1
|
Panek WK, Toedebusch RG, Mclaughlin BE, Dickinson PJ, Van Dyke JE, Woolard KD, Berens ME, Lesniak MS, Sturges BK, Vernau KM, Li C, Miska J, Toedebusch CM. The CCL2-CCR4 axis promotes Regulatory T cell trafficking to canine glioma tissues. J Neurooncol 2024; 169:647-658. [PMID: 39046599 PMCID: PMC11341612 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-024-04766-4] [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: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Spontaneously occurring glioma in pet dogs is increasingly recognized as a valuable translational model for human glioblastoma. Canine high-grade glioma and human glioblastomas share many molecular similarities, including the accumulation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) that inhibit anti-tumor immune responses. Identifying in dog mechanisms responsible for Treg recruitment may afford to target the cellular population driving immunosuppression, the results providing a rationale for translational clinical studies in human patients. Our group has previously identified C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2) as a glioma-derived T-reg chemoattractant acting on chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) in a murine orthotopic glioma model. Recently, we demonstrated a robust increase of CCL2 in the brain tissue of canine patients bearing high-grade glioma. METHODS We performed a series of in vitro experiments using canine Tregs and patient-derived canine glioma cell lines (GSC 1110, GSC 0514, J3T-Bg, G06A) to interrogate the CCL2-CCR4 signaling axis in the canine. RESULTS We established a flow cytometry gating strategy for identifying and isolating FOXP3+ Tregs in dogs. The canine CD4 + CD25high T-cell population was highly enriched in FOXP3 and CCR4 expression, indicating they are bona fide Tregs. Canine Treg migration was enhanced by CCL2 or by glioma cell line-derived supernatant. Blockade of the CCL2-CCR4 axis significantly reduced migration of canine Tregs. CCL2 mRNA was expressed in all glioma cell lines, and expression increased when exposed to Tregs but not CD4 + helper T-cells. CONCLUSION Our study validates CCL2-CCR4 as a bi-directional Treg-glioma immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting axis in canine high-grade glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W K Panek
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 2112 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA, 95616-5270, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 380 South University Avenue, 419 Hill Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - R G Toedebusch
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 2112 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA, 95616-5270, USA
| | - B E Mclaughlin
- University of California Davis, Flow Cytometry Shared Resource, Davis, CA, USA
| | - P J Dickinson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 2112 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA, 95616-5270, USA
| | - J E Van Dyke
- University of California Davis, Flow Cytometry Shared Resource, Davis, CA, USA
| | - K D Woolard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - M E Berens
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - M S Lesniak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - B K Sturges
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 2112 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA, 95616-5270, USA
| | - K M Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 2112 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA, 95616-5270, USA
| | - C Li
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 2112 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA, 95616-5270, USA
| | - J Miska
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christine M Toedebusch
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 2112 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA, 95616-5270, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Panek WK, Toedebusch RG, Mclaughlin BE, Dickinson PJ, Dyke JE, Woolard KD, Berens ME, Lesniak MS, Sturges BK, Vernau KM, Li C, Miska JM, Toedebusch CM. The CCL2-CCR4 Axis Promotes Regulatory T Cell Trafficking to Canine Glioma Tissues. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4474288. [PMID: 38947002 PMCID: PMC11213221 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4474288/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Spontaneously occurring glioma in pet dogs is increasingly recognized as a valuable translational model for human glioblastoma. Canine high grade glioma and human glioblastomas share many molecular similarities, including accumulation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) that inhibit anti-tumor immune responses. Identifying in dog mechanisms responsible for Treg recruitment may afford targeting the cellular population driving immunosuppression, the results providing a rationale for translational clinical studies in human patients. Our group has previously identified C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2) as a glioma-derived T-reg chemoattractant acting on chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) in a murine orthotopic model of glioma. Recently, we demonstrated a robust increase of CCL2 in the brain tissue of canine patients bearing high-grade glioma. Methods We performed a series of in vitro experiments using canine Tregs and patient-derived canine glioma cell lines (GSC 1110, GSC 0514, J3T-Bg, G06A) to interrogate the CCL2-CCR4 signaling axis in the canine. Results We established a flow cytometry gating strategy for identification and isolation of FOXP3+ Tregs in dogs. The canine CD4 + CD25high T-cell population was highly enriched in FOXP3 and CCR4 expression, indicating they are bona fide Tregs. Canine Treg migration was enhanced by CCL2 or by glioma cell line-derived supernatant. Blockade of the CCL2-CCR4 axis significantly reduced migration of canine Tregs. CCL2 mRNA was expressed in all glioma cell lines and expression increased when exposed to Tregs but not to CD4 + helper T-cells. Conclusion Our study validates CCL2-CCR4 as a bi-directional Treg-glioma immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting axis in canine high-grade glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - B E Mclaughlin
- University of California Davis, Flow Cytometry Shared Resource
| | | | - J E Dyke
- University of California Davis, Flow Cytometry Shared Resource
| | | | - M E Berens
- The Translational Genomics Research Institute
| | | | | | | | - C Li
- University of California, Davis
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zengarini C, Guglielmo A, Mussi M, Motta G, Agostinelli C, Sabattini E, Piraccini BM, Pileri A. A Narrative Review of the State of the Art of CCR4-Based Therapies in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas: Focus on Mogamulizumab and Future Treatments. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:32. [PMID: 38804300 PMCID: PMC11130839 DOI: 10.3390/antib13020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The CCR4 receptor is a pivotal target in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) therapy due to its role in impairing immune responses against malignant T-cells and expression profiles. Monoclonal antibodies like mogamulizumab effectively bind to CCR4, reducing tumour burden and enhancing patient outcomes by inhibiting the receptor's interaction with ligands, thereby hindering malignant T-cell migration and survival. Combining CCR4 antibodies with chemotherapy, radiation, and other drugs is being explored for synergistic effects. Additionally, small-molecular inhibitors, old pharmacological agents interacting with CCR4, and CAR-T therapies are under investigation. Challenges include drug resistance, off-target effects, and patient selection, addressed through ongoing trials refining protocols and identifying biomarkers. Despite advancements, real-life data for most of the emerging treatments are needed to temper expectations. In conclusion, CCR4-targeted therapies show promise for CTCL management, but challenges persist. Continued research aims to optimise treatments, enhance outcomes, and transform CTCL management. This review aims to elucidate the biological rationale and the several agents under various stages of development and clinical evaluation with the actual known data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Zengarini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alba Guglielmo
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Institute of Dermatology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Martina Mussi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Motta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Division of Haematopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Agostinelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Division of Haematopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Sabattini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Division of Haematopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Piraccini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pileri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beck TC, Beck KR, Holloway CB, Hemings RA, Dix TA, Norris RA. The C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 Is an Immunomodulatory Target of Hydroxychloroquine. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1253. [PMID: 32973504 PMCID: PMC7482581 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19) in China, reported to the World Health Organization on December 31, 2019, has led to a large global pandemic and is a major public health issue. As a result, there are more than 200 clinical trials of COVID-19 treatments or vaccines that are either ongoing or recruiting patients. One potential therapy that has garnered international attention is hydroxychloroquine; a potent immunomodulatory agent FDA-approved for the treatment of numerous inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine has demonstrated promise in vitro and is currently under investigation in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19. Despite an abundance of empirical data, the mechanism(s) involved in the immunomodulatory activity of hydroxychloroquine have not been characterized. Using the unbiased chemical similarity ensemble approach (SEA), we identified C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) as an immunomodulatory target of hydroxychloroquine. The crystal structure of CCR4 was selected for molecular docking studies using the SwissDock modeling software. In silico, hydroxychloroquine interacts with Thr-189 within the CCR4 active site, presumably blocking endogenous ligand binding. However, the CCR4 antagonists compound 18a and K777 outperformed hydroxychloroquine in silico, demonstrating energetically favorable binding characteristics. Hydroxychloroquine may subject COVID-19 patients to QT-prolongation, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death. The FDA-approved CCR4 antagonist mogalizumab is not known to increase the risk of QT prolongation and may serve as a viable alternative to hydroxychloroquine. Results from this report introduce additional FDA-approved drugs that warrant investigation for therapeutic use in the treatment of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C. Beck
- Dix Laboratory, Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,Norris Laboratory, Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,*Correspondence: Tyler C. Beck, ; Russell A. Norris,
| | - Kyle R. Beck
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Calvin B. Holloway
- Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Richard A. Hemings
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Thomas A. Dix
- Dix Laboratory, Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Russell A. Norris
- Norris Laboratory, Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,*Correspondence: Tyler C. Beck, ; Russell A. Norris,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Miah AH, Champigny AC, Graves RH, Hodgson ST, Percy JM, Procopiou PA. Identification of pyrazolopyrimidine arylsulfonamides as CC-chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:5327-5340. [PMID: 28801066 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A novel 4-aminoindazole sulfonamide hit (13) was identified as a human CCR4 antagonists from testing a focussed library of compounds in the primary GTPγS assay. Replacing the indazole core with a pyrazolopyrimidine, and introduction of a methoxy group adjacent to the sulfonamide substituent, resulted in the identification of pyrazolopyrimidine 37a, which exhibited good binding affinity in the GTPγS assay (pIC50=7.2), low lipophilicity (clogP=2.2, chromlogD7.4=2.4), high LE (0.41), high solubility (CLND solubility ≥581µM), and an excellent PK profile in both the rat (F=62%) and the dog (F=100%). Further SAR investigation of the pyrazolopyrimidine suggested that substitution at N1 is tolerated, providing a suitable vector to modulate the properties, and increase the potency in a lead optimisation campaign.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afjal H Miah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory TAU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom.
| | - Aurelie C Champigny
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory TAU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca H Graves
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Respiratory TAU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Simon T Hodgson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory TAU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan M Percy
- WestCHEM Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, United Kingdom
| | - Panayiotis A Procopiou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory TAU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
2,8-Diazaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)pyrimidin-4-amine potent CCR4 antagonists capable of inducing receptor endocytosis. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 115:14-25. [PMID: 26991939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A number of potent 2,8-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)pyrimidin-4-amine CCR4 antagonists binding to the extracellular allosteric site were synthesised. (R)-N-(2,4-Dichlorobenzyl)-2-(2-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)-2,8-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)pyrimidin-4-amine (R)-(18a) has high affinity in both the [(125)I]-TARC binding assay with a pKi of 8.8, and the [(35)S]-GTPγS functional assay with a pIC50 of 8.1, and high activity in the human whole blood actin polymerisation assay (pA2 = 6.7). The most potent antagonists were also investigated for their ability to induce endocytosis of CCR4 and were found to internalise about 60% of the cell surface receptors, a property which is not commonly shared by small molecule antagonists of chemokine receptors.
Collapse
|
7
|
Slack RJ, Hafeji M, Rogers R, Ludbrook SB, Marshall JF, Flint DJ, Pyne S, Denyer JC. Pharmacological Characterization of the αvβ6 Integrin Binding and Internalization Kinetics of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Derived Peptide A20FMDV2. Pharmacology 2016; 97:114-25. [PMID: 26734728 DOI: 10.1159/000443180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A20FMDV2 is a peptide derived from the foot-and-mouth disease virus with a high affinity and selectivity for the alpha-v beta-6 (αvβ6) arginyl-glycinyl-aspartic acid (RGD)-binding integrin. It has been shown to be an informative tool ligand in pre-clinical imaging studies for selective labelling of the αvβ6 integrin in a number of disease models. In a radioligand binding assay using a radiolabelled form of the peptide ([3H]A20FMDV2), its high affinity (K(D): 0.22 nmol/l) and selectivity (at least 85-fold) for αvβ6 over the other members of the RGD integrin family was confirmed. [3H]A20FMDV2 αvβ6 binding could be fully reversed only in the presence of EDTA, whereas a partial reversal was observed in the presence of excess concentrations of an RGD-mimetic small molecule (SC-68448) or unlabelled A20FMDV2. Using flow cytometry on bronchial epithelial cells, the ligand-induced internalization of αvβ6 by A20FMDV2 and latency-associated peptide-1 was shown to be fast (t(1/2): 1.5 and 3.1 min, respectively), concentration-dependent (EC50: values 1.1 and 3.6 nmol/l, respectively) and was followed by a moderately slow return of integrin to the surface. The results of the radioligand binding studies suggest that the binding of A20FMDV2 to the RGD-binding site on αvβ6 is required to maintain its engagement with the hypothesised A20FMDV2 synergy site on the integrin. In addition, there is evidence from flow cytometric studies that the RGD-ligand engagement of αvβ6 post-internalization plays a role in delaying recycling of the integrin to the cell surface. This mechanism may act as a homeostatic control of membrane αvβ6 following RGD ligand engagement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Slack
- Fibrosis and Lung Injury Discovery Performance Unit, Respiratory TAU, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Anderson CA, Solari R, Pease JE. Biased agonism at chemokine receptors: obstacles or opportunities for drug discovery? J Leukoc Biol 2015; 99:901-9. [PMID: 26701135 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.2mr0815-392r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokine receptors are typically promiscuous, binding more than one ligand, with the ligands themselves often expressed in different spatial localizations by multiple cell types. This is normally a tightly regulated process; however, in a variety of inflammatory disorders, dysregulation results in the excessive or inappropriate expression of chemokines that drives disease progression. Biased agonism, the phenomenon whereby different ligands of the same receptor are able to preferentially activate one signaling pathway over another, adds another level of complexity to an already complex system. In this minireview, we discuss the concept of biased agonism within the chemokine family and report that targeting single signaling axes downstream of chemokine receptors is not only achievable, but may well present novel opportunities to target chemokine receptors, allowing the fine tuning of receptor responses in the context of allergic inflammation and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Anderson
- Receptor Biology Group, Inflammation, Resolution and Development Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Roberto Solari
- Airway Disease Infection Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom
| | - James E Pease
- Receptor Biology Group, Inflammation, Resolution and Development Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, United Kingdom; and
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Solari R, Pease JE. Targeting chemokine receptors in disease--a case study of CCR4. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 763:169-77. [PMID: 25981299 PMCID: PMC4784718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Since their early 1990s, the chemokine receptor family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has been the source of much pharmacological endeavour. Best known for their key roles in recruiting leukocytes to sites of infection and inflammation, the receptors present themselves as plausible drug targets for therapeutic intervention. In this article, we will focus our attention upon CC Chemokine Receptor Four (CCR4) which has been implicated in diseases as diverse as allergic asthma and lymphoma. We will review the discovery of the receptors and their ligands, their perceived roles in disease and the successful targeting of CCR4 by both small molecule antagonists and monoclonal antibodies. We will also discuss future directions and strategies for drug discovery in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Solari
- Airway Disease Infection Section, MRC-Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - James E Pease
- Leukocyte Biology Section, MRC-Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wester HJ, Keller U, Schottelius M, Beer A, Philipp-Abbrederis K, Hoffmann F, Šimeček J, Gerngross C, Lassmann M, Herrmann K, Pellegata N, Rudelius M, Kessler H, Schwaiger M. Disclosing the CXCR4 expression in lymphoproliferative diseases by targeted molecular imaging. Theranostics 2015; 5:618-30. [PMID: 25825601 PMCID: PMC4377730 DOI: 10.7150/thno.11251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokine ligand-receptor interactions play a pivotal role in cell attraction and cellular trafficking, both in normal tissue homeostasis and in disease. In cancer, chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) expression is an adverse prognostic factor. Early clinical studies suggest that targeting CXCR4 with suitable high-affinity antagonists might be a novel means for therapy. In addition to the preclinical evaluation of [(68)Ga]Pentixafor in mice bearing human lymphoma xenografts as an exemplary CXCR4-expressing tumor entity, we report on the first clinical applications of [(68)Ga]Pentixafor-Positron Emission Tomography as a powerful method for CXCR4 imaging in cancer patients. [(68)Ga]Pentixafor binds with high affinity and selectivity to human CXCR4 and exhibits a favorable dosimetry. [(68)Ga]Pentixafor-PET provides images with excellent specificity and contrast. This non-invasive imaging technology for quantitative assessment of CXCR4 expression allows to further elucidate the role of CXCR4/CXCL12 ligand interaction in the pathogenesis and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
Collapse
|
11
|
Design, synthesis and SAR study of novel trisubstituted pyrimidine amide derivatives as CCR4 antagonists. Molecules 2014; 19:3539-51. [PMID: 24662072 PMCID: PMC6271259 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19033539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of some novel trisubstituted pyrimidine amide derivatives prepared as CCR4 antagonists are described. The activities of these compounds were evaluated by the CCR4-MDC chemotaxis inhibition assay. Compound 1, which we have previously reported as a potent antagonist of CCR4, was employed as the positive control. The results indicated that most of the synthesized compounds exhibited some chemotaxis inhibition activity against CCR4. Of these new compounds, compounds 6c, 12a and 12b, with IC50 values of 0.064, 0.077 and 0.069 μM, respectively, showed higher or similar activity compared with compound 1 (IC50 of 0.078 μM). These compounds provide a basis for further structural modifications. The systematic structure-activity relationship of these trisubstituted pyrimidine amide derivatives was discussed based on the obtained experimental data. The results from the SAR study may be useful for identifying more potent CCR4 antagonists.
Collapse
|
12
|
Internalization of the chemokine receptor CCR4 can be evoked by orthosteric and allosteric receptor antagonists. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 729:75-85. [PMID: 24534492 PMCID: PMC3989064 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CCR4 has at least two natural agonist ligands, MDC (CCL22) and TARC (CCL17) which bind to the same orthosteric site with a similar affinity. Both ligands are known to evoke chemotaxis of CCR4-bearing T cells and also elicit CCR4 receptor internalization. A series of small molecule allosteric antagonists have been described which displace the agonist ligand, and inhibit chemotaxis. The aim of this study was to determine which cellular coupling pathways are involved in internalization, and if antagonists binding to the CCR4 receptor could themselves evoke receptor internalization. CCL22 binding coupled CCR4 efficiently to β-arrestin and stimulated GTPγS binding however CCL17 did not couple to β-arrestin and only partially stimulated GTPγS binding. CCL22 potently induced internalization of almost all cell surface CCR4, while CCL17 showed only weak effects. We describe four small molecule antagonists that were demonstrated to bind to two distinct allosteric sites on the CCR4 receptor, and while both classes inhibited agonist ligand binding and chemotaxis, one of the allosteric sites also evoked receptor internalization. Furthermore, we also characterize an N-terminally truncated version of CCL22 which acts as a competitive antagonist at the orthosteric site, and surprisingly also evokes receptor internalization without demonstrating any agonist activity. Collectively this study demonstrates that orthosteric and allosteric antagonists of the CCR4 receptor are capable of evoking receptor internalization, providing a novel strategy for drug discovery against this class of target.
Collapse
|