-microbial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Aria
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marzieh Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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9
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Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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Expanding the Therapeutic Window of EGFR-Targeted PE24 Immunotoxin for EGFR-Overexpressing Cancers by Tailoring the EGFR Binding Affinity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415820. [PMID: 36555466 PMCID: PMC9779439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins (ITs), which are toxin-fused tumor antigen-specific antibody chimeric proteins, have been developed to selectively kill targeted cancer cells. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an attractive target for the development of anti-EGFR ITs against solid tumors due to its overexpression on the cell surface of various solid tumors. However, the low basal level expression of EGFR in normal tissue cells can cause undesirable on-target/off-tumor toxicity and reduce the therapeutic window of anti-EGFR ITs. Here, based on an anti-EGFR monobody with cross-reactivity to both human and murine EGFR, we developed a strategy to tailor the anti-EGFR affinity of the monobody-based ITs carrying a 24-kDa fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE24), termed ER-PE24, to distinguish tumors that overexpress EGFR from normal tissues. Five variants of ER-PE24 were generated with different EGFR affinities (KD ≈ 0.24 nM to 104 nM), showing comparable binding activity for both human and murine EGFR. ER/0.2-PE24 with the highest affinity (KD ≈ 0.24 nM) exhibited a narrow therapeutic window of 19 pM to 93 pM, whereas ER/21-PE24 with an intermediate affinity (KD ≈ 21 nM) showed a much broader therapeutic window of 73 pM to 1.5 nM in in vitro cytotoxic assays using tumor model cell lines. In EGFR-overexpressing tumor xenograft mouse models, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of intravenous injection of ER/21-PE24 was found to be 0.4 mg/kg, which was fourfold higher than the MTD (0.1 mg/kg) of ER/0.2-PE24. Our study provides a strategy for the development of IT targeting tumor overexpressed antigens with basal expression in broad normal tissues by tailoring tumor antigen affinities.
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11
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Shan F, Somasundaram A, Bruno TC, Workman CJ, Vignali DAA. Therapeutic targeting of regulatory T cells in cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:944-961. [PMID: 35853825 PMCID: PMC9588644 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The success of immunotherapy in oncology underscores the vital role of the immune system in cancer development. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) maintain a fine balance between autoimmunity and immune suppression. They have multiple roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME) but act particularly in suppressing T cell activation. This review focuses on the detrimental and sometimes beneficial roles of Tregs in tumors, our current understanding of recruitment and stabilization of Tregs within the TME, and current Treg-targeted therapeutics. Research identifying subpopulations of Tregs and their respective functions and interactions within the complex networks of the TME will be crucial to develop the next generation of immunotherapies. Through these advances, Treg-targeted immunotherapy could have important implications for the future of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Shan
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Ashwin Somasundaram
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
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12
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Immunoregulatory signal networks and tumor immune evasion mechanisms: insights into therapeutic targets and agents in clinical development. Biochem J 2022; 479:2219-2260. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Through activation of immune cells, the immune system is responsible for identifying and destroying infected or otherwise damaged cells including tumorigenic cells that can be recognized as foreign, thus maintaining homeostasis. However, tumor cells have evolved several mechanisms to avoid immune cell detection and killing, resulting in tumor growth and progression. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor infiltrating immune cells are inactivated by soluble factors or tumor promoting conditions and lose their effects on tumor cells. Analysis of signaling and crosstalk between immune cells and tumor cells have helped us to understand in more detail the mechanisms of tumor immune evasion and this forms basis for drug development strategies in the area of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we will summarize the dominant signaling networks involved in immune escape and describe the status of development of therapeutic strategies to target tumor immune evasion mechanisms with focus on how the tumor microenvironment interacts with T cells.
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13
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Jung K, Yoo S, Kim JE, Kim W, Kim YS. Improved intratumoral penetration of IL12 immunocytokine enhances the antitumor efficacy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1034774. [PMID: 36405748 PMCID: PMC9667294 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-targeting antibody (Ab)-fused cytokines, referred to as immunocytokines, are designed to increase antitumor efficacy and reduce toxicity through the tumor-directed delivery of cytokines. However, the poor localization and intratumoral penetration of immunocytokines, especially in solid tumors, pose a challenge to effectively stimulate antitumor immune cells to kill tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment. Here, we investigated the influence of the tumor antigen-binding kinetics of a murine interleukin 12 (mIL12)-based immunocytokine on tumor localization and diffusive intratumoral penetration, and hence the consequent antitumor activity, by activating effector T cells in immunocompetent mice bearing syngeneic colon tumors. Based on tumor-associated antigen HER2-specific Ab Herceptin (HCT)-fused mIL12 carrying one molecule of mIL12 (HCT-mono-mIL12 immunocytokine), we generated a panel of HCT-mono-mIL12 variants with different affinities (K D) mainly varying in their dissociation rates (k off) for HER2. Systemic administration of HCT-mono-mIL12 required an anti-HER2 affinity above a threshold (K D = 130 nM) for selective localization and antitumor activity to HER2-expressing tumors versus HER2-negative tumors. However, the high affinity (K D = 0.54 or 46 nM) due to the slow k off from HER2 antigen limited the depth of intratumoral penetration of HCT-mono-mIL12 and the consequent tumor infiltration of T cells, resulting in inferior antitumor activity compared with that of HCT-mono-mIL12 with moderate affinity of (K D = 130 nM) and a faster k off. The extent of intratumoral penetration of HCT-mono-mIL12 variants was strongly correlated with their tumor infiltration and intratumoral activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to kill tumor cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that when developing antitumor immunocytokines, tumor antigen-binding kinetics and affinity of the Ab moiety should be optimized to achieve maximal antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keunok Jung
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sojung Yoo
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Wook Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
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14
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Abstract
Semaphorin 3A is a secreted glycoprotein, which was originally identified as axon guidance factor in the neuronal system, but it also possesses immunoregulatory properties. Here, the effect of semaphorin 3A on T-lymphocytes, myeloid dendritic cells and macrophages is systematically analyzed on the bases of all publications available in the literature for 20 years. Expression of semaphorin 3A receptors – neuropilin-1 and plexins A – in these cells is described in details. The data obtained on human and murine cells is described comparatively. A comprehensive overview of the interaction of semaphorin 3A with mononuclear phagocyte system is presented for the first time. Semaphorin 3A signaling mostly results in changes of the cytoskeletal machinery and cellular morphology that regulate pathways involved in migration, adhesion, and cell–cell cooperation of immune cells. Accumulating evidence indicates that this factor is crucially involved in various phases of immune responses, including initiation phase, antigen presentation, effector T cell function, inflammation phase, macrophage activation, and polarization. In recent years, interest in this field has increased significantly because semaphorin 3A is associated with many human diseases and therefore can be used as a target for their treatment. Its involvement in the immune responses is important to study, because semaphorin 3A and its receptors turn to be a promising new therapeutic tools to be applied in many autoimmune, allergic, and oncology diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina P Kiseleva
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Institute of Experimental Medicine", St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia.
- Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, St. Petersburg, 195067, Russia
| | - Kristina V Rutto
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Institute of Experimental Medicine", St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia.
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15
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Chen W, Huang W, Xue Y, Chen Y, Qian W, Ma J, August A, Wang J, Zheng SG, Lin J. Neuropilin-1 Identifies a New Subpopulation of TGF-β-Induced Foxp3 + Regulatory T Cells With Potent Suppressive Function and Enhanced Stability During Inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:900139. [PMID: 35603221 PMCID: PMC9114772 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.900139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in preventing autoimmunity and inflammation. There are naturally-derived in the thymus (tTreg), generated extrathymically in the periphery (pTreg), and induced in vitro culture (iTreg) with different characteristics of suppressiveness, stability, and plasticity. There is an abundance of published data on neuropilin-1 (Nrp-1) as a tTreg marker, but little data exist on iTreg. The fidelity of Nrp-1 as a tTreg marker and its role in iTreg remains to be explored. This study found that Nrp-1 was expressed by a subset of Foxp3+CD4+T cells in the central and peripheral lymphoid organs in intact mice, as well as in iTreg. Nrp-1+iTreg and Nrp-1-iTreg were adoptively transferred into a T cell-mediated colitis model to determine their ability to suppress inflammation. Differences in gene expression between Nrp-1+ and Nrp-1-iTreg were analyzed by RNA sequencing. We demonstrated that the Nrp-1+ subset of the iTreg exhibited enhanced suppressive function and stability compared to the Nrp-1- counterpart both in vivo and in vitro, partly depending on IL-10. We found that Nrp-1 is not an exclusive marker of tTreg, however, it is a biomarker identifying a new subset of iTreg with enhanced suppressive function, implicating a potential for Nrp-1+iTreg cell therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqian Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Weishan Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.,Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, LA, United States
| | - Youqiu Xue
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States.,Department of Clinical Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Qian
- Division of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jilin Ma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Avery August
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, LA, United States
| | - Julie Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States.,Department of Clinical Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States.,Department of Clinical Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Lin
- Division of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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16
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Jung K, Son MJ, Lee SY, Kim JA, Ko DH, Yoo S, Kim CH, Kim YS. Antibody-mediated delivery of a viral MHC-I epitope into the cytosol of target tumor cells repurposes virus-specific CD8 + T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:102. [PMID: 35459256 PMCID: PMC9027861 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01574-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Redirecting pre-existing virus-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTLs) to tumors by simulating a viral infection of the tumor cells has great potential for cancer immunotherapy. However, this strategy is limited by lack of amenable method for viral antigen delivery into the cytosol of target tumors. Here, we addressed the limit by developing a CD8+T cell epitope-delivering antibody, termed a TEDbody, which was engineered to deliver a viral MHC-I epitope peptide into the cytosol of target tumor cells by fusion with a tumor-specific cytosol-penetrating antibody. Methods To direct human cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific CTLs against tumors, we designed a series of TEDbodies carrying various CMV pp65 antigen-derived peptides. CMV-specific CTLs from blood of CMV-seropositive healthy donors were expanded for use in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Comprehensive cellular assays were performed to determine the presentation mechanism of TEDbody-mediated CMV peptide-MHC-I complex (CMV-pMHCI) on the surface of target tumor cells and the recognition and lysis by CMV-specific CTLs. In vivo CMV-pMHCI presentation and antitumor efficacy of TEDbody were evaluated in immunodeficient mice bearing human tumors. Results TEDbody delivered the fused epitope peptides into target tumor cells to be intracellularly processed and surface displayed in the form of CMV-pMHCI, leading to disguise target tumor cells as virally infected cells for recognition and lysis by CMV-specific CTLs. When systemically injected into tumor-bearing immunodeficient mice, TEDbody efficiently marked tumor cells with CMV-pMHCI to augment the proliferation and cytotoxic property of tumor-infiltrated CMV-specific CTLs, resulting in significant inhibition of the in vivo tumor growth by redirecting adoptively transferred CMV-specific CTLs. Further, combination of TEDbody with anti-OX40 agonistic antibody substantially enhanced the in vivo antitumor activity. Conclusion Our study offers an effective technology for MHC-I antigen cytosolic delivery. TEDbody may thus have utility as a therapeutic cancer vaccine to redirect pre-existing anti-viral CTLs arising from previously exposed viral infections to attack tumors. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-022-01574-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keunok Jung
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Son
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Young Lee
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ah Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok-Han Ko
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sojung Yoo
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.,Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Chapoval SP, Keegan AD. Perspectives and potential approaches for targeting neuropilin 1 in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mol Med 2021; 27:162. [PMID: 34961486 PMCID: PMC8711287 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel type b coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 224 million confirmed infections with this virus and more than 4.6 million people dead because of it, it is critically important to define the immunological processes occurring in the human response to this virus and pathogenetic mechanisms of its deadly manifestation. This perspective focuses on the contribution of the recently discovered interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein with neuropilin 1 (NRP1) receptor, NRP1 as a virus entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, its role in different physiologic and pathologic conditions, and the potential to target the Spike-NRP1 interaction to combat virus infectivity and severe disease manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana P Chapoval
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 800 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Program in Oncology at the Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- SemaPlex LLC, Ellicott City, MD, USA.
| | - Achsah D Keegan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 800 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Program in Oncology at the Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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18
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Chuckran CA, Cillo AR, Moskovitz J, Overacre-Delgoffe A, Somasundaram AS, Shan F, Magnon GC, Kunning SR, Abecassis I, Zureikat AH, Luketich J, Pennathur A, Sembrat J, Rojas M, Merrick DT, Taylor SE, Orr B, Modugno F, Buckanovich R, Schoen RE, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Zeh H, Edwards R, Kirkwood JM, Coffman L, Ferris RL, Bruno TC, Vignali DAA. Prevalence of intratumoral regulatory T cells expressing neuropilin-1 is associated with poorer outcomes in patients with cancer. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabf8495. [PMID: 34878821 PMCID: PMC9022491 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abf8495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the success of immune checkpoint blockade therapy, few strategies sufficiently overcome immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs) is challenging, because perturbing intratumoral Treg function must be specific enough to avoid systemic inflammatory side effects. Thus, no Treg-targeted agents have proven both safe and efficacious in patients with cancer. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is recognized for its role in supporting intratumoral Treg function while being dispensable for peripheral homeostasis. Nonetheless, little is known about the biology of human NRP1+ Tregs and the signals that regulate NRP1 expression. Here, we report that NRP1 is preferentially expressed on intratumoral Tregs across six distinct cancer types compared to healthy donor peripheral blood [peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL)] and site-matched, noncancer tissue. Furthermore, NRP1+ Treg prevalence is associated with reduced progression-free survival in head and neck cancer. Human NRP1+ Tregs have broad activation programs and elevated suppressive function. Unlike mouse Tregs, we demonstrate that NRP1 identifies a transient activation state of human Tregs driven by continuous T cell receptor (TCR) signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and interleukin-2 exposure. The prevalence of NRP1+ Tregs in patient PBL correlates with the intratumoral abundance of NRP1+ Tregs and may indicate higher disease burden. These findings support further clinical evaluation of NRP1 as a suitable therapeutic target to enhance antitumor immunity by inhibiting Treg function in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Chuckran
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Anthony R. Cillo
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jessica Moskovitz
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Abigail Overacre-Delgoffe
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ashwin S. Somasundaram
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Feng Shan
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Integrative Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Grant C. Magnon
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sheryl R. Kunning
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Irina Abecassis
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Amer H. Zureikat
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Pancreatic Cancer Program, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - James Luketich
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Arjun Pennathur
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - John Sembrat
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Daniel T. Merrick
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sarah E. Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Brian Orr
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Francesmary Modugno
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Women’s Cancer Research Center, Magee-Women’s Research Institute and Foundation and Hillman Cancer Center and Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ron Buckanovich
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Robert E. Schoen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Seungwon Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Herbert Zeh
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Robert Edwards
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - John M. Kirkwood
- Departments of Medicine, Dermatology, and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lan Coffman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Robert L. Ferris
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tullia C. Bruno
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Dario A. A. Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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19
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Bronger H. Immunology and Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Ovarian Cancer - Current Aspects. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2021; 81:1128-1144. [PMID: 34629492 PMCID: PMC8494520 DOI: 10.1055/a-1475-4335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) against the PD-1/PD-L1 system have revolutionised the treatment of numerous entities. To date, ovarian cancer has benefited very little from this success story. Possible causes include a rather low mutational burden compared to other tumour types, inadequate presentation of (neo-)antigens, and increased infiltration with immunosuppressive immune cells such as regulatory T cells and tumour-associated macrophages. In the clinical trials completed to date, the response rates to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors have therefore been disappointingly low as well, although isolated long-term remissions have also been observed in ovarian cancer. The task now is to find suitable predictive biomarkers as well as to identify combination partners for ICB therapy that can increase the immunogenicity of ovarian cancer or overcome immunosuppressive resistance mechanisms. This paper provides an overview of the immune milieu in ovarian cancer, its impact on the effect of ICB, and summarises the clinical trial data available to date on ICB in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Bronger
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Frauenheilkunde, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.,Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Partnerstandort München und Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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20
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Chuckran CA, Liu C, Bruno TC, Workman CJ, Vignali DA. Neuropilin-1: a checkpoint target with unique implications for cancer immunology and immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000967. [PMID: 32675311 PMCID: PMC7368550 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy established a new paradigm in cancer treatment: for certain patients curative treatment requires immune reinvigoration. Despite this monumental advance, only 20%–30% of patients achieve an objective response to standard of care immunotherapy, necessitating the consideration of alternative targets. Optimal strategies will not only stimulate CD8+ T cells, but concomitantly modulate immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), most notably regulatory T cells (Treg cells). In this context, the immunoregulatory receptor Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is garnering renewed attention as it reinforces intratumoral Treg cell function amidst inflammation in the TME. Loss of NRP1 on Treg cells in mouse models restores antitumor immunity without sacrificing peripheral tolerance. Enrichment of NRP1+ Treg cells is observed in patients across multiple malignancies with cancer, both intratumorally and in peripheral sites. Thus, targeting NRP1 may safely undermine intratumoral Treg cell fitness, permitting enhanced inflammatory responses with existing immunotherapies. Furthermore, NRP1 has been recently found to modulate tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Emerging data suggest that NRP1 restricts CD8+ T cell reinvigoration in response to checkpoint inhibitors, and more importantly, acts as a barrier to the long-term durability of CD8+ T cell-mediated tumor immunosurveillance. These novel and distinct regulatory mechanisms present an exciting therapeutic opportunity. This review will discuss the growing literature on NRP1-mediated immune modulation which provides a strong rationale for categorizing NRP1 as both a key checkpoint in the TME as well as an immunotherapeutic target with promise either alone or in combination with current standard of care therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Chuckran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center and the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center and the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center and the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center and the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dario Aa Vignali
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA .,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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21
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Engineering of an EpCAM-targeting cyclic peptide to improve the EpCAM-mediated cellular internalization and tumor accumulation of a peptide-fused antibody. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 573:35-41. [PMID: 34388452 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Fusion of a target-specific peptide to a full-length antibody (Ab) can result in a peptide-Ab fusion protein with additional specificity and enhanced activity. We recently developed an intracellular pan-RAS-targeting cytosol-penetrating antibody, RT22-ep59, in which a tumor-specific targeting ability was achieved via the fusion of an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) targeting cyclic peptide (ep133). Here, the aim was to enhance EpCAM-mediated endocytosis and tumor accumulation of the peptide-fused RAS-targeting Ab. Accordingly, we engineered a cyclic peptide (from ep133) that has stronger affinity for EpCAM by using yeast surface display technology and then rationally designed cyclic peptides in the Ab-fused form to enhance colloidal stability. The finally engineered EpCAM-targeting cyclic peptide (ep6)-fused Ab, ep6Ras37, has ∼10-fold stronger affinity (KD ≈ 1.9 nM) for EpCAM than that of RT22-ep59, without deterioration of biophysical properties. Compared with the parental antibody (RT22-ep59), ep6Ras37 more efficiently reached the cytosol of EpCAM-expressing cells and showed greater preferential tumor homing and accumulation in mice bearing EpCAM-expressing LoVo xenograft tumors. Thus, the high-affinity EpCAM-targeting peptide ensures efficient cellular internalization and better tumor accumulation of the peptide-fused Ab.
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22
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Oweida A, Paquette B. Reconciling two opposing effects of radiation therapy: stimulation of cancer cell invasion and activation of anti-cancer immunity. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 99:951-963. [PMID: 34264178 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1956005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The damage caused by radiation therapy to cancerous and normal cells inevitably leads to changes in the secretome profile of pro and anti-inflammatory mediators. The inflammatory response depends on the dose of radiation and its fractionation, while the inherent radiosensitivity of each patient dictates the intensity and types of adverse reactions. This review will present an overview of two apparently opposite reactions that may occur after radiation treatment: induction of an antitumor immune response and a protumoral response. Emphasis is placed on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. CONCLUSIONS By understanding how radiation changes the balance between anti- and protumoral effects, these forces can be manipulated to optimize radiation oncology treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Oweida
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Benoit Paquette
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
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Pancancer Analysis of Neurovascular-Related NRP Family Genes as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers of Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5546612. [PMID: 33937395 PMCID: PMC8062179 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5546612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Neurovascular-related genes have been implicated in the development of cancer. Studies have shown that a high expression of neuropilins (NRPs) promotes tumourigenesis and tumour malignancy. Method A multidimensional bioinformatics analysis was performed to examine the relationship between NRP genes and prognostic and pathological features, tumour mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immunological features based on public databases and find the potential prognostic value of NRPs in pancancer. Results Survival analysis revealed that a low NRP1 expression in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC), low-grade glioma (LGG), and stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) was associated with poor prognosis. A high NRP2 expression in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA), kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP), and mesothelioma (MESO) was associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, NRP1 and NRP2 were associated with TMB and MSI. Subsequent analyses showed that NRP1 and NRP2 were correlated with immune infiltration and immune checkpoints. Genome-wide association analysis revealed that the NRP1 expression was strongly associated with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), whereas the NRP2 expression was closely associated with BLCA. Ultimately, NRP2 was found to be involved in the development of BLCA. Conclusions Neurovascular-related NRP family genes are significantly correlated with cancer prognosis, TME, and immune infiltration, particularly in BLCA.
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Recruitment and Expansion of Tregs Cells in the Tumor Environment-How to Target Them? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081850. [PMID: 33924428 PMCID: PMC8069615 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The immune response against cancer is generated by effector T cells, among them cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that destroy cancer cells and helper CD4+ T cells that mediate and support the immune response. This antitumor function of T cells is tightly regulated by a particular subset of CD4+ T cells, named regulatory T cells (Tregs), through different mechanisms. Even if the complete inhibition of Tregs would be extremely harmful due to their tolerogenic role in impeding autoimmune diseases in the periphery, the targeted blockade of their accumulation at tumor sites or their targeted depletion represent a major therapeutic challenge. This review focuses on the mechanisms favoring Treg recruitment, expansion and stabilization in the tumor microenvironment and the therapeutic strategies developed to block these mechanisms. Abstract Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are present in a large majority of solid tumors and are mainly associated with a poor prognosis, as their major function is to inhibit the antitumor immune response contributing to immunosuppression. In this review, we will investigate the mechanisms involved in the recruitment, amplification and stability of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We will also review the strategies currently developed to inhibit Tregs’ deleterious impact in the TME by either inhibiting their recruitment, blocking their expansion, favoring their plastic transformation into other CD4+ T-cell subsets, blocking their suppressive function or depleting them specifically in the TME to avoid severe deleterious effects associated with Treg neutralization/depletion in the periphery and normal tissues.
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Lee SY, Ko DH, Son MJ, Kim JA, Jung K, Kim YS. Affinity Maturation of a T-Cell Receptor-Like Antibody Specific for a Cytomegalovirus pp65-Derived Peptide Presented by HLA-A*02:01. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052349. [PMID: 33652936 PMCID: PMC7956451 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is widespread among adults (60–90%) and is usually undetected in healthy individuals without symptoms but can cause severe diseases in immunocompromised hosts. T-cell receptor (TCR)-like antibodies (Abs), which recognize complex antigens (peptide–MHC complex, pMHC) composed of MHC molecules with embedded short peptides derived from intracellular proteins, including pathogenic viral proteins, can serve as diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents. In this study, we aimed to engineer a TCR-like Ab specific for pMHC comprising a CMV pp65 protein-derived peptide (495NLVPMVATV503; hereafter, CMVpp65495-503) in complex with MHC-I molecule human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02:01 (CMVpp65495-503/HLA-A*02:01) to increase affinity by sequential mutagenesis of complementarity-determining regions using yeast surface display technology. Compared with the parental Ab, the final generated Ab (C1-17) showed ~67-fold enhanced binding affinity (KD ≈ 5.2 nM) for the soluble pMHC, thereby detecting the cell surface-displayed CMVpp65495-503/HLA-A*02:01 complex with high sensitivity and exquisite specificity. Thus, the new high-affinity TCR-like Ab may be used for the detection and treatment of CMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Young Lee
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea; (S.-Y.L.); (D.-H.K.); (M.-J.S.); (J.-A.K.)
| | - Deok-Han Ko
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea; (S.-Y.L.); (D.-H.K.); (M.-J.S.); (J.-A.K.)
| | - Min-Jeong Son
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea; (S.-Y.L.); (D.-H.K.); (M.-J.S.); (J.-A.K.)
| | - Jeong-Ah Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea; (S.-Y.L.); (D.-H.K.); (M.-J.S.); (J.-A.K.)
| | - Keunok Jung
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea;
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea; (S.-Y.L.); (D.-H.K.); (M.-J.S.); (J.-A.K.)
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-219-2662; Fax: +82-31-219-1610
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26
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Dadey RE, Workman CJ, Vignali DAA. Regulatory T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1273:105-134. [PMID: 33119878 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-49270-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an immunosuppressive subpopulation of CD4+ T cells that are endowed with potent suppressive activity and function to limit immune activation and maintain homeostasis. These cells are identified by the hallmark transcription factor FOXP3 and the high-affinity interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor chain CD25. Tregs can be recruited to and persist within the tumor microenvironment (TME), acting as a potent barrier to effective antitumor immunity. This chapter will discuss [i] the history and hallmarks of Tregs; [ii] the recruitment, development, and persistence of Tregs within the TME; [iii] Treg function within TME; asnd [iv] the therapeutic targeting of Tregs in the clinic. This chapter will conclude with a discussion of likely trends and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah E Dadey
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Zhang S, Li Z, Dong H, Wu P, Liu Y, Guo T, Li C, Wang S, Qu X, Liu Y, Che X, Xu L. Construction of an immune-related gene signature to predict survival and treatment outcome in gastric cancer. Sci Prog 2021; 104:36850421997286. [PMID: 33661721 PMCID: PMC10454988 DOI: 10.1177/0036850421997286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells have emerged as key regulators in the occurrence and development of multiple tumor types. However, it is unclear whether immune-related genes (IRGs) and the tumor immune microenvironment can predict prognosis for patients with gastric cancer (GC). The mRNA expression data in GC tissues (n = 368) were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed IRGs in patients with GC were determined using a computational difference algorithm. A prognostic signature was constructed using COX regression and random survival forest (RSF) analyses. In addition, datasets related to "gemcitabine resistance" and "trastuzumab resistance" (GSE58118 and GSE77346) were obtained for GEO database, and DEGs associated with drug-resistance were screened. Then, we analyzed correlations between gene expression and cancer immune infiltrates via Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) site. The cBioportal database was used to analyze drug-resistant gene mutation status and survival. One hundred and fifty-five differentially expressed IRGs were screened between GC and normal tissues, and a prognostic signature consisting of four IRGs (NRP1, PPP3R1, IL17RA, and FGF16) was closely related to the overall survival (OS). According to cutoff value of risk score, patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk group. Patients in the high-risk group had shorter OS compared to the low-risk group in both the training (p < 0.0001) and testing sets (p = 0.0021). In addition, we developed a 5-IRGs (LGR6, DKK1, TNFRSF1B, NRP1, and CXCR4) signature which may participate in drug resistance processes in GC. Survival analysis showed that patients with drug-resistant gene mutations had shorter OS (p = 0.0459) and DFS (p < 0.001). We constructed four survival-related IRGs and five IRGs related to drug resistance which may contribute to predict the prognosis of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuairan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Hang Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Peihong Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianshu Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Ce Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaofang Che
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
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28
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Scott EN, Gocher AM, Workman CJ, Vignali DAA. Regulatory T Cells: Barriers of Immune Infiltration Into the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:702726. [PMID: 34177968 PMCID: PMC8222776 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.702726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key immunosuppressive cells that promote tumor growth by hindering the effector immune response. Tregs utilize multiple suppressive mechanisms to inhibit pro-inflammatory responses within the tumor microenvironment (TME) by inhibition of effector function and immune cell migration, secretion of inhibitory cytokines, metabolic disruption and promotion of metastasis. In turn, Tregs are being targeted in the clinic either alone or in combination with other immunotherapies, in efforts to overcome the immunosuppressive TME and increase anti-tumor effects. However, it is now appreciated that Tregs not only suppress cells intratumorally via direct engagement, but also serve as key interactors in the peritumor, stroma, vasculature and lymphatics to limit anti-tumor immune responses prior to tumor infiltration. We will review the suppressive mechanisms that Tregs utilize to alter immune and non-immune cells outside and within the TME and discuss how these mechanisms collectively allow Tregs to create and promote a physical and biological barrier, resulting in an immune-excluded or limited tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen N Scott
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Angela M Gocher
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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29
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Furukawa N, Popel AS. Peptides that immunoactivate the tumor microenvironment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188486. [PMID: 33276025 PMCID: PMC8369429 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has achieved positive clinical outcomes and is revolutionizing cancer treatment. However, cancer immunotherapy has thus far failed to improve outcomes for most "cold tumors", which are characterized by low infiltration of immune cells and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Enhancing the responsiveness of cold tumors to cancer immunotherapy by stimulating the components of the tumor microenvironment is a strategy pursued in the last decade. Currently, most of the agents used to modify the tumor microenvironment are small molecules or antibodies. Small molecules exhibit low affinity and specificity towards the target and antibodies have shortcomings such as poor tissue penetration and high production cost. Peptides may overcome these drawbacks and therefore are promising materials for immunomodulating agents. Here we systematically summarize the currently developed immunoactivating peptides and discuss the potential of peptide therapeutics in cancer immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuki Furukawa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuropilins (NRP1 and NRP2) are multifunctional receptor proteins that are involved in nerve, blood vessel, and tumor development. NRP1 was first found to be expressed in neurons, but subsequent studies have demonstrated its surface expression in cells from the endothelium and lymph nodes. NRP1 has been demonstrated to be involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of cancers. NRP1 interacts with various cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor family and its receptor and transforming growth factor β1 and its receptor, to affect tumor angiogenesis, tumor proliferation, and migration. In addition, NRP1+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an inhibitory role in tumor immunity. High numbers of NRP1+ Tregs were associated with cancer prognosis. Targeting NRP1 has shown promise, and antagonists against NRP1 have had therapeutic efficacy in preliminary clinical studies. NRP1 treatment modalities using nanomaterials, targeted drugs, oncolytic viruses, and radio-chemotherapy have gradually been developed. Hence, we reviewed the use of NRP1 in the context of tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment.
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31
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Li K, Liu CJ, Zhang XZ. Multifunctional peptides for tumor therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 160:36-51. [PMID: 33080257 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Controlled nano-systems for drug delivery are designed to deliver therapeutical drugs to desirable sites on demand. Due to the diverse physiological functions of peptides, it is reasonable to introduce peptides into anti-tumor nano-system. The integration of peptides into nanomaterials has complementary advantages, which not only avoids the rapid degradation of peptides in vivo, but also improves the intelligence and functionality of the nano-system. We summarized the functional peptides with targeting and stimulus-responsive properties, and the present review outlined the most relevant and recent developed peptide-based multifunctional nanomaterials for tumor therapy.
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32
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Yang L, Wang G, Xia H. Molecular mechanism for impaired suppressive function of Tregs in autoimmune diseases: A summary of cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:11056-11063. [PMID: 32881301 PMCID: PMC7576235 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are responsible for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmunity. In immune homeostasis condition, Tregs exert their suppressive function through inhibiting the proliferation of effector T cells. In response to environmental signals, Tregs display phenotypic heterogeneity and altered stability, which endows their suppressive function in a context-dependent manner. Compelling evidence indicates deficiency of Treg suppressive function is related to the immunopathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. Consequently, it is vital to further our understanding of the molecular mechanism accounting for the regulation of Treg suppressive functions. In this review, we outline the current knowledge that highlights how cell-intrinsic factors, such as inflammatory cytokines, transcription factors, signalling pathways, post-translational modification (PTM), miRNAs, protein and protein complex, and cell-extrinsic factors orchestrate the suppressive function of Tregs. Improved understanding of the molecular mechanism related to the suppressive functional property of Tregs should provide new insights into autoimmunity and disease pathogenesis, which offers opportunity for identifying new therapeutic targets for Treg-related autoimmune diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luting Yang
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haibin Xia
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
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33
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Autocrine Signaling of NRP1 Ligand Galectin-1 Elicits Resistance to BRAF-Targeted Therapy in Melanoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082218. [PMID: 32784465 PMCID: PMC7463444 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma cells addicted to mutated BRAF oncogene activity can be targeted by specific kinase inhibitors until they develop resistance to therapy. We observed that the expression of Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a soluble ligand of Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), is upregulated in melanoma tumor samples and melanoma cells resistant to BRAF-targeted therapy. We then demonstrated that Gal-1 is a novel driver of resistance to BRAF inhibitors in melanoma and that its activity is linked to the concomitant upregulation of the NRP1 receptor observed in drug-resistant cells. Mechanistically, Gal-1 sustains increased expression of NRP1 and EGFR in drug-resistant melanoma cells. Moreover, consistent with its role as a NRP1 ligand, Gal-1 negatively controls p27 levels, a mechanism previously found to enable EGFR upregulation in cancer cells. Finally, the combined treatment with a Gal-1 inhibitor and a NRP1 blocking drug enabled resistant melanoma cell resensitization to BRAF-targeted therapy. In summary, we found that the activation of Galectin-1/NRP1 autocrine signaling is a new mechanism conferring independence from BRAF kinase activity to oncogene-addicted melanoma cells.
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34
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Li C, Jiang P, Wei S, Xu X, Wang J. Regulatory T cells in tumor microenvironment: new mechanisms, potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:116. [PMID: 32680511 PMCID: PMC7367382 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01234-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 401] [Impact Index Per Article: 100.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) characterized by the expression of the master transcription factor forkhead box protein p3 (Foxp3) suppress anticancer immunity, thereby hindering protective immunosurveillance of tumours and hampering effective antitumour immune responses in tumour-bearing hosts, constitute a current research hotspot in the field. However, Tregs are also essential for the maintenance of the immune tolerance of the body and share many molecular signalling pathways with conventional T cells, including cytotoxic T cells, the primary mediators of tumour immunity. Hence, the inability to specifically target and neutralize Tregs in the tumour microenvironment without globally compromising self-tolerance poses a significant challenge. Here, we review recent advances in characterizing tumour-infiltrating Tregs with a focus on the functional roles of costimulatory and inhibitory receptors in Tregs, evaluate their potential as clinical targets, and systematically summarize their roles in potential treatment strategies. Also, we propose modalities to integrate our increasing knowledge on Tregs phenotype and function for the rational design of checkpoint inhibitor-based combination therapies. Finally, we propose possible treatment strategies that can be used to develop Treg-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shuhua Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaofei Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Ko JH, Kwon HS, Kim B, Min G, Shin C, Yang SW, Lee SW, Lee Y, Hong D, Kim YS. Preclinical Efficacy and Safety of an Anti-Human VEGFA and Anti-Human NRP1 Dual-Targeting Bispecific Antibody (IDB0076). Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060919. [PMID: 32560565 PMCID: PMC7356919 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although bevacizumab (Avastin®) has been approved as an antiangiogenic agent against some cancers, the efficacy is transient and unsatisfactory in other cancers most likely owing to the presence of alternative proangiogenic factors. Therefore, simultaneous blocking of several proangiogenic factors may be a promising strategy for antiangiogenic cancer therapeutics. Accordingly, neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is an attractive target because it serves as a multifunctional receptor for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. Here, we aimed to generate and test an anti-VEGFA and anti-NRP1 dual-targeting bispecific antibody (named as IDB0076) by genetic fusion of an NRP1-targeting peptide to the C-terminus of the bevacizumab heavy chain. Similar to the parental antibody (bevacizumab), IDB0076 suppressed VEGFA-induced migration of human endothelial cells. In contrast, IDB0076 inhibited endothelial-cell migration induced by other angiogenesis growth factors and manifested a more potent antitumor activity than that of bevacizumab in a murine tumor xenograft model. When toxicity was preliminarily evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys, IDB0076 showed no substantial adverse effects, e.g., the absence of noticeable nephrotoxicity, which has previously been documented for the combination therapy of bevacizumab and an anti-NRP1 antibody. Thus, VEGFA-and-NRP1 dual-targeting bispecific antibody IDB0076 may be a potent and safe anticancer agent worthy of further preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Hee Ko
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Hyuk-Sang Kwon
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Bomin Kim
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Gihong Min
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Chorong Shin
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Seok-Woo Yang
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Seong Wook Lee
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Youngmin Lee
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Dahae Hong
- Research Laboratory, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong 18449, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (H.-S.K.); (B.K.); (G.M.); (C.S.); (S.-W.Y.); (S.W.L.); (Y.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82 31-219-2662
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