1
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Ma QY, Xu XY, Zhu YZ, Yao NN, Liu YC, Gao XD, Zhang Q, Luo WJ. Artesunate inhibits vasculogenic mimicry in choroidal melanoma through HIF-1 α/ VEGF/PDGF pathway. Acta Histochem 2024; 126:152174. [PMID: 38976933 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2024.152174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Choroidal melanoma (CM), a highly metastatic eye tumor, exhibits vasculogenic mimicry (VM) facilitated by hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. This study explored the inhibitory impact of the anti-malarial drug Artesunate (ART) on CM VM through modulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF/PDGF pathway. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed VM in CM with elevated VEGF and PDGF expression. Hypoxia promoted CM proliferation, upregulating HIF-1α, VEGF and PDGF. VEGF and PDGF enhanced CM migration, invasion and VM, with HIF-1α playing a crucial role. ART mitigated VM formation by suppressing the HIF-1α/VEGF/PDGF pathway, highlighting its potential as an anti-tumor agent in CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Yue Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuan-Zhang Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning-Ning Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yi-Chong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-di Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wen-Juan Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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2
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Robertson BM, Fane ME, Weeraratna AT, Rebecca VW. Determinants of resistance and response to melanoma therapy. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:964-982. [PMID: 39020103 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00794-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is among the most enigmatic advanced cancers to clinically manage despite immense progress in the way of available therapeutic options and historic decreases in the melanoma mortality rate. Most patients with metastatic melanoma treated with modern targeted therapies (for example, BRAFV600E/K inhibitors) and/or immune checkpoint blockade (for example, anti-programmed death 1 therapy) will progress, owing to profound tumor cell plasticity fueled by genetic and nongenetic mechanisms and dichotomous host microenvironmental influences. Here we discuss the determinants of tumor heterogeneity, mechanisms of therapy resistance and effective therapy regimens that hold curative promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey M Robertson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mitchell E Fane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vito W Rebecca
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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3
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Fan H, Yan L, Tan Y, Feng J, Zhang W. Bevacizumab-associated toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient with liver cancer. J Dermatol 2024. [PMID: 38895837 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Fan
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - LuLu Yan
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuwei Tan
- The Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianglong Feng
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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4
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Kang Y, Li H, Liu Y, Li Z. Regulation of VEGF-A expression and VEGF-A-targeted therapy in malignant tumors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:221. [PMID: 38687357 PMCID: PMC11061008 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05714-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), a highly conserved dimeric glycoprotein, is a key regulatory gene and a marker molecule of angiogenesis. The upregulation of VEGF-A facilitates the process of tumor vascularization, thereby fostering the initiation and progression of malignant neoplasms. Many genes can adjust the angiogenesis of tumors by changing the expression of VEGF-A. In addition, VEGF-A also exhibits immune regulatory properties, which directly or indirectly suppresses the antitumor activity of immune cells. The emergence of VEGF-A-targeted therapy alone or in rational combinations has revolutionized the treatment of various cancers. This review discusses how diverse mechanisms in various tumors regulate VEGF-A expression to promote tumor angiogenesis and the role of VEGF-A in tumor immune microenvironment. The application of drugs targeting VEGF-A in tumor therapy is also summarized including antibody molecule drugs and traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Kang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huiting Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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5
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Chen S, Liao C, Hu H, Liao J, Chen Z, Li S, Zeng X, Peng B, Shen S, Li D, Li S, Lai J, Peng S, Xie Y, Kuang M. Hypoxia-driven tumor stromal remodeling and immunosuppressive microenvironment in scirrhous HCC. Hepatology 2024; 79:780-797. [PMID: 37725755 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Scirrhous HCC (SHCC) is one of the unique subtypes of HCC, characterized by abundant fibrous stroma in the tumor microenvironment. However, the molecular traits of SHCC remain unclear, which is essential to develop specialized therapeutic approaches for SHCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS We presented an integrative analysis containing single-cell RNA-sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and bulk RNA-sequencing in SHCC and usual HCC samples from 134 patients to delineate genomic features, transcriptomic profiles, and stromal immune microenvironment of SHCC. Multiplexed immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and functional experiments were performed for validation. Here, we identified SHCC presented with less genomic heterogeneity while possessing a unique transcriptomic profile different from usual HCC. Insulin-like growth factor 2 was significantly upregulated in SHCC tumor cells compared to usual HCC, and could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for SHCC. Significant tumor stromal remodeling and hypoxia were observed in SHCC with enrichment of matrix cancer-associated fibroblasts and upregulation of hypoxic pathways. Insulin-like growth factor 2 was identified as a key mediator in shaping the hypoxic stromal microenvironment of SHCC. Under this microenvironment, SHCC exhibited an immunosuppressive niche correlated to enhanced VEGFA signaling activity, where CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells were dysfunctional. Furthermore, we found that another hypoxic-related molecule SPP1 from SHCC tumor cells suppressed the function of dendritic cells via the SPP1-CD44 axis, which also probably hindered the activation of T cells. CONCLUSION We uncovered the genomic characteristics of SHCC, and revealed a hypoxia-driven tumor stroma remodeling and immunosuppressive microenvironment in SHCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Chen
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Changyi Liao
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huanjing Hu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Junbin Liao
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zebin Chen
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuezhen Zeng
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shunli Shen
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dongming Li
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shaoqiang Li
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiaming Lai
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sui Peng
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Clinical Trials Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yubin Xie
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ming Kuang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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6
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Chew V, Chuang CH, Hsu C. Translational research on drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:22. [PMID: 38368324 PMCID: PMC10874078 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01011-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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational research plays a key role in drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, unique challenges exist in this field because of the limited availability of human tumor samples from surgery, the lack of homogenous oncogenic driver mutations, and the paucity of adequate experimental models. In this review, we provide insights into these challenges and review recent advancements, with a particular focus on the two main agents currently used as mainstream therapies for HCC: anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy. First, we examine the pre-clinical and clinical studies to highlight the challenges of determining the optimal therapeutic combinations with biologically effective dosage for HCC. Second, we discuss biomarker studies focusing on anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1-based combination therapy. Finally, we discuss the progress made in our collective understanding of tumor immunology and in multi-omics analysis technology, which enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying immunotherapy, characterize different patient subgroups, and facilitate the development of novel combination approaches to improve treatment efficacy. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of efforts in translational research aiming at advancing our understanding of and improving the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Chew
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chien-Huai Chuang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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7
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Shirley CA, Chhabra G, Amiri D, Chang H, Ahmad N. Immune escape and metastasis mechanisms in melanoma: breaking down the dichotomy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336023. [PMID: 38426087 PMCID: PMC10902921 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336023] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most lethal neoplasms of the skin. Despite the revolutionary introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, metastatic spread, and recurrence remain critical problems in resistant cases. Melanoma employs a multitude of mechanisms to subvert the immune system and successfully metastasize to distant organs. Concerningly, recent research also shows that tumor cells can disseminate early during melanoma progression and enter dormant states, eventually leading to metastases at a future time. Immune escape and metastasis have previously been viewed as separate phenomena; however, accumulating evidence is breaking down this dichotomy. Recent research into the progressive mechanisms of melanoma provides evidence that dedifferentiation similar to classical epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), genes involved in neural crest stem cell maintenance, and hypoxia/acidosis, are important factors simultaneously involved in immune escape and metastasis. The likeness between EMT and early dissemination, and differences, also become apparent in these contexts. Detailed knowledge of the mechanisms behind "dual drivers" simultaneously promoting metastatically inclined and immunosuppressive environments can yield novel strategies effective in disabling multiple facets of melanoma progression. Furthermore, understanding progression through these drivers may provide insight towards novel treatments capable of preventing recurrence arising from dormant dissemination or improving immunotherapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl A Shirley
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Deeba Amiri
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Hao Chang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, United States
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8
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Li J, Li XL, Li CQ. Immunoregulation mechanism of VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors and its efficacy on the kidney. Am J Med Sci 2023; 366:404-412. [PMID: 37699444 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis and immunosuppression are closely related pathophysiologic processes. Widely prescribed in malignant tumor and proliferative retinal lesions, VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors may cause hypertension and renal injury in some patients, presenting with proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, renal failure and thrombotic microangiopathy. VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors block the action of both VEGF-A and VEGF-C. However, VEGF-A and VEGF-C produced by podocytes are vital to maintain the physiological function of glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes. There is still no effective treatment for kidney disease associated with VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors and some patients have progressive renal failure even after withdrawal of the drug. Recent studies reveal that blocking of VEGF-A and VEGF-C can activate CD4 +and CD8+ T cells, augment antigen-presenting function of dendritic cells, enhance cytotoxicity of macrophages and initiate complement cascade activation. VEGF and VEGFR are expressed in immune cells, which are involved in the immunosuppression and cross-talk among immune cells. This review summarizes the expression and function of VEGF-A and VEGF-C in the kidney. The current immunoregulation mechanisms of VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors are reviewed. Finally, combinate strategies are summarized to highlight the proposal for VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, China; Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xiao-Lin Li
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun-Qing Li
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, China
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9
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Yu J, Cui J, Zhang X, Xu H, Chen Z, Li Y, Niu Y, Wang S, Ran S, Zou Y, Ye W, Zhang D, Zhou C, Xia J, Wu J. The OX40-TRAF6 axis promotes CTLA-4 degradation to augment antitumor CD8 + T-cell immunity. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1445-1456. [PMID: 37932534 PMCID: PMC10687085 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01093-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), including anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), benefits only a limited number of patients with cancer. Understanding the in-depth regulatory mechanism of CTLA-4 protein stability and its functional significance may help identify ICB resistance mechanisms and assist in the development of novel immunotherapeutic modalities to improve ICB efficacy. Here, we identified that TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) mediates Lys63-linked ubiquitination and subsequent lysosomal degradation of CTLA-4. Moreover, by using TRAF6-deficient mice and retroviral overexpression experiments, we demonstrated that TRAF6 promotes CTLA-4 degradation in a T-cell-intrinsic manner, which is dependent on the RING domain of TRAF6. This intrinsic regulatory mechanism contributes to CD8+ T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity in vivo. Additionally, by using an OX40 agonist, we demonstrated that the OX40-TRAF6 axis is responsible for CTLA-4 degradation, thereby controlling antitumor immunity in both tumor-bearing mice and patients with cancer. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the OX40-TRAF6 axis promotes CTLA-4 degradation and is a potential therapeutic target for the improvement of T-cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jizhang Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jikai Cui
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heng Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhang Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqing Niu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuan Ran
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanqiang Zou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weicong Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahong Xia
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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10
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Li S, Li K, Wang K, Yu H, Wang X, Shi M, Liang Z, Yang Z, Hu Y, Li Y, Liu W, Li H, Cheng S, Ye L, Yang Y. Low-dose radiotherapy combined with dual PD-L1 and VEGFA blockade elicits antitumor response in hepatocellular carcinoma mediated by activated intratumoral CD8 + exhausted-like T cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7709. [PMID: 38001101 PMCID: PMC10673920 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43462-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) combined with bevacizumab (anti-VEGFA) is the first-line immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the number of patients who benefit from this regimen remains limited. Here, we combine dual PD-L1 and VEGFA blockade (DPVB) with low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT), which rapidly inflames tumors, rendering them vulnerable to immunotherapy. The combinatorial therapy exhibits superior antitumor efficacy mediated by CD8+ T cells in various preclinical HCC models. Treatment efficacy relies upon mobilizing exhausted-like CD8+ T cells (CD8+ Tex) with effector function and cytolytic capacity. Mechanistically, LDRT sensitizes tumors to DPVB by recruiting stem-like CD8+ Tpex, the progenitor exhausted CD8+ T cells, from draining lymph nodes (dLNs) into the tumor via the CXCL10/CXCR3 axis. Together, these results further support the rationale for combining LDRT with atezolizumab and bevacizumab, and its clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Department of Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Haoyuan Yu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiangyang Wang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 517108, China
| | - Mengchen Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, China
| | - Zhixing Liang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yongwei Hu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Shuqun Cheng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Linsen Ye
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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11
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Altvater B, Kailayangiri S, Spurny C, Flügge M, Meltzer J, Greune L, Urban K, Schwöppe C, Brand C, Schliemann C, Hintelmann H, Harrach S, Hartmann W, Abken H, Kuehle J, Schambach A, Görlich D, Berdel WE, Rossig C. CAR T cells as micropharmacies against solid cancers: Combining effector T-cell mediated cell death with vascular targeting in a one-step engineering process. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1355-1368. [PMID: 37391502 PMCID: PMC10581901 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00642-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
To enhance the potency of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T cells in solid cancers, we designed a novel cell-based combination strategy with an additional therapeutic mode of action. CAR T cells are used as micropharmacies to produce a targeted pro-coagulatory fusion protein, truncated tissue factor (tTF)-NGR, which exerts pro-coagulatory activity and hypoxia upon relocalization to the vascular endothelial cells that invade tumor tissues. Delivery by CAR T cells aimed to induce locoregional tumor vascular infarction for combined immune-mediated and hypoxic tumor cell death. Human T cells that were one-vector gene-modified to express a GD2-specific CAR along with CAR-inducible tTF-NGR exerted potent GD2-specific effector functions while secreting tTF-NGR that activates the extrinsic coagulation pathway in a strictly GD2-dependent manner. In murine models, the CAR T cells infiltrated GD2-positive tumor xenografts, secreted tTF-NGR into the tumor microenvironment and showed a trend towards superior therapeutic activity compared with control cells producing functionally inactive tTF-NGR. In vitro evidence supports a mechanism of hypoxia-mediated enhancement of T cell cytolytic activity. We conclude that combined CAR T cell targeting with an additional mechanism of antitumor action in a one-vector engineering strategy is a promising approach to be further developed for targeted treatment of solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Altvater
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sareetha Kailayangiri
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Christian Spurny
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Maike Flügge
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jutta Meltzer
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Lea Greune
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Katja Urban
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Caroline Brand
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Heike Hintelmann
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Saliha Harrach
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hartmann
- Division of Translational Pathology, Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Kuehle
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennis Görlich
- Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E Berdel
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003 - CiM), University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Claudia Rossig
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003 - CiM), University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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12
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Lu S, Sun X, Zhou Z, Tang H, Xiao R, Lv Q, Wang B, Qu J, Yu J, Sun F, Deng Z, Tian Y, Li C, Yang Z, Yang P, Rao B. Mechanism of Bazhen decoction in the treatment of colorectal cancer based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235575. [PMID: 37799727 PMCID: PMC10548240 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Bazhen Decoction (BZD) is a common adjuvant therapy drug for colorectal cancer (CRC), although its anti-tumor mechanism is unknown. This study aims to explore the core components, key targets, and potential mechanisms of BZD treatment for CRC. Methods The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) was employed to acquire the BZD's active ingredient and targets. Meanwhile, the Drugbank, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), DisGeNET, and GeneCards databases were used to retrieve pertinent targets for CRC. The Venn plot was used to obtain intersection targets. Cytoscape software was used to construct an "herb-ingredient-target" network and identify core targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using R language software. Molecular docking of key ingredients and core targets of drugs was accomplished using PyMol and Autodock Vina software. Cell and animal research confirmed Bazhen Decoction efficacy and mechanism in treating colorectal cancer. Results BZD comprises 173 effective active ingredients. Using four databases, 761 targets related to CRC were identified. The intersection of BZD and CRC yielded 98 targets, which were utilized to construct the "herb-ingredient-target" network. The four key effector components with the most targets were quercetin, kaempferol, licochalcone A, and naringenin. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed that the core targets of BZD in treating CRC were AKT1, MYC, CASP3, ESR1, EGFR, HIF-1A, VEGFR, JUN, INS, and STAT3. The findings from molecular docking suggest that the core ingredient exhibits favorable binding potential with the core target. Furthermore, the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrates that BZD can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to CRC, like the T cell receptor, PI3K-Akt, apoptosis, P53, and VEGF signaling pathway. In vitro, studies have shown that BZD dose-dependently inhibits colon cancer cell growth and invasion and promotes apoptosis. Animal experiments have shown that BZD treatment can reverse abnormal expression of PI3K, AKT, MYC, EGFR, HIF-1A, VEGFR, JUN, STAT3, CASP3, and TP53 genes. BZD also increases the ratio of CD4+ T cells to CD8+ T cells in the spleen and tumor tissues, boosting IFN-γ expression, essential for anti-tumor immunity. Furthermore, BZD has the potential to downregulate the PD-1 expression on T cell surfaces, indicating its ability to effectively restore T cell function by inhibiting immune checkpoints. The results of HE staining suggest that BZD exhibits favorable safety profiles. Conclusion BZD treats CRC through multiple components, targets, and metabolic pathways. BZD can reverse the abnormal expression of genes such as PI3K, AKT, MYC, EGFR, HIF-1A, VEGFR, JUN, STAT3, CASP3, and TP53, and suppresses the progression of colorectal cancer by regulating signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT, P53, and VEGF. Furthermore, BZD can increase the number of T cells and promote T cell activation in tumor-bearing mice, enhancing the immune function against colorectal cancer. Among them, quercetin, kaempferol, licochalcone A, naringenin, and formaronetin are more highly predictive components related to the T cell activation in colorectal cancer mice. This study is of great significance for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs. It highlights the importance of network pharmacology-based approaches in studying complex traditional Chinese medicine formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Lu
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Foods for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP) for State Market Regulation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery/Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China
| | - Xibo Sun
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Foods for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP) for State Market Regulation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery/Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongbao Zhou
- Department of Urology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huazhen Tang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Foods for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP) for State Market Regulation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery/Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China
| | - Ruixue Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Qingchen Lv
- Medical Laboratory College, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Foods for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP) for State Market Regulation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery/Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxiu Qu
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Foods for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP) for State Market Regulation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery/Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxuan Yu
- First Clinical Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Fang Sun
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoya Deng
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuying Tian
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Cong Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhenpeng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Penghui Yang
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Benqiang Rao
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Foods for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP) for State Market Regulation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery/Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Cancer Metabolism and Nutrition, Beijing, China
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13
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Tzuri N, Yegodayev KM, Novoplansky O, Elkabets M, Aharoni A, Papo N. Developing a dual VEGF/PDL1 inhibitor based on high-affinity scFv heterodimers as an anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11923. [PMID: 37488176 PMCID: PMC10366146 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is enhanced by the interaction of programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1), which is associated with inhibition of the immune response against tumors, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which inhibits immune cell activity while inducing angiogenesis and proliferation of cancer cells. Dual inhibition of PDL1 and VEGF may therefore confer a synergistic anti-cancer therapeutic effect. We present a novel strategy for developing a therapeutic that simultaneously binds and inhibits both PDL1 and VEGF. We generated a bi-specific protein, designated DuRan-Bis, comprising a single chain variable fragment (scFv)-based inhibitor of PDL1 fused to an scFv-based inhibitor of VEGF, with the latter being attached to an Fc fragment. We found that DuRan-Bis binds to both PDL1 and VEGF with high affinity. Compared to treatments with mono-specific proteins, alone or in combination, the DuRan-Bis chimera showed superior inhibition of the proliferation of glioblastoma cells. In comparison to treatment with immune cells alone, a combination of immune cells with DuRan-Bis decreased the viability of head and neck cancer cells. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to use a single polypeptide chain scFv-scFv-Fc scaffold for engineering a high-affinity bi-specific inhibitor of PDL1 and VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Tzuri
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and The National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ksenia M Yegodayev
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ofra Novoplansky
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Amir Aharoni
- Department of Life Sciences and The National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Niv Papo
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and The National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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14
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Lin P, Hung M, Shao S, Chen H, Chan Y, Chang K, Lin S, Ou H. Factors predictive of clinical outcome in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving ramucirumab treatment: A real-world experience. Cancer Med 2023; 12:14902-14911. [PMID: 37278402 PMCID: PMC10417170 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the factors predictive of clinical outcome in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving ramucirumab treatment. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study using a multi-institutional electronic medical records database in Taiwan. We included advanced HCC patients newly receiving ramucirumab as second-line or beyond systemic therapy between January 2016 and February 2022. The clinical outcomes were median progression-free survival (PFS) based on the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST), overall survival (OS) and adverse events. We applied Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate median PFS and OS. Uni-variable and multi-variable Cox regression models were applied to identify the prognostic factors. RESULTS We included 39 ramucirumab naive users with a median age of 65.5 (IQR: 57.0-71.0) years and treatment time of 5.0 (3.0-7.0) cycles, of whom 82.1% were male and 84.6% were Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C. After median follow-up time of 6.0 months, 33.3% of patients' AFP level had decreased more than 20% within 12 weeks. The median PFS and OS were 4.1 months and non-reach, respectively. Moreover, tumor burden beyond the up-to-11 criteria (HR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.04-8.38) and a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate of more than 10% within 12 weeks (HR: 0.31, 0.11-0.88) were significantly related to PFS in the multi-variable analysis. No patient discontinued ramucirumab during the treatment on account of side effects. CONCLUSION Ramucirumab was an effective treatment option with good AFP response for advanced HCC patients in real-world experience. Tumor burden beyond the up-to-11 criteria and a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate were independent predictive factors for progression-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po‐Ting Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
- College of MedicineChang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of MedicineChang Gung University
| | - Min‐Hua Hung
- Department of PharmacyLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Shih‐Chieh Shao
- Department of PharmacyKeelung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKeelungTaiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, College of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Hui‐Yu Chen
- Department of PharmacyLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Yuk‐Ying Chan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Materials ManagementChang Gung Medical FoundationTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Kai‐Cheng Chang
- Department of PharmacyLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, College of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Shi‐Ming Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Huang‐Tz Ou
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, College of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
- Department of PharmacyNational Cheng Kung University HospitalTainanTaiwan
- School of Pharmacy, College of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
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15
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Hamada Y, Tanoue K, Kita Y, Tanabe K, Hokonohara K, Wada M, Hozaka Y, Oi H, Nakayama C, Higashi M, Arigami T, Mori S, Ohtsuka T. Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors promote antitumor responses via tumor microenvironment immunosuppression in advanced colorectal cancer. Scand J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:1009-1020. [PMID: 36987919 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2023.2194011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to investigate changes in the tumor immune environment of patients who underwent therapy with a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor for advanced colorectal cancer. METHODS Patients (n = 135) with T3 or T4 colorectal cancer were included in this retrospective study. They were classified as follows: patients who had not received preoperative treatment (UPFRONT group, n = 54), who had received FOLFOX as preoperative chemotherapy (FOLFOX group, n = 55), and who had undergone resection after combination FOLFOX and bevacizumab as unresectable colorectal cancer (B-MAB group, n = 26). The number of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), FOXP3+ lymphocytes (including regulatory T cells (Tregs)), CD163+ monocytes (including M2-type tumor-associated macrophages (TAM-M2 type)), and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)+ lymphocytes was evaluated immunohistochemically in the cancer cell area (CC) and stromal cell area (ST) of surgical specimens, and compared among the three groups. RESULTS The CTL population did not differ among the three groups in both areas. In the B-MAB group, the numbers of PD-1+ cells in the ST, FOXP3+ lymphocytes in both areas, and CD163+monocytes in the ST was lower than that in the other two groups, and a correlation with the histological therapeutic effect was observed. CONCLUSIONS In advanced colorectal cancer, VEGF inhibitors may decrease the number of PD-1+ cells and inhibit the infiltration of FOXP3+ lymphocytes and CD163+monocytes into the tumor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hamada
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kiyonori Tanoue
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kita
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kan Tanabe
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kentaro Hokonohara
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Masumi Wada
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yuto Hozaka
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Oi
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Chieri Nakayama
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Michiyo Higashi
- Department of Pathology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takaaki Arigami
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Mori
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takao Ohtsuka
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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16
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Luo W, Zeng Z, Jin Y, Yang L, Fan T, Wang Z, Pan Y, Yang Y, Yao M, Li Y, Xiao X, Wang G, Wang C, Chang S, Che G, Zhang L, Li Y, Peng Y, Li W. Distinct immune microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma in never-smokers from smokers. Cell Rep Med 2023:101078. [PMID: 37301197 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer in never-smokers (LCINS) presents clinicopathological and molecular features distinct from that in smokers. Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays important roles in cancer progression and therapeutic response. To decipher the difference in TME between never-smoker and smoker lung cancers, we conduct single-cell RNA sequencing on 165,753 cells from 22 treatment-naive lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. We find that the dysfunction of alveolar cells induced by cigarette smoking contributes more to the aggressiveness of smoker LUADs, while the immunosuppressive microenvironment exerts more effects on never-smoker LUADs' aggressiveness. Moreover, the SPP1hi pro macrophage is identified to be another independent source of monocyte-derived macrophage. Importantly, higher expression of immune checkpoint CD47 and lower expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I in cancer cells of never-smoker LUADs imply that CD47 may be a better immunotherapy target for LCINS. Therefore, this study reveals the difference of tumorigenesis between never-smoker and smoker LUADs and provides a potential immunotherapy strategy for LCINS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Luo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lan Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ting Fan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhoufeng Wang
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yitong Pan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Menglin Yao
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yangqian Li
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chengdi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuai Chang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guowei Che
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yalun Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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17
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Liu S, Sun Q, Ren X. Novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy: counter-immunoediting therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:38. [PMID: 37055849 PMCID: PMC10099030 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of immunotherapy has made an indelible mark on the field of cancer therapy, especially the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical practice. Although immunotherapy has proven its efficacy and safety in some tumors, many patients still have innate or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. The emergence of this phenomenon is closely related to the highly heterogeneous immune microenvironment formed by tumor cells after undergoing cancer immunoediting. The process of cancer immunoediting refers to the cooperative interaction between tumor cells and the immune system that involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape. During these phases, conflicting interactions between the immune system and tumor cells result in the formation of a complex immune microenvironment, which contributes to the acquisition of different levels of immunotherapy resistance in tumor cells. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of different phases of cancer immunoediting and the corresponding therapeutic tools, and we propose normalized therapeutic strategies based on immunophenotyping. The process of cancer immunoediting is retrograded through targeted interventions in different phases of cancer immunoediting, making immunotherapy in the context of precision therapy the most promising therapy to cure cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochuan Liu
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
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18
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Hagiwara S, Nishida N, Kudo M. Advances in Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072070. [PMID: 37046727 PMCID: PMC10093619 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) aim to induce immune responses against tumors and are less likely to develop drug resistance than molecularly targeted drugs. In addition, they are characterized by a long-lasting antitumor effect. However, since its effectiveness depends on the tumor’s immune environment, it is essential to understand the immune environment of hepatocellular carcinoma to select ICI therapeutic indications and develop biomarkers. A network of diverse cellular and humoral factors establishes cancer immunity. By analyzing individual cases and classifying them from the viewpoint of tumor immunity, attempts have been made to select the optimal therapeutic drug for immunotherapy, including ICIs. ICI treatment is discussed from the viewpoints of immune subclass of HCC, Wnt/β-catenin mutation, immunotherapy in NASH-related HCC, the mechanism of HPD onset, and HBV reactivation.
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19
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Identification of fibrocyte cluster in tumors reveals the role in antitumor immunity by PD-L1 blockade. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112162. [PMID: 36870329 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical trials revealed that immune checkpoint inhibitors and antiangiogenic reagent combination therapy improved the prognosis of various cancers. We investigated the roles of fibrocytes, collagen-producing monocyte-derived cells, in combination immunotherapy. Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) antibody increases tumor-infiltrating fibrocytes and enhances the antitumor effects of anti-PD-L1 (programmed death ligand 1) antibody in vivo. Single-cell RNA sequencing of tumor-infiltrating CD45+ cells identifies a distinct "fibrocyte cluster" from "macrophage clusters" in vivo and in lung adenocarcinoma patients. A sub-clustering analysis reveals a fibrocyte sub-cluster that highly expresses co-stimulatory molecules. CD8+ T cell-costimulatory activity of tumor-infiltrating CD45+CD34+ fibrocytes is enhanced by anti-PD-L1 antibody. Peritumoral implantation of fibrocytes enhances the antitumor effect of PD-L1 blockade in vivo; CD86-/- fibrocytes do not. Tumor-infiltrating fibrocytes acquire myofibroblast-like phenotypes through transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) signaling. Thus, TGF-βR/SMAD inhibitor enhances the antitumor effects of dual VEGF and PD-L1 blockade by regulating fibrocyte differentiation. Fibrocytes are highlighted as regulators of the response to programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 blockade.
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20
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Chen Z, Zhang M, Liu Y, Chen Z, Wang L, Wang W, Wang J, He M, Shi B, Wang Y. VEGF-A enhances the cytotoxic function of CD4 + cytotoxic T cells via the VEGF-receptor 1/VEGF-receptor 2/AKT/mTOR pathway. J Transl Med 2023; 21:74. [PMID: 36737819 PMCID: PMC9896805 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03926-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD4+ cytotoxic T cells (CD4 CTLs) are CD4+ T cells with major histocompatibility complex-II-restricted cytotoxic function. Under pathologic conditions, CD4 CTLs hasten the development of autoimmune disease or viral infection by enhancing cytotoxicity. However, the regulators of the cytotoxicity of CD4 CTLs are not fully understood. METHODS To explore the potential regulators of the cytotoxicity of CD4 CTLs, bulk RNA and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, and in-vitro stimulation and inhibition assays were performed. RESULTS In this study, we found that VEGF-A promoted the cytotoxicity of CD4 CTLs through scRNA-seq and flow cytometry. Regarding the specific VEGF receptor (R) involved, VEGF-R1/R2 signaling was activated in CD4 CTLs with increased cytotoxicity, and the VEGF-A effects were inhibited when anti-VEGF-R1/R2 neutralizing antibodies were applied. Mechanistically, VEGF-A treatment activated the AKT/mTOR pathway in CD4 CTLs, and the increases of cytotoxic molecules induced by VEGF-A were significantly reduced when the AKT/mTOR pathway was inhibited. CONCLUSION In conclusion, VEGF-A enhances the cytotoxicity of CD4 CTLs through the VEGF-R1/VEGF-R2/AKT/mTOR pathway, providing insights for the development of novel treatments for disorders associated with CD4 CTLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Chen
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yufeng Liu
- grid.43169.390000 0001 0599 1243MOE Key Lab for Intelligent Networks & Networks Security, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China ,grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Genome Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China ,grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119BioBank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- grid.452452.00000 0004 1757 9282Department of Spine Surgery, Hong Hui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ling Wang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jincheng Wang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mingqian He
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Bingyin Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China. .,MOE Key Lab for Intelligent Networks & Networks Security, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China. .,Genome Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
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21
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Mei S, Chen X, Wang K, Chen Y. Tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer peritoneal metastasis. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:11. [PMID: 36698173 PMCID: PMC9875479 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02854-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies with high morbidity and mortality. The peritoneum is one of the most common metastatic sites in ovarian cancer, involving large amounts of ascites. However, its mechanism is unclear. The peritoneal microenvironment composed of peritoneal effusion and peritoneum creates favorable conditions for ovarian cancer progression and metastasis. Here, we reviewed the peritoneal metastasis patterns and molecular mechanisms of ovarian cancer, as well as major components of the peritoneal microenvironment, peritoneal effusion, and immune microenvironment, and investigated the relationship between the peritoneal microenvironment and ovarian cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Mei
- grid.469636.8Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Xi Men Road, Taizhou, 317000 Zhejiang China
| | - Xing Chen
- grid.469636.8Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Xi Men Road, Taizhou, 317000 Zhejiang China
| | - Kai Wang
- grid.469636.8Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Xi Men Road, Taizhou, 317000 Zhejiang China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- grid.469636.8Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University (Enze Hospital, Taizhou Enze Medical Center Group), Tong Yang Road, Taizhou, 318053 Zhejiang China
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22
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Barnestein R, Galland L, Kalfeist L, Ghiringhelli F, Ladoire S, Limagne E. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment modulation by chemotherapies and targeted therapies to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2120676. [PMID: 36117524 PMCID: PMC9481153 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2120676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid clinical development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the standard of care in cancer management has evolved rapidly. However, immunotherapy is not currently beneficial for all patients. In addition to intrinsic tumor factors, other etiologies of resistance to ICIs arise from the complex interplay between cancer and its microenvironment. Recognition of the essential role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer progression has led to a shift from a tumor-cell-centered view of cancer development, to the concept of a complex tumor ecosystem that supports tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. The expansion of immunosuppressive cells represents a cardinal strategy deployed by tumor cells to escape detection and elimination by the immune system. Regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and type-2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAM2) are major components of these inhibitory cellular networks, with the ability to suppress innate and adaptive anticancer immunity. They therefore represent major impediments to anticancer therapies, particularly immune-based interventions. Recent work has provided evidence that, beyond their direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, several conventional chemotherapeutic (CT) drugs and agents used in targeted therapies (TT) can promote the elimination or inactivation of suppressive immune cells, resulting in enhanced antitumor immunity. In this review, we will analyze findings pertaining to this concept, discuss the possible molecular bases underlying the selective targeting of these immunosuppressive cells by antineoplastic agents (CT and/or TT), and consider current challenges and future prospects related to the integration of these molecules into more efficient anticancer strategies, in the era of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robby Barnestein
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
| | - Loïck Galland
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
| | - Laura Kalfeist
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Sylvain Ladoire
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Emeric Limagne
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
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23
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Low-dose anti-VEGFR2 therapy promotes anti-tumor immunity in lung adenocarcinoma by down-regulating the expression of layilin on tumor-infiltrating CD8 +T cells. Cell Oncol 2022; 45:1297-1309. [PMID: 36260222 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00718-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our study intended to explore how low-dose anti-angiogenic drugs affected anti-tumor immunity of tumor-infiltrating exhausted CD8+T cells and achieved better clinical response when combined with immunotherapy. We set out to find potential targets or predictive biomarker on CD8+T cells for immunotherapy. METHODS We tested different doses of anti-VEGFR2 antibody combined with anti-PD1 antibody to treat LUAD in vivo and analyzed tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells by flow cytometry. CD8+T cells overexpressing LAYN were co-cultured with LA795 cell lines to identify the function of LAYN in CD8+T cells. We also analyzed clinical samples from advanced LUAD patients treated with anti-angiogenesis therapy combined with immunotherapy. RESULTS Low-dose anti-VEGFR2 antibody combined with anti-PD1 antibody treatment delayed tumor growth and prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. The number of tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells was reduced and the expression of LAYN was down-regulated in tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells in the low-dose anti-VEGFR2 combination group. It was found that LAYN inhibited the killing function of CD8+T cells. In patients with advanced LUAD who received anti-angiogenesis therapy combined with immunotherapy, the LAYN+CD8+T cell subpopulation in good responders was significantly higher than that in poor responders. Furthermore, we demonstrated the expression of LAYN was regulated by upstream transcription factor NR4A1. CONCLUSION Low-dose anti-VEGFR2 antibody combined with anti-PD1 antibody therapy promoted anti-tumor immunity and the downregulation of LAYN in tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells played an important role in this process. These findings had implications for improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy and further optimized clinical treatment guidelines in advanced LUAD.
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Zheng Z, Bian C, Wang H, Su J, Meng L, Xin Y, Jiang X. Prediction of immunotherapy efficacy and immunomodulatory role of hypoxia in colorectal cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221138383. [PMID: 36425871 PMCID: PMC9679351 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221138383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been used in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, most patients fail to achieve satisfactory survival benefits. Biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity are being increasingly developed to predict the efficacy of CRC immunotherapy. In addition to DNA alteration markers, such as microsatellite instability/mismatch repair and tumor mutational burden, immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints (ICs), epigenetic changes and no-coding RNA, and gut microbiomes all show potential predictive ability. Recently, the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) has been identified as a key factor mediating CRC immune evasion and resistance to treatment. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α is the central transcription factor in the hypoxia response that drives the expression of a vast number of survival genes by binding to the hypoxia response element in cancer and immune cells in the TME. Hypoxia regulates angiogenesis, immune cell infiltration and activation, expression of ICs, and secretion of various immune molecules in the TME and is closely associated with the immunotherapeutic efficacy of CRC. Currently, various agents targeting hypoxia have been found to improve the TME and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. We reviewed current markers commonly used in CRC to predict therapeutic efficacy and the mechanisms underlying hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and tumor immune evasion. Exploring the mechanisms by which hypoxia affects the TME will assist the discovery of new immunotherapeutic predictive biomarkers and development of more effective combinations of agents targeting hypoxia and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangzhuang Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenbin Bian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lingbin Meng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ying Xin
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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25
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Chu XD, Bao H, Lin YJ, Chen RX, Zhang YR, Huang T, He JS, Huangfu SC, Pan YL, Ding H. Endostatin induces normalization of blood vessels in colorectal cancer and promotes infiltration of CD8+ T cells to improve anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:965492. [PMID: 36389685 PMCID: PMC9644205 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.965492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to evaluate recombinant human endostatin (rHE)-induced normalization of the tumor vasculature in colorectal cancer (CRC) and to evaluate the therapeutic effects of combined treatment with rHE and a programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitor. METHODS A mouse subcutaneous tumorigenesis model was established to evaluate the antitumor effects of endostatin combined with a PD-L1 inhibitor on CRC. Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (IVIM-DW MRI) was used to evaluate changes in the intratumor microcirculation in response to combined treatment with endostatin and a PD-L1 inhibitor. The infiltration density and function of CD8+ T cells in tumors were evaluated using flow cytometry. Finally, clinical specimens were used to evaluate the expression area of tumor vascular pericytes and CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues. RESULTS The antitumor effects of endostatin combined with a PD-L1 inhibitor were significantly greater than those of endostatin or a PD-L1 inhibitor alone. On the ninth day of intervention, the endostatin group showed significantly higher pseudo diffusion parameter (D*) and microvascular volume fraction (F) values in tumors than those in the control group or PD-L1 group. After 27 days of intervention, the endostatin groups showed significantly lower levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β than those in the control group. Treatment of CD8+ T cells with endostatin for 24 h did not alter the expression levels of markers of reduced T-cell activity. However, endostatin reversed the VEGF-mediated inhibition of the secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ from T cells. The results in CRC clinical samples showed that treatment with endostatin induced significantly higher infiltration of CD8+ T cells compared with treatment that did not include endostatin. Furthermore, the expression area of pericytes was significantly positively related to the infiltration density of CD8+ T cells and overall survival time. CONCLUSION Endostatin improved the antitumor effects of PD-L1 inhibitors on CRC, significantly increased the activity of CD8+ T cells, and synergistically improved the tumor treatment effect of the two inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Chu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Bao
- Department of Plastic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Jian Lin
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruo-Xi Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ran Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Huang
- Department of Clinical Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Shuai He
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Chen Huangfu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Long Pan
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Chryplewicz A, Scotton J, Tichet M, Zomer A, Shchors K, Joyce JA, Homicsko K, Hanahan D. Cancer cell autophagy, reprogrammed macrophages, and remodeled vasculature in glioblastoma triggers tumor immunity. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:1111-1127.e9. [PMID: 36113478 PMCID: PMC9580613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is poorly responsive to therapy and invariably lethal. One conceivable strategy to circumvent this intractability is to co-target distinctive mechanistic components of the disease, aiming to concomitantly disrupt multiple capabilities required for tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. We assessed this concept by combining vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway inhibitors that remodel the tumor vasculature with the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine, which enhances autophagy in GBM cancer cells and unexpectedly reprograms immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages via inhibition of histamine receptor signaling to become immunostimulatory. While neither drug is efficacious as monotherapy, the combination of imipramine with VEGF pathway inhibitors orchestrates the infiltration and activation of CD8 and CD4 T cells, producing significant therapeutic benefit in several GBM mouse models. Inclusion up front of immune-checkpoint blockade with anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in eventually relapsing tumors markedly extends survival benefit. The results illustrate the potential of mechanism-guided therapeutic co-targeting of disparate biological vulnerabilities in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Chryplewicz
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julie Scotton
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mélanie Tichet
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland; Lausanne Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anoek Zomer
- Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland; Lausanne Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ksenya Shchors
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johanna A Joyce
- Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland; Lausanne Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne/Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Krisztian Homicsko
- Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland; Lausanne Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne/Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Douglas Hanahan
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland; Lausanne Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne/Geneva, Switzerland.
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27
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Shao X, Hua S, Feng T, Ocansey DKW, Yin L. Hypoxia-Regulated Tumor-Derived Exosomes and Tumor Progression: A Focus on Immune Evasion. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911789. [PMID: 36233088 PMCID: PMC9570495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells express a high quantity of exosomes packaged with unique cargos under hypoxia, an important characteristic feature in solid tumors. These hypoxic tumor-derived exosomes are, crucially, involved in the interaction of cancer cells with their microenvironment, facilitating not only immune evasion, but increased cell growth and survival, enhanced angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), therapeutic resistance, autophagy, pre-metastasis, and metastasis. This paper explores the tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling effects of hypoxic tumor-derived exosome towards facilitating the tumor progression process, particularly, the modulatory role of these factors on tumor cell immune evasion through suppression of immune cells, expression of surface recognition molecules, and secretion of antitumor soluble factor. Tumor-expressed exosomes educate immune effector cells, including macrophages, monocytes, T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), γδ T lymphocytes, regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), mast cells, and B cells, within the hypoxic TME through the release of factors that regulate their recruitment, phenotype, and function. Thus, both hypoxia and tumor-derived exosomes modulate immune cells, growth factors, cytokines, receptor molecules, and other soluble factors, which, together, collaborate to form the immune-suppressive milieu of the tumor environment. Exploring the contribution of exosomal cargos, such as RNAs and proteins, as indispensable players in the cross-talk within the hypoxic tumor microenvironmental provides a potential target for antitumor immunity or subverting immune evasion and enhancing tumor therapies.
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28
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Shan J, Han D, Shen C, Lei Q, Zhang Y. Mechanism and strategies of immunotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1016646. [PMID: 36238278 PMCID: PMC9550896 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1016646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world. Although there are standard treatment options for CRC, most patients respond poorly to these treatments. Immunotherapies have gradually emerged due to the increasing awareness and understanding of tumor immunity, exhibiting good therapeutic efficacy in various cancers. Immunotherapies include cytokines, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and adoptive cell therapies. In particular, ICIs, which are antibodies against cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), or its ligand PD-L1, have been successfully applied clinically for solid tumors, relieving the inhibitory effect of the tumor microenvironment on T cells. However, only a minority of patients with cancer achieve a durable clinical response during immunotherapy. Several factors restrict the efficacy of immunotherapy, leading to the development of drug resistance. In this review, we aimed to discuss the current status of immunotherapy for CRC and elaborate on the mechanisms that mediate resistance to immunotherapy and other potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqi Shan
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dong Han
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chunyi Shen
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingyang Lei
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Zhang,
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29
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Cheng W, Xiao X, Liao Y, Cao Q, Wang C, Li X, Jia Y. Conducive target range of breast cancer: Hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:978276. [PMID: 36226050 PMCID: PMC9550190 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.978276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a kind of malignant tumor disease that poses a serious threat to human health. Its biological characteristics of rapid proliferation and delayed angiogenesis, lead to intratumoral hypoxia as a common finding in breast cancer. HIF as a transcription factor, mediate a series of reactions in the hypoxic microenvironment, including metabolic reprogramming, tumor angiogenesis, tumor cell proliferation and metastasis and other important physiological and pathological processes, as well as gene instability under hypoxia. In addition, in the immune microenvironment of hypoxia, both innate and acquired immunity of tumor cells undergo subtle changes to support tumor and inhibit immune activity. Thus, the elucidation of tumor microenvironment hypoxia provides a promising target for the resistance and limited efficacy of current breast cancer therapies. We also summarize the hypoxic mechanisms of breast cancer treatment related drug resistance, as well as the current status and prospects of latest related drugs targeted HIF inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Cheng
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xian Xiao
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Liao
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Qingqing Cao
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Chaoran Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaojiang Li
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaojiang Li, ; Yingjie Jia,
| | - Yingjie Jia
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaojiang Li, ; Yingjie Jia,
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30
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Li L, Wen Q, Ding R. Therapeutic targeting of VEGF and/or TGF-β to enhance anti-PD-(L)1 therapy: The evidence from clinical trials. Front Oncol 2022; 12:905520. [PMID: 35957885 PMCID: PMC9360509 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.905520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Normalizing the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a potential strategy to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathways play an important role in the development and function of the TME, contributing to the immunosuppressive status of TME. To inhibit VEGF and/or TGF-β pathways can restore TME from immunosuppressive to immune-supportive status and enhance sensitivity to immunotherapy such as programmed death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. In this review, we described the existing preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the use of anti-VEGF and/or anti-TGF-β therapies to enhance cancer immunotherapy. Encouragingly, adopting anti-VEGF and/or anti-TGF-β therapies as a combination treatment with anti-PD-(L)1 therapy have been demonstrated as effective and tolerable in several solid tumors in clinical trials. Although several questions need to be solved, the clinical value of this combination strategy is worthy to be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linwei Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qinglian Wen, ; Ruilin Ding,
| | - Ruilin Ding
- Institute of Drug Clinical Trial/GCP Center, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qinglian Wen, ; Ruilin Ding,
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31
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The cell-line-derived subcutaneous tumor model in preclinical cancer research. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2108-2128. [PMID: 35859135 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-bearing experimental animals are essential for preclinical cancer drug development. A broad range of tumor models is available, with the simplest and most widely used involving a tumor of mouse or human origin growing beneath the skin of a mouse: the subcutaneous tumor model. Here, we outline the different types of in vivo tumor model, including some of their advantages and disadvantages and how they fit into the drug-development process. We then describe in more detail the subcutaneous tumor model and key steps needed to establish it in the laboratory, namely: choosing the mouse strain and tumor cells; cell culture, preparation and injection of tumor cells; determining tumor volume; mouse welfare; and an appropriate experimental end point. The protocol leads to subcutaneous tumor growth usually within 1-3 weeks of cell injection and is suitable for those with experience in tissue culture and mouse experimentation.
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32
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Hypoxia as a Modulator of Inflammation and Immune Response in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092291. [PMID: 35565420 PMCID: PMC9099524 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A clear association between hypoxia and cancer has heretofore been established; however, it has not been completely developed. In this sense, the understanding of the tumoral microenvironment is critical to dissect the complexity of cancer, including the reduction in oxygen distribution inside the tumoral mass, defined as tumoral hypoxia. Moreover, hypoxia not only influences the tumoral cells but also the surrounding cells, including those related to the inflammatory processes. In this review, we analyze the participation of HIF, NF-κB, and STAT signaling pathways as the main components that interconnect hypoxia and immune response and how they modulate tumoral growth. In addition, we closely examine the participation of the immune cells and how they are affected by hypoxia, the effects of the progression of cancer, and some innovative applications that take advantage of this knowledge, to suggest potential therapies. Therefore, we contribute to the understanding of the complexity of cancer to propose innovative therapeutic strategies in the future.
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33
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Zhang Y, Brekken RA. Direct and indirect regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment by VEGF. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:1269-1286. [DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ru0222-082r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Department of Surgery UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Department of Surgery UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
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34
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Relationship between VEGF Family Members, Their Receptors and Cell Death in the Neoplastic Transformation of Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063375. [PMID: 35328794 PMCID: PMC8952321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the world. Both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of this tumor. The diagnosis is usually made late due to limitations of screening tests; therefore, the scientists are looking for new diagnostic tools such as gene or miRNA expression or different proteins’ concentrations, e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members. The VEGF family (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D and PlGF) plays a key role in the processes of blood vessel formation in embryonic development as well as in pathological angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, which allow the tumor to grow exponentially. Blockage of VEGF-related pathways seems to be a valid therapeutic target. It was suggested in recent studies, that besides already used drugs, e.g., bevacizumab, there are other agents with potential usefulness in anticancer activity such as miRNAs, TMEA, granzyme K, baicalein and arginine. Moreover, VEGF proteins were assessed to induce the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins such as BCL-2 and BAX. Therefore, investigations concerning the usefulness of VEGF family members, not only in the development but also in the therapy of CRC, in order to fully elucidate their role in carcinogenesis, are extremely important.
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35
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Li L, Zhong L, Tang C, Gan L, Mo T, Na J, He J, Huang Y. CD105: tumor diagnosis, prognostic marker and future tumor therapeutic target. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1447-1458. [PMID: 35165838 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02792-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the diseases with the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, and its therapeutic options are inadequate. The endothelial glycoprotein, also known as CD105, is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein located on the surface of the cell membranes and it is one of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor complexes. It regulates the responses associated with binding to transforming growth factor β1 egg (Activin-A), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7). Additionally, it is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. This glycoprotein is indispensable in the treatment of tumor angiogenesis, and it also plays a leading role in tumor angiogenesis therapy. Therefore, CD105 is considered to be a novel therapeutic target. In this study, we explored the significance of CD105 in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of various tumors, and provided evidence for the effect and mechanism of CD105 on tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Li
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Chao Tang
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Lu Gan
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Tong Mo
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jintong Na
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jian He
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yong Huang
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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36
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Ishikura N, Sugimoto M, Yorozu K, Kurasawa M, Kondoh O. Anti‑VEGF antibody triggers the effect of anti‑PD‑L1 antibody in PD‑L1 low and immune desert‑like mouse tumors. Oncol Rep 2022; 47:36. [PMID: 34958105 PMCID: PMC8717122 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of programmed cell death‑ligand 1 (PD‑L1)/programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‑1) blockade therapy has been demonstrated but is limited in patients with PD‑L1low or immune desert tumors. This limitation can be overcome by combination therapies that include anti‑vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Such combinations have been investigated in clinical trials for a number of cancer types; however, evidence on the mechanisms underlying their effects in these types of patients is still not sufficient. Therefore, the present study investigated the efficacy and effects on CD8+ T cell and C‑X‑C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) ligand expression in tumors by combining anti‑PD‑L1 and anti‑VEGF antibodies using an OV2944‑HM‑1 mouse model with PD‑L1low and immune desert‑like phenotypes. Although the model exhibited anti‑PD‑L1 insensitivity, anti‑PD‑L1 antibody treatment combined with anti‑VEGF antibody inhibited tumor growth compared with anti‑VEGF monotherapy, which itself inhibited tumor growth compared with the control treatment on Day 25. In combination‑treated mice, a higher percentage of CD8+ T cells and higher levels of CXCR3 ligands were observed in tumor tissues compared with those in the anti‑VEGF antibody treatment group, which was not significantly different from control treatment on Day 8. The increase in the intratumoral percentage of CD8+ T cells following the combination treatment was reversed by CXCR3 blocking to the same level as the control. In an anti‑PD‑L1 insensitive model with PD‑L1low and immune desert‑like phenotypes, although anti‑PD‑L1 antibody alone was not effective, anti‑PD‑L1 antibody in combination with anti‑VEGF antibody exhibited antitumor combination efficacy with an increase of CD8+ T cell infiltration, which was suggested to be dependent on the increase of intratumoral CXCR3 ligands. This mechanism could explain the efficacy of anti‑PD‑L1 antibody and anti‑VEGF antibody combination therapy in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Ishikura
- Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8530, Japan
| | - Masamichi Sugimoto
- Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8530, Japan
| | - Keigo Yorozu
- Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8530, Japan
| | - Mitsue Kurasawa
- Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8530, Japan
| | - Osamu Kondoh
- Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8530, Japan
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37
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Johnson RL, Cummings M, Thangavelu A, Theophilou G, de Jong D, Orsi NM. Barriers to Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: Metabolic, Genomic, and Immune Perturbations in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6231. [PMID: 34944851 PMCID: PMC8699358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A lack of explicit early clinical signs and effective screening measures mean that ovarian cancer (OC) often presents as advanced, incurable disease. While conventional treatment combines maximal cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, patients frequently develop chemoresistance and disease recurrence. The clinical application of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) aims to restore anti-cancer T-cell function in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Disappointingly, even though tumour infiltrating lymphocytes are associated with superior survival in OC, ICB has offered limited therapeutic benefits. Herein, we discuss specific TME features that prevent ICB from reaching its full potential, focussing in particular on the challenges created by immune, genomic and metabolic alterations. We explore both recent and current therapeutic strategies aiming to overcome these hurdles, including the synergistic effect of combination treatments with immune-based strategies and review the status quo of current clinical trials aiming to maximise the success of immunotherapy in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal Louise Johnson
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Michele Cummings
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
| | - Amudha Thangavelu
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Georgios Theophilou
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Diederick de Jong
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Nicolas Michel Orsi
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
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Mitsuhashi A, Kondoh K, Horikawa K, Koyama K, Nguyen NT, Afroj T, Yoneda H, Otsuka K, Ogino H, Nokihara H, Shinohara T, Nishioka Y. Programmed death (PD)-1/PD-ligand 1 blockade mediates antiangiogenic effects by tumor-derived CXCL10/11 as a potential predictive biomarker. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:4853-4866. [PMID: 34628702 PMCID: PMC8645761 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) programmed death (PD)-1/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade has been approved for various cancers. However, the underlying antitumor mechanisms mediated by ICIs and the predictive biomarkers remain unclear. We report the effects of anti-PD-L1/PD-1 Ab in tumor angiogenesis. In syngeneic mouse models, anti-PD-L1 Ab inhibited tumor angiogenesis and induces net-like hypoxia only in ICI-sensitive cell lines. In tumor tissue and serum of ICI-sensitive cell line-bearing mice, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) inducible angiostatic chemokines CXCL10/11 were upregulated by PD-L1 blockade. In vitro, CXCL10/11 gene upregulation by IFN-γ stimulation in tumor cell lines correlated with the sensitivity of PD-L1 blockade. The CXCL10/11 receptor CXCR3-neutralizing Ab or CXCL11 silencing in tumor cells inhibited the antiangiogenic effect of PD-L1 blockade in vivo. In pretreatment serum of lung carcinoma patients receiving anti-PD-1 Ab, the concentration of CXCL10/11 significantly correlated with the clinical outcome. Our results indicate the antiangiogenic function of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and identify tumor-derived CXCL10/11 as a potential circulating biomarker of therapeutic sensitivity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- B7-H1 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chemokine CXCL10/genetics
- Chemokine CXCL10/metabolism
- Chemokine CXCL11/genetics
- Chemokine CXCL11/metabolism
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Male
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplasms, Experimental/blood supply
- Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/prevention & control
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism
- RNA Interference
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Mitsuhashi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and RheumatologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Kensuke Kondoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and RheumatologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Kazuki Horikawa
- Department of Optical ImagingGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Kazuya Koyama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and RheumatologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Na Thi Nguyen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and RheumatologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Tania Afroj
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and RheumatologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Hiroto Yoneda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and RheumatologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Kenji Otsuka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and RheumatologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Hirokazu Ogino
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and RheumatologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Hiroshi Nokihara
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and RheumatologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Tsutomu Shinohara
- Department of Community Medicine for RespirologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Yasuhiko Nishioka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and RheumatologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
- Department of Community Medicine for RheumatologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
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39
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Sun Y, Wen F, Yan C, Su L, Luo J, Chi W, Zhang S. Mitophagy Protects the Retina Against Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy-Driven Hypoxia via Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:727822. [PMID: 34790659 PMCID: PMC8591297 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.727822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-VEGF drugs are first-line treatments for retinal neovascular diseases, but these anti-angiogenic agents may also aggravate retinal damage by inducing hypoxia. Mitophagy can protect against hypoxia by maintaining mitochondrial quality, thereby sustaining metabolic homeostasis and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Here we report that the anti-VEGF agent bevacizumab upregulated the hypoxic cell marker HIF-1α in photoreceptors, Müller cells, and vascular endothelial cells of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model mice, as well as in hypoxic cultured 661W photoreceptors, MIO-MI Müller cells, and human vascular endothelial cells. Bevacizumab also increased expression of mitophagy-related proteins, and mitophagosome formation both in vivo and in vitro, but did not influence cellular ROS production or apoptosis rate. The HIF-1α inhibitor LW6 blocked mitophagy, augmented ROS production, and triggered apoptosis. Induction of HIF-1α and mitophagy were associated with upregulation of BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and FUN14 domain containing 1 (FUNDC1), and overexpression of these proteins in culture reversed the effects of HIF-1α inhibition. These findings suggest that bevacizumab does induce retinal hypoxia, but that concomitant activation of the HIF-1α-BNIP3/FUNDC1 signaling pathway also induces mitophagy, which can mitigate the deleterious effects by reducing oxidative stress secondary. Promoting HIF-1α-BNIP3/FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy may enhance the safety of anti-VEGF therapy for retinal neovascular diseases and indicate new explanation and possible new target of the anti-VEGF therapy with suboptimal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lishi Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaochong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
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40
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Liu N, Shan F, Ma M. Strategic enhancement of immune checkpoint inhibition in refractory Colorectal Cancer: Trends and future prospective. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:108017. [PMID: 34352568 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), known as a frequently fatal disease, ranking as the third most common malignancy, is the second leading cause of cancer related mortality worldwide. Metastases are common in CRC patients which account for approximately 25% of the patients at diagnosis, 50% of patients during treatment which is associated closely with CRC mortality. Conventional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are standards of care for the treatment of CRC patients. However, primary tumor recurrence and secondary disease in patients receiving standard of care treatment modalities occur in 50% of patients so that new treatment modalities are needed. Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has transformed the management of patients suffered from metastatic CRC (mCRC) with mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) and microsatellite instability (MSI) -high (MSI-H) while manifests ineffectiveness in preserved mismatch repair (pMMR) or microsatellite stable (MSS) "cold" tumors which makes up the majority (95%) of mCRC. In this review, we mainly lay emphasis on the development of combinations in therapy strategies with ICIs with other immune based treatment approaches to increase the intra-tumoral immune response and render tumors 'immune-reactive', thereby increasing the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Mingxing Ma
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
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41
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Han C, Ye S, Hu C, Shen L, Qin Q, Bai Y, Yang S, Bai C, Zang A, Jiao S, Bai L. Clinical Activity and Safety of Penpulimab (Anti-PD-1) With Anlotinib as First-Line Therapy for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Open-Label, Multicenter, Phase Ib/II Trial (AK105-203). Front Oncol 2021; 11:684867. [PMID: 34327136 PMCID: PMC8313824 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.684867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of penpulimab (a humanized anti-PD-1 IgG1 antibody) with anlotinib in the first-line treatment of Chinese patients with uHCC. METHODS In this open-label multicenter phase Ib/II trial, patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed uHCC, without previous systemic treatment, aged 18-75 years old, classified as BCLC stage B (not amenable for locoregional therapy) or C, with Child-Pugh score ≤7 and ECOG performance status ≤1 were enrolled. Patients received penpulimab [200 mg intravenous (i.v.) Q3W] and oral anlotinib (8 mg/day, 2 weeks on/1 week off). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included safety, disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), duration of response (DoR), and overall survival (OS). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04172571). RESULTS At the data cutoff (December 30, 2020), 31 eligible patients had been enrolled and treated with a median follow-up of 14.7 months (range, 1.4-22.1). The ORR was 31.0% (95% CI, 15.3-50.8%), and the DCR was 82.8% (95% CI, 64.2-94.2%). The median PFS and TTP for 31 patients were 8.8 months (95% CI, 4.0-12.3) and 8.8 months (95% CI, 4.0-12.9) respectively. The median OS was not reached; the 12-month OS rate was 69.0% (95% CI, 48.9-82.5%). Only 19.4% (6/31) of patients had grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). CONCLUSION Penpulimab plus anlotinib showed promising anti-tumor activity and a favorable safety profile as first-line treatment of patients with uHCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sisi Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chunhong Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liangfang Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qun Qin
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuxian Bai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Shizhong Yang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunmei Bai
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Aimin Zang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Shunchang Jiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
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42
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Zhang Y, Coleman M, Brekken RA. Perspectives on Hypoxia Signaling in Tumor Stroma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3070. [PMID: 34202979 PMCID: PMC8234221 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a well-known characteristic of solid tumors that contributes to tumor progression and metastasis. Oxygen deprivation due to high demand of proliferating cancer cells and standard of care therapies induce hypoxia. Hypoxia signaling, mainly mediated by the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF) family, results in tumor cell migration, proliferation, metabolic changes, and resistance to therapy. Additionally, the hypoxic tumor microenvironment impacts multiple cellular and non-cellular compartments in the tumor stroma, including disordered tumor vasculature, homeostasis of ECM. Hypoxia also has a multifaceted and often contradictory influence on immune cell function, which contributes to an immunosuppressive environment. Here, we review the important function of HIF in tumor stromal components and summarize current clinical trials targeting hypoxia. We provide an overview of hypoxia signaling in tumor stroma that might help address some of the challenges associated with hypoxia-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.C.)
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Morgan Coleman
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.C.)
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.C.)
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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43
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Yeku OO, Rao TD, Laster I, Kononenko A, Purdon TJ, Wang P, Cui Z, Liu H, Brentjens RJ, Spriggs D. Bispecific T-Cell Engaging Antibodies Against MUC16 Demonstrate Efficacy Against Ovarian Cancer in Monotherapy and in Combination With PD-1 and VEGF Inhibition. Front Immunol 2021; 12:663379. [PMID: 33936101 PMCID: PMC8079980 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.663379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer is an area of intense investigation since the majority of women with relapsed disease develop resistance to conventional cytotoxic therapy. The paucity of safe and validated target antigens has limited the development of clinically relevant antibody-based immunotherapeutics for this disease. Although MUC16 expression is almost universal in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancers, engagement of the shed circulating MUC16 antigen (CA-125) presents a theoretical risk of systemic activation and toxicity. We designed and evaluated a series of bispecific tandem single-chain variable fragments specific to the retained portion of human MUC16 ectodomain (MUC16ecto) and human CD3. These MUC16ecto- BiTEDs retain binding in the presence of soluble MUC16 (CA-125) and show cytotoxicity against a panel of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. MUC16ecto- BiTEDs delay tumor progression in vivo and significantly prolong survival in a xenograft model of ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis. This effect was significantly enhanced by antiangiogenic (anti-VEGF) therapy and immune checkpoint inhibition (anti-PD1). However, the combination of BiTEDs with anti-VEGF was superior to combination with anti-PD1, based on findings of decreased peritoneal tumor burden and ascites with the former. This study shows the feasibility and efficacy of MUC16ecto- specific BiTEDs and provides a basis for the combination with anti-VEGF therapy for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladapo O Yeku
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Thapi Dharma Rao
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ian Laster
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Artem Kononenko
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Terence J Purdon
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Pei Wang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., Emeryville, California, United States
| | - Ziyou Cui
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., Emeryville, California, United States
| | - Hong Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., Emeryville, California, United States
| | - Renier J Brentjens
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - David Spriggs
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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44
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Rajamanickam V, Ballesteros-Merino C, Samson K, Ross D, Bernard B, Fox BA, Tran E, Newell P, Duhen T. Robust Antitumor Immunity in a Patient with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated with Cytotoxic Regimens. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:602-611. [PMID: 33820811 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-1024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Microsatellite-stable (MSS) colorectal cancers are characterized by low mutation burden and limited immune-cell infiltration and thereby respond poorly to immunotherapy. Here, we report a case of metastatic MSS colorectal cancer with a robust anticancer immune response. The primary tumor was resected in 2012, and the patient received several cycles of chemotherapy until 2017. In 2018, the patient underwent a left hepatectomy to remove a new metastasis. Analysis of the metastatic tumor revealed a strong CD8+ T-cell response. A high frequency of CD8+ T cells coexpressed CD39 and CD103, a phenotype characteristic of tumor-reactive cells. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified somatic mutations that generated peptides recognized by CD39+CD103+CD8+ T cells. The observed reactivity against the tumor was dominated by the response to a single mutation that emerged in the metastasis. Somatic mutations that were not immunogenic in the primary tumor led to robust CD8+ T-cell expansion later during disease progression. Our data suggest that the cytotoxic treatment regimen received by the patient might be responsible for this effect. Hence, the capacity of cytotoxic regimens to prime the immune system in colorectal cancer patients should be investigated further and might provide a rationale for combination with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kimberly Samson
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon
| | - David Ross
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon
| | - Brady Bernard
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon
| | - Bernard A Fox
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon
| | - Eric Tran
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon
| | - Pippa Newell
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon
- Liver and Pancreatic Surgery Program, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Oregon Clinic, Portland, Oregon
| | - Thomas Duhen
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon.
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45
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Bourhis M, Palle J, Galy-Fauroux I, Terme M. Direct and Indirect Modulation of T Cells by VEGF-A Counteracted by Anti-Angiogenic Treatment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:616837. [PMID: 33854498 PMCID: PMC8039365 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.616837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A is known to play a central role in tumor angiogenesis. Several studies showed that VEGF-A is also an immunosuppressive factor. In tumor-bearing hosts, VEGF-A can modulate immune cells (DC, MDSC, TAM) to induce the accumulation of regulatory T-cells while simultaneously inhibiting T-cell functions. Furthermore, VEGFR-2 expression on activated T-cells and FoxP3high regulatory T-cells also allow a direct effect of VEGF-A. Anti-angiogenic agents targeting VEGF-A/VEGFR contribute to limit tumor-induced immunosuppression. Based on interesting preclinical studies, many clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of anti-VEGF-A/VEGFR treatments combined with immune checkpoint blockade leading to the approvement of these associations in different tumor locations. In this review, we focus on the impact of VEGF-A on immune cells especially regulatory and effector T-cells and different therapeutic strategies to restore an antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliette Palle
- Université de Paris, PARCC, INSERM, Paris, France.,Department of GI Oncology, AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Paris, France
| | | | - Magali Terme
- Université de Paris, PARCC, INSERM, Paris, France
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46
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Huang C, Yang D, Ye GW, Powell CA, Guo P. Vascular Notch Signaling in Stress Hematopoiesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:606448. [PMID: 33585446 PMCID: PMC7873850 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.606448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Canonical Notch signaling is one of the most conserved signaling cascades. It regulates cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell fate maintenance in a variety of biological systems during development and cancer (Fortini, 2009; Kopan and Ilagan, 2009; Andersson et al., 2011; Ntziachristos et al., 2014). For the hematopoietic system, during embryonic development, Notch1 is essential for the emergence of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) at the aorta-gornado-mesonephro regions of the dorsal aorta. At adult stage, Notch receptors and Notch targets are expressed at different levels in diverse hematopoietic cell types and influence lineage choices. For example, Notch specifies T cell lineage over B cells. However, there has been a long-lasting debate on whether Notch signaling is required for the maintenance of adult HSCs, utilizing transgenic animals inactivating different components of the Notch signaling pathway in HSCs or niche cells. The aims of the current mini-review are to summarize the evidence that disapproves or supports such hypothesis and point at imperative questions waiting to be addressed; hence, some of the seemingly contradictory findings could be reconciled. We need to better delineate the Notch signaling events using biochemical assays to identify direct Notch targets within HSCs or niche cells in specific biological context. More importantly, we call for more elaborate studies that pertain to whether niche cell type (vascular endothelial cells or other stromal cell)-specific Notch ligands regulate the differentiation of T cells in solid tumors during the progression of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-ALL) or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). We believe that the investigation of vascular endothelial cells' or other stromal cell types' interaction with hematopoietic cells during homeostasis and stress can offer insights toward specific and effective Notch-related therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Huang
- McCann Health Medical Communications, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dawei Yang
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital Institute for Clinical Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Disease, Shanghai, China.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Fibrosis Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai-National Jewish Respiratory Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - George W Ye
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Fibrosis Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai-National Jewish Respiratory Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Charles A Powell
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Fibrosis Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai-National Jewish Respiratory Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Peipei Guo
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Fibrosis Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai-National Jewish Respiratory Institute, New York, NY, United States
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47
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Boreel DF, Span PN, Heskamp S, Adema GJ, Bussink J. Targeting Oxidative Phosphorylation to Increase the Efficacy of Radio- and Immune-Combination Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:2970-2978. [PMID: 33419779 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As tumors grow, they upregulate glycolytic and oxidative metabolism to support their increased and altered energetic demands. These metabolic changes have major effects on the tumor microenvironment. One of the properties leading to this aberrant metabolism is hypoxia, which occurs when tumors outgrow their often-chaotic vasculature. This scarcity of oxygen is known to induce radioresistance but can also have a disrupting effect on the antitumor immune response. Hypoxia inhibits immune effector cell function, while immune cells with a more suppressing phenotype become more active. Therefore, hypoxia strongly affects the efficacy of both radiotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as this therapy combination. Inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is gaining interest for its ability to combat tumor hypoxia, and there are strong indications that this results in a reactivation of the immune response. This strategy decreases oxygen consumption, leading to better oxygenation of hypoxic tumor areas and eventually an increase in immunogenic cell death induced by radio-immunotherapy combinations. Promising preclinical improvements in radio- and immunotherapy efficacy have been observed by the hypoxia-reducing effect of OXPHOS inhibitors and several compounds are currently in clinical trials for their anticancer properties. Here, we will review the pharmacologic attenuation of tumor hypoxia using OXPHOS inhibitors, with emphasis on their impact on the intrinsic antitumor immune response and how this affects the efficacy of (combined) radio- and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan F Boreel
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. .,Department of Medical Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Paul N Span
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Heskamp
- Department of Medical Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Gosse J Adema
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Bussink
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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48
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Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Hushmandi K, Hashemi F, Rahmani Moghadam E, Raei M, Kalantari M, Tavakol S, Mohammadinejad R, Najafi M, Tay FR, Makvandi P. Progress in Natural Compounds/siRNA Co-delivery Employing Nanovehicles for Cancer Therapy. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2020; 22:669-700. [PMID: 33095554 PMCID: PMC8015217 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.0c00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy using natural compounds, such as resveratrol, curcumin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, etoposide, doxorubicin, and camptothecin, is of importance in cancer therapy because of the outstanding therapeutic activity and multitargeting capability of these compounds. However, poor solubility and bioavailability of natural compounds have limited their efficacy in cancer therapy. To circumvent this hurdle, nanocarriers have been designed to improve the antitumor activity of the aforementioned compounds. Nevertheless, cancer treatment is still a challenge, demanding novel strategies. It is well-known that a combination of natural products and gene therapy is advantageous over monotherapy. Delivery of multiple therapeutic agents/small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a potent gene-editing tool in cancer therapy can maximize the synergistic effects against tumor cells. In the present review, co-delivery of natural compounds/siRNA using nanovehicles are highlighted to provide a backdrop for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty
of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci
University, Orta Mahalle,
Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı,
Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
- Sabanci
University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla 34956, Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci
University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla 34956, Istanbul Turkey
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department
of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology &
Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1419963114, Iran
| | - Farid Hashemi
- Department
of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Rahmani Moghadam
- Department
of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran
| | - Mehdi Raei
- Health Research
Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah
University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1435916471, Iran
| | - Mahshad Kalantari
- Department
of Genetics, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Azad University, Tehran 19168931813, Iran
| | - Shima Tavakol
- Cellular
and Molecular Research Center, Iran University
of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614525, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics
Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616911319, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical
Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran
- Radiology
and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran
| | - Franklin R. Tay
- College
of Graduate Studies, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, United States
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Centre for Micro-BioRobotics, viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa Italy
- Department
of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, 14496-14535 Tehran, Iran
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49
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Zhang Q, Han Z, Zhu Y, Chen J, Li W. Role of hypoxia inducible factor-1 in cancer stem cells (Review). Mol Med Rep 2020; 23:17. [PMID: 33179080 PMCID: PMC7673349 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been found to play a decisive role in cancer recurrence, metastasis, and chemo‑, radio‑ and immuno‑resistance. Understanding the mechanism of CSC self‑renewal and proliferation may help overcome the limitations of clinical treatment. The microenvironment of tumor growth consists of a lack of oxygen, and hypoxia has been confirmed to induce cancer cell invasion, metastasis and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition, and is usually associated with poor prognosis and low survival rates. Hypoxia inducible factor‑1 (HIF‑1) can be stably expressed under hypoxia and act as an important molecule to regulate the development of CSCs, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. The present review attempted to explain the role of HIF‑1 in the generation and maintenance of CSCs from the perspective of epigenetics, metabolic reprogramming, tumor immunity, CSC markers, non‑coding RNA and signaling pathways associated with HIF‑1, in order to provide novel targets with HIF‑1 as the core for clinical treatment, and extend the life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, P.R. China
| | - Zhenzhen Han
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, P.R. China
| | - Yanbo Zhu
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, P.R. China
| | - Jingcheng Chen
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, P.R. China
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Quaresmini D, Guida M. Neoangiogenesis in Melanoma: An Issue in Biology and Systemic Treatment. Front Immunol 2020; 11:584903. [PMID: 33193402 PMCID: PMC7658002 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.584903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoangiogenesis is a recognized hallmark of cancer, granting tumor cells to dispose of metabolic substrates through a newly created vascular supply. Neoangiogenesis was also confirmed in melanoma, where vascular proliferation is associated with increased aggressiveness and poorer prognosis. Furthermore, melanoma cells show the so-called vascular mimicry, consisting in the assumption of endothelial-like features inducing the expression of pro-angiogenic receptors and ligands, which take part in the interplay with extracellular matrix (ECM) components and are potentiated by the ECM remodeling and the barrier molecule junction alterations that characterize the metastatic phase. Although neoangiogenesis was biologically proven and clinically associated with worse outcomes in melanoma patients, in the past anti-angiogenic therapies were employed with poor improvement of the already unsatisfactory results associated with chemotherapic agents. Among the novel therapies of melanoma, immunotherapy has led to previously unexpected outcomes of treatment, yet there is a still strong need for potentiating the results, possibly by new regimens of combination therapies. Molecular models in many cancer types showed mutual influences between immune responses and vascular normalization. Recently, clinical trials are investigating the efficacy of the association between anti-angiogenetic agents and immune-checkpoint inhibitors to treat advanced stage melanoma. This paper reviews the biological bases of angiogenesis in melanoma and summarizes the currently available clinical data on the use of anti-angiogenetic compounds in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Quaresmini
- Rare Tumors and Melanoma Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Guida
- Rare Tumors and Melanoma Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
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