1
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Shukla S, Dalai P, Agrawal-Rajput R. Metabolic crosstalk: Extracellular ATP and the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression and therapy. Cell Signal 2024; 121:111281. [PMID: 38945420 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is a vital element in energy information. It plays a critical role in transmitting signals inside the body, which is necessary for controlling the life activities of all cells, including tumor cells [1]. Its significance extends from intracellular signaling pathways to tumor regression. Purinergic signaling, a form of extracellular paracrine signaling, relies on purine nucleotides. Extracellular ectonucleotidases convert these purine nucleotides to their respective di and mono-phosphate nucleoside forms, contributing significantly to immune biology, cancer biology, and inflammation studies. ATP functions as a mighty damage-linked molecular pattern when released outside the cell, accumulating in inflammatory areas. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), purinergic receptors such as ATP-gated ion channels P2X1-5 and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) (P2Y) interact with ATP and other nucleotides, influencing diverse immune cell activities. CD39 and CD73-mediated extracellular ATP degradation contributes to immunosuppression by diminishing ATP-dependent activation and generating adenosine (ADO), potentially hindering antitumor immunity and promoting tumor development. Unraveling the complexities of extracellular ATP (e-ATP) and ADO effects on the TME poses challenges in identifying optimal treatment targets, yet ongoing investigations aim to devise strategies combating e-ATP/ADO-induced immunosuppression, ultimately enhancing anti-tumor immunity. This review explores e-ATP metabolism, its purinergic signaling, and therapeutic strategies targeting associated receptors and enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Shukla
- Immunology Lab, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar 382426, Gujarat, India
| | - Parameswar Dalai
- Immunology Lab, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar 382426, Gujarat, India
| | - Reena Agrawal-Rajput
- Immunology Lab, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar 382426, Gujarat, India.
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2
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Jiang K, Wu J, Wang Q, Chen X, Zhang Y, Gu X, Tang K. Nanoparticles targeting the adenosine pathway for cancer immunotherapy. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:5787-5811. [PMID: 38845588 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00292j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, as an emerging approach to cancer treatment, has tremendous potential for application. Compared to traditional methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, it has the ability to restore the patient's immune system, leading to long-term immune memory with less damage to normal tissues. However, immunotherapy has its limitations, including limited therapeutic efficacy, restricted patient populations, and inconsistent treatment responses. Finding effective immunotherapeutic approaches has become a key focus of its clinical application. The adenosine pathway is a recently discovered tumor immune regulatory signaling pathway. It can influence the metabolism and growth of tumor cells by acting through key enzymes in the adenosine pathway, thereby affecting the development of tumors. Therefore, inhibiting the adenosine pathway is an effective cancer immunotherapy. Common adenosine pathway inhibitors include small molecules and antibody proteins, and extensive preclinical trials have demonstrated their effectiveness in inhibiting tumor growth. The short half-life, low bioavailability, and single administration route of adenosine pathway inhibitors limit their clinical application. With the advent of nanotechnology, nano-delivery of adenosine pathway inhibitors has addressed these issues. Compared to traditional drugs, nano-drugs extend the drug's circulation time and improve its distribution within the body. They also offer targeting capabilities and have low toxic side effects, making them very promising for future applications. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of the adenosine pathway in tumor immune suppression, the clinical applications of adenosine pathway inhibitors, and nano-delivery based on adenosine pathway inhibitors. In the final part of this article, we also briefly discuss the technical issues and challenges currently present in nano-delivery of adenosine pathway inhibitors, with the hope of advancing the progress of adenosine inhibitor nano-drugs in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehua Jiang
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Yanlong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xiaoya Gu
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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3
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Gao ZG, Haddad M, Jacobson KA. A 2B adenosine receptor signaling and regulation. Purinergic Signal 2024:10.1007/s11302-024-10025-y. [PMID: 38833181 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-10025-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The A2B adenosine receptor (A2BR) is one of the four adenosine-activated G protein-coupled receptors. In addition to adenosine, protein kinase C (PKC) was recently found to activate the A2BR. The A2BR is coupled to both Gs and Gi, as well as Gq proteins in some cell types. Many primary cells and cell lines, such as bladder and breast cancer, bronchial smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, and fat cells, express the A2BR endogenously at high levels, suggesting its potentially important role in asthma, cancer, diabetes, and other conditions. The A2BR has been characterized as both pro- and anti-inflammatory, inducing cell type-dependent secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Theophylline and enprofylline have long been used for asthma treatment, although it is still not entirely clear if their A2BR antagonism contributes to their therapeutic effects or side effects. The A2BR is required in ischemic cardiac preconditioning by adenosine. Both A2BR and protein kinase C (PKC) contribute to cardioprotection, and both modes of A2BR signaling can be blocked by A2BR antagonists. Inhibitors of PKC and A2BR are in clinical cancer trials. Sulforaphane and other isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower have been reported to inhibit A2BR signaling via reaction with an intracellular A2BR cysteine residue (C210). A full, A2BR-selective agonist, critical to elucidate many controversial roles of the A2BR, is still not available, although agonist-bound A2BR structures have recently been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Guo Gao
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Mansour Haddad
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 21163, Jordan
| | - Kenneth A Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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4
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Hu Y, Sarkar A, Song K, Michael S, Hook M, Wang R, Heczey A, Song X. Selective refueling of CAR T cells using ADA1 and CD26 boosts antitumor immunity. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101530. [PMID: 38688275 PMCID: PMC11148642 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is hindered in solid tumor treatment due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and suboptimal T cell persistence. Current strategies do not address nutrient competition in the microenvironment. Hence, we present a metabolic refueling approach using inosine as an alternative fuel. CAR T cells were engineered to express membrane-bound CD26 and cytoplasmic adenosine deaminase 1 (ADA1), converting adenosine to inosine. Autocrine secretion of ADA1 upon CD3/CD26 stimulation activates CAR T cells, improving migration and resistance to transforming growth factor β1 suppression. Fusion of ADA1 with anti-CD3 scFv further boosts inosine production and minimizes tumor cell feeding. In mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer, metabolically refueled CAR T cells exhibit superior tumor reduction compared to unmodified CAR T cells. Overall, our study highlights the potential of selective inosine refueling to enhance CAR T therapy efficacy against solid tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism
- Humans
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Mice
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/metabolism
- Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Inosine
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/immunology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/therapy
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abhijit Sarkar
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin Song
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sara Michael
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Synthesis Biology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Magnus Hook
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ruoning Wang
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Hematology/Oncology & BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andras Heczey
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatric, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaotong Song
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA.
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5
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Wang L, Zhang J, Zhang W, Zheng M, Guo H, Pan X, Li W, Yang B, Ding L. The inhibitory effect of adenosine on tumor adaptive immunity and intervention strategies. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1951-1964. [PMID: 38799637 PMCID: PMC11119508 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenosine (Ado) is significantly elevated in the tumor microenvironment (TME) compared to normal tissues. It binds to adenosine receptors (AdoRs), suppressing tumor antigen presentation and immune cell activation, thereby inhibiting tumor adaptive immunity. Ado downregulates major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II) and co-stimulatory factors on dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, inhibiting antigen presentation. It suppresses anti-tumor cytokine secretion and T cell activation by disrupting T cell receptor (TCR) binding and signal transduction. Ado also inhibits chemokine secretion and KCa3.1 channel activity, impeding effector T cell trafficking and infiltration into the tumor site. Furthermore, Ado diminishes T cell cytotoxicity against tumor cells by promoting immune-suppressive cytokine secretion, upregulating immune checkpoint proteins, and enhancing immune-suppressive cell activity. Reducing Ado production in the TME can significantly enhance anti-tumor immune responses and improve the efficacy of other immunotherapies. Preclinical and clinical development of inhibitors targeting Ado generation or AdoRs is underway. Therefore, this article will summarize and analyze the inhibitory effects and molecular mechanisms of Ado on tumor adaptive immunity, as well as provide an overview of the latest advancements in targeting Ado pathways in anti-tumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longsheng Wang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mingming Zheng
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongjie Guo
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaohui Pan
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wen Li
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Ling Ding
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China
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6
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Yang H, Zhang Z, Zhao K, Zhang Y, Yin X, Zhu G, Wang Z, Yan X, Li X, He T, Wang K. Targeting the adenosine signaling pathway in macrophages for cancer immunotherapy. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110774. [PMID: 38521664 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
One of the ways in which macrophages support tumorigenic growth is by producing adenosine, which acts to dampen antitumor immune responses and is generated by both tumor and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Two cell surface expressed molecules, CD73 and CD39, boost catalytic adenosine triphosphate, leading to further increased adenosine synthesis, under hypoxic circumstances in the TME. There are four receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3) expressed on macrophages that allow adenosine to perform its immunomodulatory effect. Researchers have shown that adenosine signaling is a key factor in tumor progression and an attractive therapeutic target for treating cancer. Several antagonistic adenosine-targeting biological therapies that decrease the suppressive action of tumor-associated macrophages have been produced and explored to transform this result from basic research into a therapeutic advantage. Here, we'll review the newest findings from studies of pharmacological compounds that target adenosine receptors, and their potential therapeutic value based on blocking the suppressive action of macrophages in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong, China
| | - Zongliang Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong, China
| | - Yulian Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong, China
| | - Xinbao Yin
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong, China
| | - Guanqun Zhu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong, China
| | - Zhenlin Wang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong, China
| | - Xuechuan Yan
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong, China
| | - Xueyu Li
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong, China
| | - Tianzhen He
- Nantong University, Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong, China.
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong, China.
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7
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de Carvalho Braga G, Coiado JV, de Melo VC, Loureiro BB, Bagatini MD. Cutaneous melanoma and purinergic modulation by phenolic compounds. Purinergic Signal 2024:10.1007/s11302-024-10002-5. [PMID: 38498100 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-10002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a complex pathology that still has only treatments that lack efficiency and offer many adverse effects. Due to this scenario emerges the need to analyze other possible treatments against this disease, such as the effect of phenolic compounds. These substances have proven antitumor effects, but still have not been fully explored as a form of therapy to combat melanoma. Also, the purinergic receptors, along with its system molecules, take part in the formation of tumors from many pathways, such as the actions of ectoenzymes and receptors activity, especially P2Rs family, and are formed by structures that can be modulated by the phenolic compounds. Therefore, more studies have to be made with the aim of explaining the purinergic system activity in carcinogenesis of cutaneous melanoma and the effects of its modulation by phenolic compound, in order to enable the development of new therapies to combat this aggressive and feared cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - João Victor Coiado
- Medical School, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
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8
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Huang R, Ning Q, Zhao J, Zhao X, Zeng L, Yi Y, Tang S. Targeting ENPP1 for cancer immunotherapy: Killing two birds with one stone. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:116006. [PMID: 38142838 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.116006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, particularly with immune checkpoint inhibitors, has revolutionized the paradigm of cancer treatment. Nevertheless, the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy remains limited in most clinical settings due to the lack of a preexisting antitumor T-cell response in tumors. Therefore, the clinical outcomes of cancer immunotherapy must be improved crucially. With increased awareness of the importance of the innate immune response in the recruitment of T cells, as well as the onset and maintenance of the T cell response, great interest has been shown in activating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway to awaken the innate immune response, thereby orchestrating both innate and adaptive immune responses to induce tumor clearance. However, tumor cells have evolved to overexpress ectonucleotide pyrophosphate phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), which degrades the immunotransmitter 2',3'-cGAMP and promotes the production of immune-suppressing adenosine, resulting in inhibition of the anticancer immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Clinically, ENPP1 overexpression is closely associated with poor prognosis in patients with cancer. Conversely, depleting or inhibiting ENPP1 has been verified to elevate extracellular 2',3'-cGAMP levels and inhibit the generation of adenosine, thereby reinvigorating the anticancer immune response for tumor elimination. A variety of ENPP1 inhibitors have recently been developed and have demonstrated significant promise for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we provide an overview of ENPP1, dissect its immunosuppressive mechanisms, and discuss the development of ENPP1 inhibitors with the potential to further improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilei Huang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Qian Ning
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China; College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jihui Zhao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Xuhong Zhao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Luting Zeng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Yi Yi
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Shengsong Tang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China; College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, and Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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9
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Wang R, Liu Z, Wang T, Zhang J, Liu J, Zhou Q. Landscape of adenosine pathway and immune checkpoint dual blockade in NSCLC: progress in basic research and clinical application. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1320244. [PMID: 38348050 PMCID: PMC10859755 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1320244] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer poses a global threat to human health, while common cancer treatments (chemotherapy and targeted therapies) have limited efficacy. Immunotherapy offers hope of sustained remission for many patients with lung cancer, but a significant proportion of patients fail to respond to treatment owing to immune resistance. There is extensive evidence to suggest the immunosuppressive microenvironment as the cause of this treatment failure. Numerous studies have suggested that the adenosine (ADO) pathway plays an important role in the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and may be a key factor in the development of immune resistance in EGFR-mutant cell lung cancer. Inhibition of this pathway may therefore be a potential target to achieve effective reversal of ADO pathway-mediated immune resistance. Recently, an increasing number of clinical trials have begun to address the broad prospects of using the ADO pathway as an immunotherapeutic strategy. However, few researchers have summarized the theoretical basis and clinical rationale of the ADO pathway and immune checkpoint dual blockade in a systematic and detailed manner, particularly in lung cancer. As such, a timely review of the potential value of the ADO pathway in combination with immunotherapy strategies for lung cancer is warranted. This comprehensive review first describes the role of ADO in the formation of a lung tumor-induced immunosuppressive microenvironment, discusses the key mechanisms of ADO inhibitors in reversing lung immunosuppression, and highlights recent evidence from preclinical and clinical studies of ADO inhibitors combined with immune checkpoint blockers to improve the lung cancer immunosuppressive microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rulan Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenkun Liu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiabi Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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10
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Wang B, Zhou A, Pan Q, Li Y, Xi Z, He K, Li D, Li B, Liu Y, Liu Y, Xia Q. Adenosinergic metabolism pathway: an emerging target for improving outcomes of solid organ transplantation. Transl Res 2024; 263:93-101. [PMID: 37678756 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular nucleotides are widely recognized as crucial modulators of immune responses in peripheral tissues. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine are key components of extracellular nucleotides, the balance of which contributes to immune homeostasis. Under tissue injury, ATP exerts its pro-inflammatory function, while the adenosinergic pathway rapidly degrades ATP to immunosuppressive adenosine, thus inhibiting excessive and uncontrolled inflammatory responses. Previous reviews have explored the immunoregulatory role of extracellular adenosine in various pathological conditions, especially inflammation and malignancy. However, current knowledge regarding adenosine and adenosinergic metabolism in the context of solid organ transplantation remains fragmented. In this review, we summarize the latest information on adenosine metabolism and the mechanisms by which it suppresses the effector function of immune cells, as well as highlight the protective role of adenosine in all stages of solid organ transplantation, including reducing ischemia reperfusion injury during organ procurement, alleviating rejection, and promoting graft regeneration after transplantation. Finally, we discuss the potential for future clinical translation of adenosinergic pathway in solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingran Wang
- Department of liver surgery, Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Aiwei Zhou
- Department of liver surgery, Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Pan
- Department of liver surgery, Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanran Li
- Department of liver surgery, Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhifeng Xi
- Department of liver surgery, Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Kang He
- Department of liver surgery, Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Li
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- Department of liver surgery, Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of liver surgery, Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of liver surgery, Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
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11
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Qin R, Zhang H, Huang W, Shao Z, Lei J. Deep learning-based design and screening of benzimidazole-pyrazine derivatives as adenosine A 2B receptor antagonists. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-17. [PMID: 38133953 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2295974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The Adenosine A2B receptor (A2BAR) is considered a novel potential target for the immunotherapy of cancer, and A2BAR antagonists have an inhibitory effect on tumor growth, proliferation, and metastasis. In our previous studies, we identified a class of benzimidazole-pyrazine scaffolds whose derivatives exhibited the antagonistic effect but lacked subtype selectivity towards A2BAR. In this work, we developed a scaffold-based protocol that incorporates a deep generative model and multilayer virtual screening to design benzimidazole-pyrazine derivatives as potential selective A2BAR antagonists. By utilizing a generative model with reported A2BAR antagonists as the training set, we built up a scaffold-focused library of benzimidazole-pyrazine derivatives and processed a virtual screening protocol to discover potential A2BAR antagonists. Finally, five molecules with different Bemis-Murcko scaffolds were identified and exhibited higher binding free energies than the reference molecule 12o. Further computational analysis revealed that the 3-benzyl derivative ABA-1266 presented high selectivity toward A2BAR and showed preferred draggability, providing future potent development of selective A2BAR antagonists.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weifeng Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenglin Shao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinping Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Evans JV, Suman S, Goruganthu MUL, Tchekneva EE, Guan S, Arasada RR, Antonucci A, Piao L, Ilgisonis I, Bobko AA, Driesschaert B, Uzhachenko RV, Hoyd R, Samouilov A, Amann J, Wu R, Wei L, Pallerla A, Ryzhov SV, Feoktistov I, Park KP, Kikuchi T, Castro J, Ivanova AV, Kanagasabai T, Owen DH, Spakowicz DJ, Zweier JL, Carbone DP, Novitskiy SV, Khramtsov VV, Shanker A, Dikov MM. Improving combination therapies: targeting A2B-adenosine receptor to modulate metabolic tumor microenvironment and immunosuppression. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:1404-1419. [PMID: 37195421 PMCID: PMC10637048 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the role of A2B-adenosine receptor in regulating immunosuppressive metabolic stress in the tumor microenvironment. Novel A2B-adenosine receptor antagonist PBF-1129 was tested for antitumor activity in mice and evaluated for safety and immunologic efficacy in a phase I clinical trial of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS The antitumor efficacy of A2B-adenosine receptor antagonists and their impact on the metabolic and immune tumor microenvironment were evaluated in lung, melanoma, colon, breast, and epidermal growth factor receptor-inducible transgenic cancer models. Employing electron paramagnetic resonance, we assessed changes in tumor microenvironment metabolic parameters, including pO2, pH, and inorganic phosphate, during tumor growth and evaluated the immunologic effects of PBF-1129, including its pharmacokinetics, safety, and toxicity, in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. RESULTS Levels of metabolic stress correlated with tumor growth, metastasis, and immunosuppression. Tumor interstitial inorganic phosphate emerged as a correlative and cumulative measure of tumor microenvironment stress and immunosuppression. A2B-adenosine receptor inhibition alleviated metabolic stress, downregulated expression of adenosine-generating ectonucleotidases, increased expression of adenosine deaminase, decreased tumor growth and metastasis, increased interferon γ production, and enhanced the efficacy of antitumor therapies following combination regimens in animal models (anti-programmed cell death 1 protein vs anti-programmed cell death 1 protein plus PBF-1129 treatment hazard ratio = 11.74 [95% confidence interval = 3.35 to 41.13], n = 10, P < .001, 2-sided F test). In patients with non-small cell lung cancer, PBF-1129 was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities; demonstrated pharmacologic efficacy; modulated the adenosine generation system; and improved antitumor immunity. CONCLUSIONS Data identify A2B-adenosine receptor as a valuable therapeutic target to modify metabolic and immune tumor microenvironment to reduce immunosuppression, enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies, and support clinical application of PBF-1129 in combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason V Evans
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Shankar Suman
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mounika Uttam L Goruganthu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Elena E Tchekneva
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shuxiao Guan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rajeswara Rao Arasada
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anneliese Antonucci
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Longzhu Piao
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Irina Ilgisonis
- N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Bobko
- In Vivo Multifunctional Magnetic Resonance Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Benoit Driesschaert
- In Vivo Multifunctional Magnetic Resonance Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Roman V Uzhachenko
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rebecca Hoyd
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alexandre Samouilov
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joseph Amann
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ruohan Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lai Wei
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Aaditya Pallerla
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sergey V Ryzhov
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Igor Feoktistov
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kyungho P Park
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Takefumi Kikuchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sapporo Shirakabadai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Alla V Ivanova
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
- School of Graduate Studies, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Thanigaivelan Kanagasabai
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
- School of Graduate Studies, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Dwight H Owen
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel J Spakowicz
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jay L Zweier
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David P Carbone
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sergey V Novitskiy
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Valery V Khramtsov
- In Vivo Multifunctional Magnetic Resonance Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Anil Shanker
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
- School of Graduate Studies, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mikhail M Dikov
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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13
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Todd KL, Lai J, Sek K, Huang YK, Newman DM, Derrick EB, Koay HF, Nguyen D, Hoang TX, Petley EV, Chan CW, Munoz I, House IG, Lee JN, Kim JS, Li J, Tong J, N de Menezes M, Scheffler CM, Yap KM, Chen AXY, Dunbar PA, Haugen B, Parish IA, Johnstone RW, Darcy PK, Beavis PA. A 2AR eGFP reporter mouse enables elucidation of A 2AR expression dynamics during anti-tumor immune responses. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6990. [PMID: 37914685 PMCID: PMC10620403 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42734-0] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
There is significant clinical interest in targeting adenosine-mediated immunosuppression, with several small molecule inhibitors having been developed for targeting the A2AR receptor. Understanding of the mechanism by which A2AR is regulated has been hindered by difficulty in identifying the cell types that express A2AR due to a lack of robust antibodies for these receptors. To overcome this limitation, here an A2AR eGFP reporter mouse is developed, enabling the expression of A2AR during ongoing anti-tumor immune responses to be assessed. This reveals that A2AR is highly expressed on all tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte subsets including Natural Killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, γδ T cells, conventional CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and on a MHCIIhiCD86hi subset of type 2 conventional dendritic cells. In response to PD-L1 blockade, the emergence of PD-1+A2AR- cells correlates with successful therapeutic responses, whilst IL-18 is identified as a cytokine that potently upregulates A2AR and synergizes with A2AR deficiency to improve anti-tumor immunity. These studies provide insight into the biology of A2AR in the context of anti-tumor immunity and reveals potential combination immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten L Todd
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia.
| | - Junyun Lai
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Kevin Sek
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Yu-Kuan Huang
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Dane M Newman
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
- Translational Hematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emily B Derrick
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Hui-Fern Koay
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dat Nguyen
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Thang X Hoang
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Emma V Petley
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Cheok Weng Chan
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Isabelle Munoz
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Imran G House
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Joel N Lee
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Joelle S Kim
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Jasmine Li
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Junming Tong
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Maria N de Menezes
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Christina M Scheffler
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Kah Min Yap
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Amanda X Y Chen
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Phoebe A Dunbar
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Brandon Haugen
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Ian A Parish
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Ricky W Johnstone
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
- Translational Hematology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Phillip K Darcy
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Paul A Beavis
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia.
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14
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Lu Y, Sun Q, Guan Q, Zhang Z, He Q, He J, Ji Z, Tian W, Xu X, Liu Y, Yin Y, Zheng C, Lian S, Xu B, Wang P, Jiang R, Sun B. The XOR-IDH3α axis controls macrophage polarization in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1172-1184. [PMID: 37473847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are indispensable in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor microenvironment. Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), also known as xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), participates in purine metabolism, uric acid production, and macrophage polarization to a pro-inflammatory phenotype. However, the role of XOR in HCC-associated TAMs is unclear. METHODS We evaluated the XOR level in macrophages isolated from HCC tissues and paired adjacent tissues. We established diethylnitrosamine/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced and orthotopically implanted HCC mouse models using mice with Xdh-specific depletion in the myeloid cell lineage (Xdhf/fLyz2cre) or Kupffer cells (Xdhf/fClec4fcre). We determined metabolic differences using specific methodologies, including metabolomics and metabolic flux. RESULTS We found that XOR expression was downregulated in HCC TAMs and positively correlated with patient survival, which was strongly related to the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, especially hypoxia. Using HCC-inflicted mice (Xdhf/fLyz2cre and Xdhf/fClec4fcre), we revealed that XOR loss in monocyte-derived TAMs rather than Kupffer cells promoted their M2 polarization and CD8+ T-cell exhaustion, which exacerbated HCC progression. In addition, the tricarboxylic acid cycle was disturbed, and the generation of α-ketoglutarate was enhanced within XOR-depleted macrophages. XOR inhibited α-ketoglutarate production by interacting with IDH3α catalytic sites (K142 and Q139). The increased IDH3α activity caused increased adenosine and kynurenic acid production in TAMs, which enhanced the immunosuppressive effects of TAMs and CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS The XOR-IDH3α axis mediates TAM polarization and HCC progression and may be a small-molecule therapeutic or immunotherapeutic target against suppressive HCC TAMs. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Immunotherapies have been widely applied to the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but to date they have been associated with unsatisfactory efficacy. The tumor microenvironment of HCC is full of different infiltrating immune cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are vital components in the tumor microenvironment and are involved in HCC progression. Herein, we confirm the downregulation of XOR expression in TAMs isolated from human HCC. The loss of XOR in monocyte-derived macrophages increases IDH3 activity and results in an increase in α-ketoglutarate production, which can promote M2-like polarization. Additionally, XOR-null TAMs derived from monocytes promote CD8+ T-cell exhaustion via the upregulation of immunosuppressive metabolites, including adenosine and kynurenic acid. Given the prevalence and high rate of incidence of HCC and the need for improved therapeutic options for patients, our findings identify potential therapeutic targets that may be further studied to develop improved therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Qikai Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qifei Guan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zechuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Qifeng He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zetao Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenfang Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoliang Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yin Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Senlin Lian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Pin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Runqiu Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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15
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Tang H, Zaroudi M, Zhu Y, Cheng A, Qin L, Zhang B, Liu Y. Toroidal-spiral particles as a CAR-T cell delivery device for solid tumor immunotherapy. J Control Release 2023; 362:620-630. [PMID: 37673306 PMCID: PMC10947521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.005] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has resulted in positive effects on patients with hematologic malignancy but shows limited efficacy in solid tumor treatments due to insufficient trafficking and tumor infiltration, intensive CAR-T-related toxicities, and antigen escape. In this work, we developed and investigated a biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric toroidal-spiral particle (TSP) as a in vivo cell incubator and delivery device that can be implanted near tumor through a minimally invasive procedure or injected near or into solid tumors by using a biopsy needle. The main matrix structure of the millimeter-sized TSP is made from crosslinking of gelatin methacrylamine (GelMA) and poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) with a tunable degradation rate from a few days to months, providing appropriate mechanical properties and sustained release of co-encapsulated drugs and/or stimulation compounds. The toroidal-spiral layer of the particles, presenting an internal void volume for high-capacity cell loading and flexibility of co-encapsulating small and large molecular compounds with individually manipulated release schedules, is filled with collagen and suspended T cells. The TSPs promote cell proliferation, activation, and migration in the tumor micro-environment in a prolonged and sustained manner. In this study, the efficacy of mesothelin (MSLN) CAR-T cells released from the TSPs was tested in preclinical mouse tumor models. Compared to systemic and intratumoral injection, peritumoral delivery of MSLN CAR-T cells using the TSPs resulted in a superior antitumor effect. The TSPs made of FDA approved materials as an in vivo reactor may provide an option for efficiently local delivery of CAR-T cells to solid tumors for higher efficacy and lower toxicity, with a minimally invasive administration procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Tang
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Maryam Zaroudi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yuli Zhu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alex Cheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lei Qin
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Bin Zhang
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
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16
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Wang L, Zhang W, Zhang J, Zheng M, Pan X, Guo H, Ding L. Inhibitory effect of adenosine on adaptive antitumor immunity and intervention strategies. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2023; 52:567-577. [PMID: 37916308 PMCID: PMC10630057 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2023-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumors in which the microenvironment is characterized by lack of immune cell infiltration are referred as "cold tumors" and typically exhibit low responsiveness to immune therapy. Targeting the factors contributing to "cold tumors" formation and converting them into "hot tumors" is a novel strategy for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. Adenosine, a hydrolysis product of ATP, accumulates with a significantly higher concentration in the tumor microenvironments compared with normal tissue and exerts inhibitory effects on tumor-specific adaptive immunity. Tumor cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and T cells express abundant adenosine receptors on their surfaces. The binding of adenosine to these receptors initiates downstream signaling pathways that suppress tumor antigen presentation and immune cell activation, consequently dampening adaptive immune responses against tumors. Adenosine down-regulates the expression of major histocompatibility complex Ⅱ and co-stimulatory factors on dendritic cells and macrophages, thereby inhibiting antigen presentation to T cells. Adenosine also inhibits ligand-receptor binding and transmembrane signaling on T cells, concomitantly suppressing the secretion of anti-tumor cytokines and impairing T cell activation. Furthermore, adenosine hinders effector T cell trafficking to tumor sites and infiltration by inhibiting chemokine secretion and KCa3.1 channels. Additionally, adenosine promotes the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, increases immune checkpoint protein expression, and enhances the activity of immunosuppressive cells, collectively curbing cytotoxic T cell-mediated tumor cell killing. Given the immunosuppressive role of adenosine in adaptive antitumor immunity, several inhibitors targeting adenosine generation or adenosine receptor blockade are currently in preclinical or clinical development with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapies. This review provides an overview of the inhibitory effects of adenosine on adaptive antitumor immunity, elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved, and summarizes the latest advances in application of adenosine inhibition strategies for antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longsheng Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mingming Zheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaohui Pan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongjie Guo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ling Ding
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Vincenzi F, Pasquini S, Contri C, Cappello M, Nigro M, Travagli A, Merighi S, Gessi S, Borea PA, Varani K. Pharmacology of Adenosine Receptors: Recent Advancements. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1387. [PMID: 37759787 PMCID: PMC10527030 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine receptors (ARs) are widely acknowledged pharmacological targets yet are still underutilized in clinical practice. Their ubiquitous distribution in almost all cells and tissues of the body makes them, on the one hand, excellent candidates for numerous diseases, and on the other hand, intrinsically challenging to exploit selectively and in a site-specific manner. This review endeavors to comprehensively depict the substantial advancements witnessed in recent years concerning the development of drugs that modulate ARs. Through preclinical and clinical research, it has become evident that the modulation of ARs holds promise for the treatment of numerous diseases, including central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The latest studies discussed herein shed light on novel mechanisms through which ARs exert control over pathophysiological states. They also introduce new ligands and innovative strategies for receptor activation, presenting compelling evidence of efficacy along with the implicated signaling pathways. Collectively, these emerging insights underscore a promising trajectory toward harnessing the therapeutic potential of these multifaceted targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Martina Cappello
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Manuela Nigro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Alessia Travagli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Stefania Merighi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | | | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
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Stagg J, Golden E, Wennerberg E, Demaria S. The interplay between the DNA damage response and ectonucleotidases modulates tumor response to therapy. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eabq3015. [PMID: 37418547 PMCID: PMC10394739 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abq3015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular nucleoside adenosine reduces tissue inflammation and is generated by irreversible dephosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) mediated by the ectonucleotidase CD73. The pro-inflammatory nucleotides adenosine triphosphate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and cyclic guanosine -monophosphate-AMP (cGAMP), which are produced in the tumor microenvironment (TME) during therapy-induced immunogenic cell death and activation of innate immune signaling, can be converted into AMP by ectonucleotidases CD39, CD38, and CD203a/ENPP1. Thus, ectonucleotidases shape the TME by converting immune-activating signals into an immunosuppressive one. Ectonucleotidases also hinder the ability of therapies including radiation therapy, which enhance the release of pro-inflammatory nucleotides in the extracellular milieu, to induce immune-mediated tumor rejection. Here, we review the immunosuppressive effects of adenosine and the role of different ectonucleotidases in modulating antitumor immune responses. We discuss emerging opportunities to target adenosine generation and/or its ability to signal via adenosine receptors expressed by immune and cancer cells in the context of combination immunotherapy and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Stagg
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de
l’Université de Montréal, 900 St-Denis street, Montreal,
Quebec, Canada, H2X 0A9
| | - Encouse Golden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine,
New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Erik Wennerberg
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer
Research, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine,
New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill
Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Kurago Z, Guo G, Shi H, Bollag RJ, Groves MW, Byrd JK, Cui Y. Inhibitors of the CD73-adenosinergic checkpoint as promising combinatory agents for conventional and advanced cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212209. [PMID: 37435071 PMCID: PMC10330720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell surface enzyme CD73 is increasingly appreciated as a pivotal non-redundant immune checkpoint (IC) in addition to PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. CD73 produces extracellular adenosine (eADO), which not only inhibits antitumor T cell activity via the adenosine receptor (AR) A2AR, but also enhances the immune inhibitory function of cancer-associated fibroblasts and myeloid cells via A2BR. Preclinical studies show that inhibition of the CD73-adenosinergic pathway in experimental models of many solid tumors either as a monotherapy or, more effectively, in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 IC blockades, improves antitumor immunity and tumor control. Consequently, approximately 50 ongoing phase I/II clinical trials targeting the CD73-adenosinergic IC are currently listed on https://clinicaltrials.gov. Most of the listed trials employ CD73 inhibitors or anti-CD73 antibodies alone, in combination with A2AR antagonists, and/or with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Recent evidence suggests that the distribution of CD73, A2AR and A2BR in tumor microenvironments (TME) is heterogeneous, and this distribution affects CD73-adenosinergic IC function. The new insights have implications for the optimally effective, carefully tailored approaches to therapeutic targeting of this essential IC. In the mini-review, we briefly discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms of CD73/eADO-mediated immunosuppression during tumor progression and therapy in the spatial context of the TME. We include preclinical data regarding therapeutic CD73-eADO blockade in tumor models as well as available clinical data from completed trials that targeted CD73-adenosinergic IC with or without PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and discuss factors that are potentially important for optimal therapeutic outcomes in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Kurago
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Gang Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Huidong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Roni J. Bollag
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Michael W. Groves
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - J. Kenneth Byrd
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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Xie X, Li L, Xie L, Liu Z, Zhang G, Gao X, Peng W, Deng H, Yang Y, Yang M, Chang L, Yi X, Xia X, He Z, Zhou C. Stratification of non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR actionable mutations based on drug-resistant stem cell genes. iScience 2023; 26:106584. [PMID: 37288343 PMCID: PMC10241979 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
EGFR-TKIs were used in NSCLC patients with actionable EGFR mutations and prolong prognosis. However, most patients treated with EGFR-TKIs developed resistance within around one year. This suggests that residual EGFR-TKIs resistant cells may eventually lead to relapse. Predicting resistance risk in patients will facilitate individualized management. Herein, we built an EGFR-TKIs resistance prediction (R-index) model and validate in cell line, mice, and cohort. We found significantly higher R-index value in resistant cell lines, mice models and relapsed patients. Patients with an elevated R-index had significantly shorter relapse time. We also found that the glycolysis pathway and the KRAS upregulation pathway were related to EGFR-TKIs resistance. MDSC is a significant immunosuppression factor in the resistant microenvironment. Our model provides an executable method for assessing patient resistance status based on transcriptional reprogramming and may contribute to the clinical translation of patient individual management and the study of unclear resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Xie
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Lifeng Li
- Geneplus-Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Liang Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | | | | | - Xuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Geneplus-Shenzhen Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518122, China
| | - Wenying Peng
- The Second Department of Oncology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital & The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University & Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Haiyi Deng
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Yilin Yang
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Meiling Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | | | - Xin Yi
- Geneplus-Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | | | - Zhiyi He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Chengzhi Zhou
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
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Faraoni EY, Singh K, Chandra V, Le Roux O, Dai Y, Sahin I, O'Brien BJ, Strickland LN, Li L, Vucic E, Warner AN, Pruski M, Clark T, Van Buren G, Thosani NC, Bynon JS, Wray CJ, Bar-Sagi D, Poulsen KL, Vornik LA, Savage MI, Sei S, Mohammed A, Zhao Z, Brown PH, Mills T, Eltzschig HK, McAllister F, Bailey-Lundberg JM. CD73-Dependent Adenosine Signaling through Adora2b Drives Immunosuppression in Ductal Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:1111-1127. [PMID: 36720042 PMCID: PMC10071819 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The microenvironment that surrounds pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is profoundly desmoplastic and immunosuppressive. Understanding triggers of immunosuppression during the process of pancreatic tumorigenesis would aid in establishing targets for effective prevention and therapy. Here, we interrogated differential molecular mechanisms dependent on cell of origin and subtype that promote immunosuppression during PDAC initiation and in established tumors. Transcriptomic analysis of cell-of-origin-dependent epithelial gene signatures revealed that Nt5e/CD73, a cell-surface enzyme required for extracellular adenosine generation, is one of the top 10% of genes overexpressed in murine tumors arising from the ductal pancreatic epithelium as opposed to those rising from acinar cells. These findings were confirmed by IHC and high-performance liquid chromatography. Analysis in human PDAC subtypes indicated that high Nt5e in murine ductal PDAC models overlaps with high NT5E in human PDAC squamous and basal subtypes, considered to have the highest immunosuppression and worst prognosis. Multiplex immunofluorescent analysis showed that activated CD8+ T cells in the PDAC tumor microenvironment express high levels of CD73, indicating an opportunity for immunotherapeutic targeting. Delivery of CD73 small-molecule inhibitors through various delivery routes reduced tumor development and growth in genetically engineered and syngeneic mouse models. In addition, the adenosine receptor Adora2b was a determinant of adenosine-mediated immunosuppression in PDAC. These findings highlight a molecular trigger of the immunosuppressive PDAC microenvironment elevated in the ductal cell of origin, linking biology with subtype classification, critical components for PDAC immunoprevention and personalized approaches for immunotherapeutic intervention. SIGNIFICANCE Ductal-derived pancreatic tumors have elevated epithelial and CD8+GZM+ T-cell CD73 expression that confers sensitivity to small-molecule inhibition of CD73 or Adora2b to promote CD8+ T-cell-mediated tumor regression. See related commentary by DelGiorno, p. 977.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Y. Faraoni
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Kanchan Singh
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Vidhi Chandra
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Olivereen Le Roux
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yulin Dai
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Ismet Sahin
- Department of Engineering, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas
| | - Baylee J. O'Brien
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Lincoln N. Strickland
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Le Li
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Emily Vucic
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and Medicine, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Amanda N. Warner
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Melissa Pruski
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Trent Clark
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - George Van Buren
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Nirav C. Thosani
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- Center for Interventional Gastroenterology at UTHealth (iGUT), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - John S. Bynon
- Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Curtis J. Wray
- Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Dafna Bar-Sagi
- Department of Engineering, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas
| | - Kyle L. Poulsen
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- Center for Perioperative Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Lana A. Vornik
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michelle I. Savage
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Shizuko Sei
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Altaf Mohammed
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Powel H. Brown
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Tingting Mills
- Department of Biochemistry, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Holger K. Eltzschig
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- Center for Perioperative Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Florencia McAllister
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jennifer M. Bailey-Lundberg
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- Center for Interventional Gastroenterology at UTHealth (iGUT), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- Center for Perioperative Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
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CD73: Friend or Foe in Lung Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065545. [PMID: 36982618 PMCID: PMC10056814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) plays a strategic role in calibrating the magnitude and chemical nature of purinergic signals that are delivered to immune cells. Its primary function is to convert extracellular ATP to adenosine in concert with ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (CD39) in normal tissues to limit an excessive immune response in many pathophysiological events, such as lung injury induced by a variety of contributing factors. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the location of CD73, in proximity to adenosine receptor subtypes, indirectly determines its positive or negative effect in a variety of organs and tissues and that its action is affected by the transfer of nucleoside to subtype-specific adenosine receptors. Nonetheless, the bidirectional nature of CD73 as an emerging immune checkpoint in the pathogenesis of lung injury is still unknown. In this review, we explore the relationship between CD73 and the onset and progression of lung injury, highlighting the potential value of this molecule as a drug target for the treatment of pulmonary disease.
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Wang H, Tan F, Xu Y, Ma Y, Li Y, Xiao H. Adenosine Receptor A2B Antagonist Inhibits the Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Cells and Enhances the Efficacy of Cisplatin. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338221150318. [PMID: 36786018 PMCID: PMC9929921 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221150318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine receptors play a key role in cancer progression. This study investigated the effect of the adenosine A2B receptor (ADORA2B) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and cell metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) cells. Public databases were used to investigate the specificity of ADORA2B expression in GC tissue. We used immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to detect ADORA2B expression in GC tissue, paracancerous tissue, and metastatic greater omental tissue. AGS and HGC-27 GC cells were selected. The effect of ADORA2B on the invasion and migration of GC cells was examined using cell scratch and transwell assays. The effect of ADORA2B on the expression of EMT marker proteins (β-catenin, N-cadherin, and vimentin) in GC cells was measured by cellular immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. The effects of an ADORA2B inhibitor combined with cisplatin on EMT markers in GC cells were further explored. The expression levels of ADORA2B in GC tissue, metastatic greater omental tissue, and lymphatic metastasis tissue were significantly higher than those in paracancerous tissue, and ADORA2B was associated with lymph node metastasis and invasion. ADORA2B significantly regulated the invasion and migration ability of GC cells and the expression levels of EMT marker proteins. The combination of an ADORA2B antagonist (PSB-603) and cisplatin had a more significant effect on reversing the expression of EMT marker proteins. ADORA2B was overexpressed in GC tissue, metastatic greater omental tissue, and metastatic lymph node tissue. ADORA2B regulated the expression of EMT marker proteins in GC cells and affected GC cell metastasis. Antagonizing ADORA2B expression increased the efficacy of cisplatin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghong Wang
- People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fengmei Tan
- People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuanyi Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yanmei Ma
- The First Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Li
- People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hongyan Xiao
- People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China,Hongyan Xiao, Department of Pathology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, No. 301 Zhengyuan North Street, Jinfeng District, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750001, China.
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Impact of the selective A2 AR and A2 BR dual antagonist AB928/etrumadenant on CAR T cell function. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:2175-2185. [PMID: 36266575 PMCID: PMC9726885 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02013-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been successfully translated to clinical practice for the treatment of B cell malignancies. The suppressive microenvironment of many malignancies is a bottleneck preventing treatment success of CAR T cells in a broader range of tumours. Among others, the immunosuppressive metabolite adenosine is present in high concentrations within many tumours and dampens anti-tumour function of immune cells and consequently therapeutic response. METHODS Here, we present the impact of the selective adenosine A2A and A2B receptor antagonist AB928/etrumadenant on CAR T cell cytokine secretion, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. Using phosphorylation-specific flow cytometry, we evaluated the capability of AB928 to shield CAR T cells from adenosine-mediated signalling. The effect of orally administered AB928 on CAR T cells was assessed in a syngeneic mouse model of colon carcinoma. RESULTS We found that immunosuppressive signalling in CAR T cells in response to adenosine was fully blocked by the small molecule inhibitor. AB928 treatment enhanced CAR T cell cytokine secretion and proliferation, granted efficient cytolysis of tumour cells in vitro and augmented CAR T cell activation in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Together our results suggest that combination therapy with AB928 represents a promising approach to improve adoptive cell therapy.
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Wei Q, Zhang L, Zhao N, Cheng Z, Xin H, Ding J. Immunosuppressive adenosine-targeted biomaterials for emerging cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1012927. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1012927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has paved the way for the future of cancer therapy, but there are still significant challenges to be overcome, such as the occurrence of immune escape or suppression. Adenosine is essential in modulating the immune responses of immune cells and maintaining immune tolerance. Emerging adenosine pathway inhibitors are considered a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy, with emphasis first being placed on the top-down blockade of adenosine signaling axis, followed by combination therapy. However, these therapeutic strategies rely on adenosine inhibitors, mainly small molecules or antibody proteins, which are limited by a single route of administration and off-target toxicity. Therefore, synergistic nanomedicine with accurate delivery targeting deeper tumors is focused on in preclinical studies. This review discusses how adenosine reshapes immunosuppressive microenvironments through its effects on immune cells, including lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Additionally, it will be the first discussion of a comprehensive strategy of biomaterials in modulating the adenosine signaling pathway, including inhibition of adenosine production, inhibition of adenosine binding to immune cells, and depletion of adenosine in the microenvironments. Furthermore, biomaterials integrating multiple therapeutic modalities with adenosine blocking are also discussed as a promising strategy for promoting cancer immunotherapy.
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Guan S, Suman S, Amann JM, Wu R, Carbone DP, Wang J, Dikov MM. Metabolic reprogramming by adenosine antagonism and implications in non-small cell lung cancer therapy. Neoplasia 2022; 32:100824. [PMID: 35914370 PMCID: PMC9344351 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a heterogeneous disease with genetic and environmental parameters that influence cell metabolism. Because of the complex interplay of environmental factors within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the profound impact of these factors on the metabolic activities of tumor and immune cells, there is an emerging interest to advance the understanding of these diverse metabolic phenotypes in the TME. High levels of adenosine are characteristic of the TME, and adenosine can have a significant impact on both tumor cell growth and the immune response. Consistent with this, we showed in NSCLC data from TCGA that high expression of the A2BR leads to worse outcome and that expression of A2BR may be different for different mutation backgrounds. We then investigated the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells and immune cells (T and dendritic cells) by adenosine. We used A2AR and A2BR antagonism or agonism as well as receptor knockout animals to explore whether these treatments altered specific immune compartments or conferred specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. Using the seahorse assay, we found that an A2BR antagonist modulates oxidative stress homeostasis in NSCLC cell lines. In addition, we found distinct metabolic roles of A2AR and A2BR receptors in T cell activation and dendritic cell maturation. These data suggest potential mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of A2 receptor antagonist therapy in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxiao Guan
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
| | - Shankar Suman
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Joseph M Amann
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ruohan Wu
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - David P Carbone
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jie Wang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Mikhail M Dikov
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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27
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Kim GT, Kim EY, Shin SH, Lee H, Lee SH, Sohn KY, Kim JW. Suppression of tumor progression by thioredoxin-interacting protein-dependent adenosine 2B receptor degradation in a PLAG-treated Lewis lung carcinoma-1 model of non-small cell lung cancer. Neoplasia 2022; 31:100815. [PMID: 35728512 PMCID: PMC9209866 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PLAG effectively inhibited excessive growth of LLC1 cells in an NSCLC model. PLAG inhibited tumor growth by inducing adenosine 2B receptor (A2BR) degradation. Unlike antagonists, PLAG terminates rather than suppresses signaling pathways. A2BR degradation by PLAG occurs through expression and re-localization of TXNIP.
Extracellular adenosine in the tumor microenvironment plays a vital role in cancer development. Specifically, activation of adenosine receptors affects tumor cell growth and adenosine release. We examined the anti-tumor efficacy of 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol (PLAG) in animal models, revealing the role of PLAG in inhibiting tumor progression by promoting the degradation of adenosine 2B receptors (A2BRs) in tumors. PLAG induced the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), a type of α-arrestin that accelerates A2BR internalization by interacting with A2BR complexes containing β-arrestin. Engulfed receptors bound to TXNIP were rapidly degraded after E3 ligase recruitment and ubiquitination, resulting in early termination of intracellular signals that promote tumor overgrowth. However, in control cancer cells, A2BRs bound to protein phosphatase 2A and were returned to the cell membrane instead of being degraded, resulting in continuous receptor-mediated signaling by pathways including the Raf-Erk axis, which promotes tumor proliferation. A TXNIP-silenced cell-implanted mouse model and TXNIP knockout (KO) mice were used to verify that PLAG-mediated suppression of tumor progression is dependent on TXNIP expression. Increased tumor growth was observed in TXNIP-silenced cell-implanted mice, and the anti-tumor effects of PLAG, including delayed tumor overgrowth, were greatly reduced. However, the anti-tumor effects of PLAG were observed in cancer cell-implanted TXNIP-KO mice, which indicates that PLAG produces anti-tumor effects by enhancing TXNIP expression in tumor cells. These essential functions of PLAG, including delaying tumor growth via A2BR degradation, suggest innovative directions for anticancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guen Tae Kim
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Young Kim
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su-Hyun Shin
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyowon Lee
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Se Hee Lee
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki-Young Sohn
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Wha Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Kwahak-ro, Daejeon, South Korea.
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28
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Tay AHM, Prieto-Díaz R, Neo S, Tong L, Chen X, Carannante V, Önfelt B, Hartman J, Haglund F, Majellaro M, Azuaje J, Garcia-Mera X, Brea JM, Loza MI, Jespers W, Gutierrez-de-Teran H, Sotelo E, Lundqvist A. A 2B adenosine receptor antagonists rescue lymphocyte activity in adenosine-producing patient-derived cancer models. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004592. [PMID: 35580926 PMCID: PMC9115112 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenosine is a metabolite that suppresses antitumor immune response of T and NK cells via extracellular binding to the two subtypes of adenosine-2 receptors, A2ARs. While blockade of the A2AARs subtype effectively rescues lymphocyte activity, with four A2AAR antagonists currently in anticancer clinical trials, less is known for the therapeutic potential of the other A2BAR blockade within cancer immunotherapy. Recent studies suggest the formation of A2AAR/A2BAR dimers in tissues that coexpress the two receptor subtypes, where the A2BAR plays a dominant role, suggesting it as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. METHODS We report the synthesis and functional evaluation of five potent A2BAR antagonists and a dual A2AAR/A2BAR antagonist. The compounds were designed using previous pharmacological data assisted by modeling studies. Synthesis was developed using multicomponent approaches. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the phenotype of T and NK cells on A2BAR antagonist treatment. Functional activity of T and NK cells was tested in patient-derived tumor spheroid models. RESULTS We provide data for six novel small molecules: five A2BAR selective antagonists and a dual A2AAR/A2BAR antagonist. The growth of patient-derived breast cancer spheroids is prevented when treated with A2BAR antagonists. To elucidate if this depends on increased lymphocyte activity, immune cells proliferation, and cytokine production, lymphocyte infiltration was evaluated and compared with the potent A2AAR antagonist AZD-4635. We find that A2BAR antagonists rescue T and NK cell proliferation, IFNγ and perforin production, and increase tumor infiltrating lymphocytes infiltration into tumor spheroids without altering the expression of adhesion molecules. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that A2BAR is a promising target in immunotherapy, identifying ISAM-R56A as the most potent candidate for A2BAR blockade. Inhibition of A2BAR signaling restores T cell function and proliferation. Furthermore, A2BAR and dual A2AAR/A2BAR antagonists showed similar or better results than A2AAR antagonist AZD-4635 reinforcing the idea of dominant role of the A2BAR in the regulation of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apple Hui Min Tay
- Department of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rubén Prieto-Díaz
- Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Shiyong Neo
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Singapore Immunology Network SIgN, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Le Tong
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xinsong Chen
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Valentina Carannante
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Önfelt
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Hartman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Felix Haglund
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Majellaro
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Jhonny Azuaje
- Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Xerardo Garcia-Mera
- Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Jose M Brea
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Maria I Loza
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Willem Jespers
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hugo Gutierrez-de-Teran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eddy Sotelo
- Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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29
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Adenosine-Metabolizing Enzymes, Adenosine Kinase and Adenosine Deaminase, in Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030418. [PMID: 35327609 PMCID: PMC8946555 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunosuppressive effect of adenosine in the microenvironment of a tumor is well established. Presently, researchers are developing approaches in immune therapy that target inhibition of adenosine or its signaling such as CD39 or CD73 inhibiting antibodies or adenosine A2A receptor antagonists. However, numerous enzymatic pathways that control ATP-adenosine balance, as well as understudied intracellular adenosine regulation, can prevent successful immunotherapy. This review contains the latest data on two adenosine-lowering enzymes: adenosine kinase (ADK) and adenosine deaminase (ADA). ADK deletes adenosine by its phosphorylation into 5′-adenosine monophosphate. Recent studies have revealed an association between a long nuclear ADK isoform and an increase in global DNA methylation, which explains epigenetic receptor-independent role of adenosine. ADA regulates the level of adenosine by converting it to inosine. The changes in the activity of ADA are detected in patients with various cancer types. The article focuses on the biological significance of these enzymes and their roles in the development of cancer. Perspectives of future studies on these enzymes in therapy for cancer are discussed.
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30
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Microenvironmental influences on T cell immunity in cancer and inflammation. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:316-326. [PMID: 35039633 PMCID: PMC8762638 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00833-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell metabolism is dynamic and highly regulated. While the intrinsic metabolic programs of T cell subsets are integral to their distinct differentiation and functional patterns, the ability of cells to acquire nutrients and cope with hostile microenvironments can limit these pathways. T cells must function in a wide variety of tissue settings, and how T cells interpret these signals to maintain an appropriate metabolic program for their demands or if metabolic mechanisms of immune suppression restrain immunity is an area of growing importance. Both in inflamed and cancer tissues, a wide range of changes in physical conditions and nutrient availability are now acknowledged to shape immunity. These include fever and increased temperatures, depletion of critical micro and macro-nutrients, and accumulation of inhibitory waste products. Here we review several of these factors and how the tissue microenvironment both shapes and constrains immunity.
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31
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Tumor Microenvironment and Hydrogel-Based 3D Cancer Models for In Vitro Testing Immunotherapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14041013. [PMID: 35205760 PMCID: PMC8870468 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapies are emerging as promising strategies to cure cancer and extend patients’ survival. Efforts should be focused, however, on the development of preclinical tools better able to predict the therapeutic benefits in individual patients. In this context, the availability of reliable preclinical models capable of recapitulating the tumor milieu while overcoming the limitations of traditional systems is mandatory. Here, we review the tumor immune responses, escape mechanisms, and the most recent 3D biomaterial-based cancer in vitro models useful for investigating the effects of the different immunotherapeutic approaches. The main challenges and possible future trends are also discussed. Abstract In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In a relevant percentage of patients, however, clinical benefits are lower than expected, pushing researchers to deeply analyze the immune responses against tumors and find more reliable and efficient tools to predict the individual response to therapy. Novel tissue engineering strategies can be adopted to realize in vitro fully humanized matrix-based models, as a compromise between standard two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and animal tests, which are costly and hardly usable in personalized medicine. In this review, we describe the main mechanisms allowing cancer cells to escape the immune surveillance, which may play a significant role in the failure of immunotherapies. In particular, we discuss the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the establishment of a milieu that greatly favors cancer malignant progression and impact on the interactions with immune cells. Then, we present an overview of the recent in vitro engineered preclinical three-dimensional (3D) models that have been adopted to resemble the interplays between cancer and immune cells and for testing current therapies and immunotherapeutic approaches. Specifically, we focus on 3D hydrogel-based tools based on different types of polymers, discussing the suitability of each of them in reproducing the TME key features based on their intrinsic or tunable characteristics. Finally, we introduce the possibility to combine the 3D models with technological fluid dynamics platforms, reproducing the dynamic complex interactions between tumor cells and immune effectors migrated in situ via the systemic circulation, pointing out the challenges that still have to be overcome for setting more predictive preclinical assays.
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32
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Augustin RC, Leone RD, Naing A, Fong L, Bao R, Luke JJ. Next steps for clinical translation of adenosine pathway inhibition in cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004089. [PMID: 35135866 PMCID: PMC8830302 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports targeting the adenosine pathway in immuno-oncology with several clinical programs directed at adenosine A2 receptor (A2AR, A2BR), CD73 and CD39 in development. Through a cyclic-AMP-mediated intracellular cascade, adenosine shifts the cytokine and cellular profile of the tumor microenvironment away from cytotoxic T cell inflammation toward one of immune tolerance. A perpetuating cycle of tumor cell proliferation, tissue injury, dysregulated angiogenesis, and hypoxia promote adenosine accumulation via ATP catabolism. Adenosine receptor (eg, A2AR, A2BR) stimulation of both the innate and adaptive cellular precursors lead to immunosuppressive phenotypic differentiation. Preclinical work in various tumor models with adenosine receptor inhibition has demonstrated restoration of immune cell function and tumor regression. Given the broad activity but known limitations of anti-programmed cell death protein (PD1) therapy and other checkpoint inhibitors, ongoing studies have sought to augment the successful outcomes of anti-PD1 therapy with combinatorial approaches, particularly adenosine signaling blockade. Preliminary data have demonstrated an optimal safety profile and enhanced overall response rates in several early phase clinical trials with A2AR and more recently CD73 inhibitors. However, beneficial outcomes for both monotherapy and combinations have been mostly lower than expected based on preclinical studies, indicating a need for more nuanced patient selection or biomarker integration that might predict and optimize patient outcomes. In the context of known immuno-oncology biomarkers such as tumor mutational burden and interferon-associated gene expression, a comparison of adenosine-related gene signatures associated with clinical response indicates an underlying biology related to immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and T cell inflammation. Importantly, though, adenosine associated gene expression may point to a unique intratumoral phenotype independent from IFN-γ related pathways. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms of adenosine-mediated immunosuppression, preclinical investigation of adenosine signaling blockade, recent response data from clinical trials with A2AR, CD73, CD39 and PD1/L1 inhibitors, and ongoing development of predictive gene signatures to enhance combinatorial immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Augustin
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert D Leone
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aung Naing
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lawrence Fong
- Department of Medicine and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Riyue Bao
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jason J Luke
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA .,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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33
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Somarribas Patterson LF, Vardhana SA. Metabolic regulation of the cancer-immunity cycle. Trends Immunol 2021; 42:975-993. [PMID: 34610889 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cancer-immunity cycle (CIC) comprises a series of events that are required for immune-mediated control of tumor growth. Interruption of one or more steps of the CIC enables tumors to evade immunosurveillance. However, attempts to restore antitumor immunity by reactivating the CIC have had limited success thus far. Recently, numerous studies have implicated metabolic reprogramming of tumor and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) as key contributors to immune evasion. In this opinion, we propose that alterations in cellular metabolism during tumorigenesis promote both initiation and disruption of the CIC. We also provide a rationale for metabolically targeting the TME, which may assist in improving tumor responsiveness to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-transduced T cells or immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F Somarribas Patterson
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, 11501-2060 San José, Costa Rica; Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Santosha A Vardhana
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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34
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CD39 Regulation and Functions in T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158068. [PMID: 34360833 PMCID: PMC8348030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
CD39 is an enzyme which is responsible, together with CD73, for a cascade converting adenosine triphosphate into adenosine diphosphate and cyclic adenosine monophosphate, ultimately leading to the release of an immunosuppressive form of adenosine in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we first review the environmental and genetic factors shaping CD39 expression. Second, we report CD39 functions in the T cell compartment, highlighting its role in regulatory T cells, conventional CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. Finally, we compile a list of studies, from preclinical models to clinical trials, which have made essential contributions to the discovery of novel combinatorial approaches in the treatment of cancer.
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35
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Sui Y, Liu J, Zhang J, Zheng Z, Wang Z, Jia Z, Meng Z. Expression and Gene Regulation Network of Adenosine Receptor A2B in Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:663011. [PMID: 34350210 PMCID: PMC8326519 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.663011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosinereceptor A2B (ADORA2B) encodes a protein belonging to the G protein–coupled receptor superfamily. Abnormal expression of ADORA2B may play a pathophysiological role in some human cancers. We investigated whether ADORA2B is a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The expression, various mutations, copy number variations, mRNA expression levels, and related network signaling pathways of ADORA2B were analyzed using bioinformatics-related websites, including Oncomine, UALCAN, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, LinkedOmics, KM Plotter, and TIMER. We found that ADORA2B was overexpressed and amplified in LUAD, and a high ADORA2B expression predicted a poor prognosis for LUAD patients. Pathway analyses of ADORA2B in LUAD revealed ADORA2B-correlated signaling pathways, and the expression level of ADORA2B was associated with immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, ADORA2B mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in human LUAD cell lines (A549 cells and NCl-H1299 cells) than in normal human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells, and the transcript levels of genes positively or negatively correlated with ADORA2B were consistent and statistically significant. siRNA transfection experiments and functional experiments further confirmed these results. In vitro results were also consistent with those of bioinformatics analysis. Our findings provide a foundation for studying the role of ADORA2B in tumorigenesis and support the development of new drug targets for LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Sui
- Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zena Zheng
- Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhenghu Jia
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziyu Meng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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36
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Kepp O, Bezu L, Yamazaki T, Di Virgilio F, Smyth MJ, Kroemer G, Galluzzi L. ATP and cancer immunosurveillance. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108130. [PMID: 34121201 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) occupies a key position in the bioenergetic metabolism of all the cellular compartments that form the tumor microenvironment (TME), extracellular ATP operates as a potent signal transducer. The net effects of purinergic signaling on the biology of the TME depend not only on the specific receptors and cell types involved, but also on the activation status of cis- and trans-regulatory circuitries. As an additional layer of complexity, extracellular ATP is rapidly catabolized by ectonucleotidases, culminating in the accumulation of metabolites that mediate distinct biological effects. Here, we discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which ATP and its degradation products influence cancer immunosurveillance, with a focus on therapeutically targetable circuitries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Kepp
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Lucillia Bezu
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Takahiro Yamazaki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Mark J Smyth
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France.,Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, China.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.,Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
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37
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Wang L, Londono LM, Cowell J, Saatci O, Aras M, Ersan PG, Serra S, Pei H, Clift R, Zhao Q, Phan KB, Huang L, LaBarre MJ, Li X, Shepard HM, Deaglio S, Linden J, Thanos CD, Sahin O, Cekic C. Targeting Adenosine with Adenosine Deaminase 2 to Inhibit Growth of Solid Tumors. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3319-3332. [PMID: 33863778 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular adenosine in tumors can suppress immune responses and promote tumor growth. Adenosine deaminase 2 (ADA2) converts adenosine into inosine. The role of ADA2 in cancer and whether it can target adenosine for cancer therapy has not been investigated. Here we show that increased ADA2 expression is associated with increased patient survival and enrichment of adaptive immune response pathways in several solid tumor types. Several ADA2 variants were created to improve catalytic efficiency, and PEGylation was used to prolong systemic exposure. In mice, PEGylated ADA2 (PEGADA2) inhibited tumor growth by targeting adenosine in an enzyme activity-dependent manner and thereby modulating immune responses. These findings introduce endogenous ADA2 expression as a prognostic factor and PEGADA2 as a novel immunotherapy for cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: This study identifies ADA2 as a prognostic factor associated with prolonged cancer patient survival and introduces the potential of enzymatic removal of adenosine with engineered ADA2 for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Formerly of Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Luz M Londono
- Formerly of Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Jessica Cowell
- Formerly of Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Ozge Saatci
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Mertkaya Aras
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Pelin G Ersan
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Sara Serra
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Hong Pei
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | - Renee Clift
- Formerly of Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Qiping Zhao
- Formerly of Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Kim B Phan
- Formerly of Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Lei Huang
- Formerly of Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | | | - Xiaoming Li
- Formerly of Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | | | - Silvia Deaglio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Joel Linden
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | | | - Ozgur Sahin
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Caglar Cekic
- Formerly of Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California.
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38
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Koyas A, Tucer S, Kayhan M, Savas AC, Akdemir I, Cekic C. Interleukin-7 protects CD8 + T cells from adenosine-mediated immunosuppression. Sci Signal 2021; 14:14/674/eabb1269. [PMID: 33727336 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abb1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nucleoside adenosine accumulates extracellularly in solid tumors and inhibits CD8+ T cells by activating adenosine receptors. The cytokine interleukin-7 (IL-7), which is produced by various tissues and tumors, promotes the survival and maintenance of T cells. Adenosine and IL-7 signaling are being clinically targeted separately or in combination with other therapies for solid tumor indications. Here, we found that IL-7 signaling promoted the accumulation of tumor-associated CD8+ T cells, in part, by preventing adenosine-mediated immunosuppression. Inhibition of the transcription factor FoxO1 downstream of IL-7 receptor signaling was important for protecting CD8+ T cells from suppression by adenosine. These findings have implications for the development of new approaches for cancer immunotherapies that target the adenosine pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altay Koyas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Suat Tucer
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Merve Kayhan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Ali Can Savas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Imran Akdemir
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Caglar Cekic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey. .,Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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39
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Churov A, Zhulai G. Targeting adenosine and regulatory T cells in cancer immunotherapy. Hum Immunol 2021; 82:270-278. [PMID: 33610376 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is one of the mechanisms promoting carcinogenesis. Intratumoral Tregs have some phenotypic and functional traits that lower the efficiency of antitumor immune response, which makes them a good target for immunotherapy. Several approaches to cancer immunotherapy are being developed along this vector: deletion of tumor-infiltrating Tregs, inhibition of their homing to the tumor microenvironment, and functional downregulation of Tregs. Studies of the past decade have demonstrated the role of Tregs and ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 in the generation of immunosuppressive extracellular adenosine. Pharmacological targeting of CD39 and CD73 can restrain the activity of suppressor cells and promote the efficiency of cancer therapy. Here we review the latest data on issues regarding the role of extracellular adenosine and its receptors in antitumor immune response, adenosine generation mechanisms involving Tregs and the membrane proteins CD39 and CD73. Innovative approaches to antitumor immunotherapy and clinical studies of Treg targeting and application of anti-CD39/CD73 antibodies, adenosine receptor antagonists, and small-molecule inhibitors of ectonucleotidase activity are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Churov
- Institute of Biology, Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federation.
| | - Galina Zhulai
- Institute of Biology, Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federation
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40
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Majellaro M, Jespers W, Crespo A, Núñez MJ, Novio S, Azuaje J, Prieto-Díaz R, Gioé C, Alispahic B, Brea J, Loza MI, Freire-Garabal M, Garcia-Santiago C, Rodríguez-García C, García-Mera X, Caamaño O, Fernandez-Masaguer C, Sardina JF, Stefanachi A, El Maatougui A, Mallo-Abreu A, Åqvist J, Gutiérrez-de-Terán H, Sotelo E. 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1 H)-ones as Antagonists of the Human A 2B Adenosine Receptor: Optimization, Structure-Activity Relationship Studies, and Enantiospecific Recognition. J Med Chem 2020; 64:458-480. [PMID: 33372800 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We present and thoroughly characterize a large collection of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones as A2BAR antagonists, an emerging strategy in cancer (immuno) therapy. Most compounds selectively bind A2BAR, with a number of potent and selective antagonists further confirmed by functional cyclic adenosine monophosphate experiments. The series was analyzed with one of the most exhaustive free energy perturbation studies on a GPCR, obtaining an accurate model of the structure-activity relationship of this chemotype. The stereospecific binding modeled for this scaffold was confirmed by resolving the two most potent ligands [(±)-47, and (±)-38 Ki = 10.20 and 23.6 nM, respectively] into their two enantiomers, isolating the affinity on the corresponding (S)-eutomers (Ki = 6.30 and 11.10 nM, respectively). The assessment of the effect in representative cytochromes (CYP3A4 and CYP2D6) demonstrated insignificant inhibitory activity, while in vitro experiments in three prostate cancer cells demonstrated that this pair of compounds exhibits a pronounced antimetastatic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Majellaro
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica y Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Willem Jespers
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Abel Crespo
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica y Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María J Núñez
- SNL, Departamento de Farmacología, Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Silvia Novio
- SNL, Departamento de Farmacología, Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jhonny Azuaje
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica y Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rubén Prieto-Díaz
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica y Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Claudia Gioé
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica y Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Belma Alispahic
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - José Brea
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María I Loza
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Manuel Freire-Garabal
- SNL, Departamento de Farmacología, Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carlota Garcia-Santiago
- SNL, Departamento de Farmacología, Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carlos Rodríguez-García
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica y Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Xerardo García-Mera
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Olga Caamaño
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Christian Fernandez-Masaguer
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Javier F Sardina
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica y Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Angela Stefanachi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Abdelaziz El Maatougui
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica y Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana Mallo-Abreu
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica y Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Johan Åqvist
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Eddy Sotelo
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica y Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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41
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Dees S, Ganesan R, Singh S, Grewal IS. Regulatory T cell targeting in cancer: Emerging strategies in immunotherapy. Eur J Immunol 2020; 51:280-291. [PMID: 33302322 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The adaptive immune system is modulated by an important subset of CD4+ T lymphocytes called Treg cells that function in maintaining immune homeostasis by preventing excessive immune activation. Both deficiency and overactivation of Treg cell function can result in disease pathology. While loss of Treg function can lead to autoimmunity, an overabundance of Treg activity can promote tumorigenesis. Blocking and/or depleting Tregs has emerged as a viable strategy to enhance antitumor immunity. A major limitation underlying the limited efficacy observed with Treg therapies in the clinic is lack of selective targeting, often attributed to concurrent depletion of antitumor effector T-cell populations. Novel approaches to improve the specificity of Treg targeting in the context of cancer include the use of T-cell receptor mimic antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy. Next-generation technology platforms and transcriptomic/computational-based screening methods have been recently developed to identify preferential Treg targets. Herein, we highlight key advancements and challenges pertaining to the development of novel Treg targeting cancer therapeutics and discuss ongoing clinical trials evaluating next-generation Treg therapies for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundee Dees
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Rajkumar Ganesan
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Sanjaya Singh
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Iqbal S Grewal
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, USA
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42
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Willingham SB, Hotson AN, Miller RA. Targeting the A2AR in cancer; early lessons from the clinic. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 53:126-133. [PMID: 33002857 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a challenge that all immunotherapies must overcome to enable a robust and durable anti-tumor response. One of the dominant mechanisms of immunosuppression in the TME is hypoxia and the generation of extracellular adenosine [1]. Pioneering work from Drs Ohta and Sitkovsky demonstrating that adenosine signaling through the adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) inhibits T cells has led to the development of several agents designed to inhibit the production or downstream signaling of adenosine [2••,3••]. This review will focus on the safety, efficacy, and biomarkers associated with A2AR antagonists in clinical development.
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43
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Thompson EA, Powell JD. Inhibition of the Adenosine Pathway to Potentiate Cancer Immunotherapy: Potential for Combinatorial Approaches. Annu Rev Med 2020; 72:331-348. [PMID: 32903139 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-060619-023155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the way that we think about treating cancer. Although checkpoint blockade therapy, including anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4, has shown remarkable success, the responses are limited to only a subset of patients. This discrepancy highlights the many overlapping avenues for immune evasion or suppression that can be employed by a tumor. One such mechanism of immunosuppression is adenosinergic signaling within the tumor microenvironment. We provide an overview of the current status of clinical trials targeting the adenosine pathway, including CD73, CD39, and adenosine receptors. Additionally, we highlight several avenues that may be explored to further potentiate responses in the clinic by combining adenosine-targeting agents to target multiple arms of the pathway or by using conventional immunotherapy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Thompson
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA; ,
| | - Jonathan D Powell
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA; ,
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44
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Brombacher EC, Everts B. Shaping of Dendritic Cell Function by the Metabolic Micro-Environment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:555. [PMID: 33013685 PMCID: PMC7493661 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrients are required for growth and survival of all cells, but are also crucially involved in cell fate determination of many cell types, including immune cells. There is a growing appreciation that the metabolic micro-environment also plays a major role in shaping the functional properties of dendritic cells (DCs). Under pathological conditions nutrient availability can range from a very restricted supply, such as seen in a tumor micro-environment, to an overabundance of nutrients found in for example obese adipose tissue. In this review we will discuss what is currently known about the metabolic requirements for DC differentiation and immunogenicity and compare that to how function and fate of DCs under pathological conditions can be affected by alterations in environmental levels of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids as well as by other metabolic cues, including availability of oxygen, redox homeostasis and lactate levels. Many of these insights have been generated using in vitro model systems, which have revealed highly diverse effects of different metabolic cues on DC function. However, they also stress the importance of shifting toward more physiologically relevant experimental settings to be able to fully delineate the role of the metabolic surroundings in its full complexity in shaping the functional properties of DCs in health and disease.
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