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Serrano A, Casares N, Trocóniz IF, Lozano T, Lasarte JJ, Zalba S, Garrido MJ. Foxp3 inhibitory peptide encapsulated in a novel CD25-targeted nanoliposome promotes efficient tumor regression in mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01338-0. [PMID: 39075226 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01338-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
P60, a Foxp3 inhibitory peptide, can hinder the regulatory T cell (Treg) activity and impair tumor proliferation. However, low systemic stability and poor specificity have led to daily dosing to achieve therapeutic effect. Therefore, this study aims to improve P60 stability and specific delivery through its encapsulation in liposomes targeting CD25, constitutively expressed in Tregs. P60 liposomes formulated with DSPE-PEG750 or DSPE-PEG2000 were incubated with DSPE-PEG2000-Maleimide micelles conjugated to Fab' fragments of anti-CD25 to develop two targeted formulations or immunoliposomes (IL): IL-P602000 (DSPE-PEG2000 only) and IL-P60750 (combining DSPE-PEG750 and DSPE-PEG2000). P60 encapsulation efficiency was 50%-60% irrespective of PEG chain length. Treg uptake was 2.5 and 14 times higher for IL-PEG750 compared with IL-PEG2000 and non-targeted liposomes, respectively, in in-vitro assays. In fact, IL-P60750 allowed CD8+ T cells ex-vivo proliferation in presence of Treg at doses 10-20 times lower than for free P60. Antitumor response of P60 and IL-P60750 in monotherapy and combined with anti-PD-1 was evaluated in MC38 and LLCOVA tumor bearing mice. In MC38 model, IL-P60750 monotherapy induced total tumor regression in 40% of mice reaching 100% for anti-PD-1 combination. This effect was associated with a significant increase in activated CD8+ T cells in tumors. Notably, IL-P60750 also inhibited human Treg in ex-vivo assay, showing the translational capability of this formulation. In conclusion, IL-P60750 formulated with different PEG chain lengths, has demonstrated antitumor efficacy by selective inhibition of Treg activity and enhances the effect of anti-PD1. Altogether, this novel IL represents a promising nanoplatform for cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Serrano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Noelia Casares
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki F Trocóniz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Teresa Lozano
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan J Lasarte
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sara Zalba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain.
| | - María J Garrido
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain.
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2
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Bullock KK, Richmond A. Beyond Anti-PD-1/PD-L1: Improving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Responses in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2189. [PMID: 38927895 PMCID: PMC11201651 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122189] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The introduction of anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) to the clinical management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a breakthrough for a disease whose treatment has long relied on the standards of chemotherapy and surgery. Nevertheless, few TNBC patients achieve a durable remission in response to anti-PD-1, and there is a need to develop strategies to maximize the potential benefit of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for TNBC patients. In the present review, we discuss three conceptual strategies to improve ICI response rates in TNBC patients. The first effort involves improving patient selection. We discuss proposed biomarkers of response and resistance to anti-PD-1, concluding that an optimal biomarker will likely be multifaceted. The second effort involves identifying existing targeted therapies or chemotherapies that may synergize with ICI. In particular, we describe recent efforts to use inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT or RAS/MAPK/ERK pathways in combination with ICI. Third, considering the possibility that targeting the PD-1 axis is not the most promising strategy for TNBC treatment, we describe ongoing efforts to identify novel immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann Richmond
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
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3
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Sandor LF, Huh JB, Benko P, Hiraga T, Poliska S, Dobo-Nagy C, Simpson JP, Homer NZM, Mahata B, Gyori DS. De novo steroidogenesis in tumor cells drives bone metastasis and osteoclastogenesis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113936. [PMID: 38489269 PMCID: PMC10995766 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113936] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoclasts play a central role in cancer-cell-induced osteolysis, but the molecular mechanisms of osteoclast activation during bone metastasis formation are incompletely understood. By performing RNA sequencing on a mouse breast carcinoma cell line with higher bone-metastatic potential, here we identify the enzyme CYP11A1 strongly upregulated in osteotropic tumor cells. Genetic deletion of Cyp11a1 in tumor cells leads to a decreased number of bone metastases but does not alter primary tumor growth and lung metastasis formation in mice. The product of CYP11A1 activity, pregnenolone, increases the number and function of mouse and human osteoclasts in vitro but does not alter osteoclast-specific gene expression. Instead, tumor-derived pregnenolone strongly enhances the fusion of pre-osteoclasts via prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit beta (P4HB), identified as a potential interaction partner of pregnenolone. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Cyp11a1-expressing tumor cells produce pregnenolone, which is capable of promoting bone metastasis formation and osteoclast development via P4HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca F Sandor
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Joon B Huh
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Benko
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Toru Hiraga
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Nagano 399-0781, Japan
| | - Szilard Poliska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Dobo-Nagy
- Department of Oral Diagnostics, Semmelweis University School of Dentistry, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Joanna P Simpson
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK
| | - Natalie Z M Homer
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK; University of Edinburgh/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK
| | - Bidesh Mahata
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB21QP Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - David S Gyori
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, 1094 Budapest, Hungary.
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4
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Peng X, Huang X, Lulu TB, Jia W, Zhang S, Cohen L, Huang S, Fan J, Chen X, Liu S, Wang Y, Wang K, Isoyama S, Dan S, Wang F, Zhang Z, Elkabets M, Kong D. A novel pan-PI3K inhibitor KTC1101 synergizes with anti-PD-1 therapy by targeting tumor suppression and immune activation. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:54. [PMID: 38486218 PMCID: PMC10938783 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01978-0] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are critical regulators of diverse cellular functions and have emerged as promising targets in cancer therapy. Despite significant progress, existing PI3K inhibitors encounter various challenges such as suboptimal bioavailability, potential off-target effects, restricted therapeutic indices, and cancer-acquired resistance. Hence, novel inhibitors that overcome some of these challenges are needed. Here, we describe the characterization of KTC1101, a novel pan-PI3K inhibitor that simultaneously targets tumor cell proliferation and the tumor microenvironment. Our studies demonstrate that KTC1101 significantly increases the anti-PD-1 efficacy in multiple pre-clinical mouse models. METHODS KTC1101 was synthesized and characterized employing chemical synthesis, molecular modeling, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry. Its target specificity was confirmed through the kinase assay, JFCR39 COMPARE analysis, and RNA-Seq analysis. Metabolic stability was verified via liver microsome and plasma assays, pharmacokinetics determined by LC-MS/MS, and safety profile established through acute toxicity assays to determine the LD50. The antiproliferative effects of KTC1101 were evaluated in a panel of cancer cell lines and further validated in diverse BALB/c nude mouse xenograft, NSG mouse xenograft and syngeneic mouse models. The KTC1101 treatment effect on the immune response was assessed through comprehensive RNA-Seq, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry, with molecular pathways investigated via Western blot, ELISA, and qRT-PCR. RESULTS KTC1101 demonstrated strong inhibition of cancer cell growth in vitro and significantly impeded tumor progression in vivo. It effectively modulated the Tumor Microenvironment (TME), characterized by increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells and innate immune cells. An intermittent dosing regimen of KTC1101 enhanced these effects. Notably, KTC1101 synergized with anti-PD-1 therapy, significantly boosting antitumor immunity and extending survival in preclinical models. CONCLUSION KTC1101's dual mechanism of action-directly inhibiting tumor cell growth and dynamically enhancing the immune response- represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment strategies. These findings support incorporating KTC1101 into future oncologic regimens to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Peng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Talal Ben Lulu
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Wenqing Jia
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Shaolu Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Limor Cohen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Shengfan Huang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Jindian Fan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, 300020, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yongzhe Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Kailin Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Sho Isoyama
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Shingo Dan
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
| | - Dexin Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
- International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
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5
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Rangel Rivera GO, Dwyer CJ, Knochelmann HM, Smith AS, Aksoy BA, Cole AC, Wyatt MM, Kumaresan S, Thaxton JE, Lesinski GB, Paulos CM. Progressively Enhancing Stemness of Adoptively Transferred T Cells with PI3Kδ Blockade Improves Metabolism and Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Res 2024; 84:69-83. [PMID: 37801615 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Generating stem-like memory T cells (TSCM) is a potential strategy to improve adoptive immunotherapy. Elucidating optimal ways to modulate signaling pathways that enrich TSCM properties could identify approaches to achieve this goal. We discovered herein that blocking the PI3Kδ pathway pharmaceutically to varying degrees can generate T cells with increasingly heightened stemness properties, based on the progressive enrichment of the transcription factors Tcf1 and Lef1. T cells with enhanced stemness features exhibited metabolic plasticity, marked by improved mitochondrial function and glucose uptake after tumor recognition. Conversely, T cells with low or medium stemness were less metabolically dynamic, vulnerable to antigen-induced cell death, and expressed more inhibitory checkpoint receptors. Only T-cell receptor-specific or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-specific T cells with high stemness persisted in vivo and mounted protective immunity to tumors. Likewise, the strongest level of PI3Kδ blockade in vitro generated human tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and CAR T cells with elevated stemness properties, in turn bolstering their capacity to regress human solid tumors. The stemness level of T cells in vitro was important, ultimately impacting their efficacy in mice bearing three distinct solid tumors. Lef1 and Tcf1 sustained antitumor protection by donor high CD8+ TSCM or CD4+ Th17SCM, as deletion of either one compromised the therapeutic efficacy. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of strategic modulation of PI3Kδ signaling in T cells to induce stemness and lasting protective responses to solid tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Elevating T-cell stemness by progressively blocking PI3Kδ signaling during ex vivo manufacturing of adoptive cell therapies alters metabolic and functional properties to enhance antitumor immunity dependent on Tcf1 and Lef1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo O Rangel Rivera
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Connor J Dwyer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Hannah M Knochelmann
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Aubrey S Smith
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Bülent Arman Aksoy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Anna C Cole
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Megan M Wyatt
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Soundharya Kumaresan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica E Thaxton
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Immunotherapy Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Gregory B Lesinski
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chrystal M Paulos
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Munster P, Iannotti N, Cho DC, Kirkwood JM, Villaruz LC, Gibney GT, Hodi FS, Mettu NB, Jones M, Bowman J, Smith M, Lakshminarayanan M, O'Day S. Combination of Itacitinib or Parsaclisib with Pembrolizumab in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: A Phase I Study. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2572-2584. [PMID: 38115208 PMCID: PMC10729644 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This phase Ib open-label, multicenter, platform study (NCT02646748) explored safety, tolerability, and preliminary activity of itacitinib (Janus kinase 1 inhibitor) or parsaclisib (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase δ inhibitor) in combination with pembrolizumab [programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor]. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors with disease progression following all available therapies were enrolled and received itacitinib (Part 1 initially 300 mg once daily) or parsaclisib (Part 1 initially 10 mg once daily; Part 2 all patients 0.3 mg once daily) plus pembrolizumab (200 mg every 3 weeks). RESULTS A total of 159 patients were enrolled in the study and treated with itacitinib (Part 1, n = 49) or parsaclisib (Part 1, n = 83; Part 2, n = 27) plus pembrolizumab. The maximum tolerated/pharmacologically active doses were itacitinib 300 mg once daily and parsaclisib 30 mg once daily. Most common itacitinib treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were fatigue, nausea, and anemia. Most common parsaclisib TRAEs were fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and pyrexia in Part 1, and fatigue, maculopapular rash, diarrhea, nausea, and pruritus in Part 2. In patients receiving itacitinib plus pembrolizumab, four (8.2%) achieved a partial response (PR) in Part 1. Among patients receiving parsaclisib plus pembrolizumab, 5 (6.0%) achieved a complete response and 9 (10.8%) a PR in Part 1; 5 of 27 (18.5%) patients in Part 2 achieved a PR. CONCLUSIONS Although combination of itacitinib or parsaclisib with pembrolizumab showed modest clinical activity in this study, the overall response rates observed did not support continued development in patients with solid tumors. SIGNIFICANCE PD-1 blockade combined with targeted therapies have demonstrated encouraging preclinical activity. In this phase I study, patients with advanced solid tumors treated with pembrolizumab (PD-1 inhibitor) and either itacitinib (JAK1 inhibitor) or parsaclisib (PI3Kδ inhibitor) experienced limited clinical activity beyond that expected with checkpoint inhibition alone and showed little effect on T-cell infiltration in the tumor. These results do not support continued development of these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Munster
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Nicholas Iannotti
- Hematology-Oncology Associates of Treasure Coast, Port St Lucie, Florida
| | - Daniel C. Cho
- NYU Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone, New York City, New York
| | - John M. Kirkwood
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Geoffrey T. Gibney
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | | | - Mark Jones
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, Delaware
| | | | | | | | - Steven O'Day
- John Wayne Cancer Institute of Providence, Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California
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7
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Heller S, Glaeske S, Gluske K, Paul J, Böhme A, Janzer A, Roider HG, Montebaur A, Nicke B, Lesche R, von Ahsen O, Politz O, Liu N, Gorjánácz M. Pan-PI3K inhibition with copanlisib overcomes Treg- and M2-TAM-mediated immune suppression and promotes anti-tumor immune responses. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:5445-5461. [PMID: 37935952 PMCID: PMC10725385 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01227-6] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K pathway is one of the most frequently altered signaling pathways in human cancer. In addition to its function in cancer cells, PI3K plays a complex role in modulating anti-tumor immune responses upon immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). Here, we evaluated the effects of the pan-Class I PI3K inhibitor copanlisib on different immune cell types in vitro and on tumor growth and immune cell infiltration in syngeneic murine cancer models. Intermittent treatment with copanlisib resulted in a strong in vivo anti-tumor efficacy, increased tumor infiltration of activated T cells and macrophages, and increased CD8+ T cell/regulatory T cell and M1/M2 macrophage ratios. The strong in vivo efficacy was at least partially due to immunomodulatory activity of copanlisib, as in vitro these murine cancer cells were resistant to PI3K inhibition. Furthermore, the combination of copanlisib with the ICI antibody anti-PD-1 demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor efficacy in both ICI-sensitive and insensitive syngeneic mouse tumor models. Importantly, in an ICI-sensitive model, combination therapy resulted in complete remission and prevention of tumor recurrence. Thus, the combination of ICIs with PI3K inhibition by intermittently dosed copanlisib represents a promising new strategy to increase sensitivity to ICI therapies and to treat human solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Glaeske
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Gluske
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliane Paul
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Janzer
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Anna Montebaur
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Politz
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ningshu Liu
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany
- Fosun Pharma, No. 1289 Yishan Road, Shanghai City, China
| | - Mátyás Gorjánácz
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Early Development Oncology, Berlin, Germany.
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8
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Li Y, Li Y, Yang Y, Deng Y, Ni X, Zhao B, Yan Z, He W, Li Y, Li S, Liu L, Lu D. Synergistic efficacy of PI3Kδ inhibitor with anti-PD-1 mAbs in immune-humanized PDX model of endocrine resistance hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18498. [PMID: 37533997 PMCID: PMC10392091 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18498] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Endocrine resistance hormone receptor-positive (HR+) advanced breast cancer (ABC) is generally insensitive to immunecheckpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This study sought to determine whether PI3Kδ inhibitor could enhance the sensitivity of endocrine resistance HR + advanced BC to ICIs by reducing immune evasion. Methods Patient-derived HR + ABC xenografts were implanted into immune-humanized NSG mice and subsequently treated with YY20394 (PI3Kδ inhibitor) and camrelizumab. The mice were monitored for tumor progression, biochemical blood indicators, and peripheral blood T-cell subsets. The xenografted tumors were collected at the end of the treatment cycle and subjected to HE staining, immunohistochemistry and protein phosphorylation analysis. Besides, the xenografted tumors were also used to isolate primary breast cancer cells (BCCs) and regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which were subsequently used to evaluate drug sensitivity in vitro. Results The humanized PDX model showed a favorable initial treatment response to camrelizumab combined with YY20394 and manageable toxicity. YY20394 plus camrelizumab showed a strong inhibitory effect on HR + BC in vivo mediated by suppression of Treg activity and an increased proportion of CD8+ T cells. Mice bearing tumors treated with YY20394 and camrelizumab had less invasion, mitotic figures, and ki67 expression, while having higher IL-12 expression compared with other groups. Mechanistically, YY20394 only effectively inhibited the PI3K pathway and proliferation activity in Tregs but not in BCCs. Conclusion Our study suggests PI3Kδ inhibitor could the enhance the efficacy of ICIs in HR + BC PDX models by combating immune suppression and provides a feasible approach that may overcome the resistance of ICIs in HR + BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjue Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, PR China
| | - Yiwen Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, PR China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, PR China
| | - Yuwei Deng
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Oncology Hospital of Harbin Medical University, PR China
| | - Xiangdong Ni
- Department of Oncology, Hegang People's Hospital, PR China
| | - Bochen Zhao
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Shenzhen University, PR China
| | - Zhaoqi Yan
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, PR China
| | - Wen He
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, PR China
| | - Yixin Li
- Department of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shantou University, PR China
| | - Shuhui Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, PR China
| | - Linbo Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, PR China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, PR China
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9
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Safaroghli-Azar A, Emadi F, Lenjisa J, Mekonnen L, Wang S. Kinase inhibitors: Opportunities for small molecule anticancer immunotherapies. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103525. [PMID: 36907320 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103525] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
As the fifth pillar of cancer treatment, immunotherapy has dramatically changed the paradigm of therapeutic strategies by focusing on the host's immune system. In the long road of immunotherapy development, the identification of immune-modulatory effects for kinase inhibitors opened a new chapter in this therapeutic approach. These small molecule inhibitors not only directly eradicate tumors by targeting essential proteins of cell survival and proliferation but can also drive immune responses against malignant cells. This review summarizes the current standings and challenges of kinase inhibitors in immunotherapy, either as a single agent or in a combined modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Safaroghli-Azar
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Fatemeh Emadi
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jimma Lenjisa
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Laychiluh Mekonnen
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, SA 5000, Australia.
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10
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Signaling pathways and targeted therapies in lung squamous cell carcinoma: mechanisms and clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:353. [PMID: 36198685 PMCID: PMC9535022 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death across the world. Unlike lung adenocarcinoma, patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) have not benefitted from targeted therapies. Although immunotherapy has significantly improved cancer patients' outcomes, the relatively low response rate and severe adverse events hinder the clinical application of this promising treatment in LSCC. Therefore, it is of vital importance to have a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of LSCC as well as the inner connection among different signaling pathways, which will surely provide opportunities for more effective therapeutic interventions for LSCC. In this review, new insights were given about classical signaling pathways which have been proved in other cancer types but not in LSCC, including PI3K signaling pathway, VEGF/VEGFR signaling, and CDK4/6 pathway. Other signaling pathways which may have therapeutic potentials in LSCC were also discussed, including the FGFR1 pathway, EGFR pathway, and KEAP1/NRF2 pathway. Next, chromosome 3q, which harbors two key squamous differentiation markers SOX2 and TP63 is discussed as well as its related potential therapeutic targets. We also provided some progress of LSCC in epigenetic therapies and immune checkpoints blockade (ICB) therapies. Subsequently, we outlined some combination strategies of ICB therapies and other targeted therapies. Finally, prospects and challenges were given related to the exploration and application of novel therapeutic strategies for LSCC.
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11
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Pichler AC, Cannons JL, Schwartzberg PL. The Road Less Taken: Less Appreciated Pathways for Manipulating CD8+ T Cell Exhaustion. Front Immunol 2022; 13:926714. [PMID: 35874734 PMCID: PMC9297918 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.926714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exhausted CD8+ T (Tex) cells are a distinct cell population that arise during persistent antigen exposure in the context of chronic infections and cancers. Although characterized by progressive loss of effector functions, high and sustained inhibitory receptor expression and distinct transcriptional and epigenetic programs, Tex cells are heterogeneous. Among these, a self-renewing TCF-1+ Tex population, having unique characteristics and the ability to respond to immune-checkpoint blockade, gives rise to TCF-1- terminally Tex cells. These TCF-1+ cells have stem cell-like properties similar to memory T cell populations, but the signals that regulate the developmental pathways and relationships among exhausted cell populations are still unclear. Here, we review our current understanding of Tex cell biology, and discuss some less appreciated molecules and pathways affecting T cell exhaustion. We highlight two co-stimulatory receptors, CD226 and CD137, and their role in inducing or restraining T cell exhaustion, as well as signaling pathways that may be amenable to pharmacological inhibition with a focus on Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase and IL-2 partial agonists. Finally, we discuss novel methods that may increase TCF-1+ populations and therefore improve immunotherapy responsiveness. Understanding features of and pathways to exhaustion has important implications for the success of immunotherapy, including checkpoint blockade and adoptive T-cell transfer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C. Pichler
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Cannons
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Pamela L. Schwartzberg
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Pamela L. Schwartzberg,
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12
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Eschweiler S, Ramírez-Suástegui C, Li Y, King E, Chudley L, Thomas J, Wood O, von Witzleben A, Jeffrey D, McCann K, Simon H, Mondal M, Wang A, Dicker M, Lopez-Guadamillas E, Chou TF, Dobbs NA, Essame L, Acton G, Kelly F, Halbert G, Sacco JJ, Schache AG, Shaw R, McCaul JA, Paterson C, Davies JH, Brennan PA, Singh RP, Loadman PM, Wilson W, Hackshaw A, Seumois G, Okkenhaug K, Thomas GJ, Jones TM, Ay F, Friberg G, Kronenberg M, Vanhaesebroeck B, Vijayanand P, Ottensmeier CH. Intermittent PI3Kδ inhibition sustains anti-tumour immunity and curbs irAEs. Nature 2022; 605:741-746. [PMID: 35508656 PMCID: PMC9132770 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04685-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ (PI3Kδ) has a key role in lymphocytes, and inhibitors that target this PI3K have been approved for treatment of B cell malignancies1-3. Although studies in mouse models of solid tumours have demonstrated that PI3Kδ inhibitors (PI3Kδi) can induce anti-tumour immunity4,5, its effect on solid tumours in humans remains unclear. Here we assessed the effects of the PI3Kδi AMG319 in human patients with head and neck cancer in a neoadjuvant, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized phase II trial (EudraCT no. 2014-004388-20). PI3Kδ inhibition decreased the number of tumour-infiltrating regulatory T (Treg) cells and enhanced the cytotoxic potential of tumour-infiltrating T cells. At the tested doses of AMG319, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) required treatment to be discontinued in 12 out of 21 of patients treated with AMG319, suggestive of systemic effects on Treg cells. Accordingly, in mouse models, PI3Kδi decreased the number of Treg cells systemically and caused colitis. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed a PI3Kδi-driven loss of tissue-resident colonic ST2 Treg cells, accompanied by expansion of pathogenic T helper 17 (TH17) and type 17 CD8+ T (TC17) cells, which probably contributed to toxicity; this points towards a specific mode of action for the emergence of irAEs. A modified treatment regimen with intermittent dosing of PI3Kδi in mouse models led to a significant decrease in tumour growth without inducing pathogenic T cells in colonic tissue, indicating that alternative dosing regimens might limit toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yingcong Li
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Emma King
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Dorset Cancer Centre, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | - Lindsey Chudley
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jaya Thomas
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Oliver Wood
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Adrian von Witzleben
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Danielle Jeffrey
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Katy McCann
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hayley Simon
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Alice Wang
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Nicola A Dobbs
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
| | - Louisa Essame
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
| | - Gary Acton
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
| | - Fiona Kelly
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
| | - Gavin Halbert
- Cancer Research UK Formulation Unit, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joseph J Sacco
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool Cancer Research UK Experimental Cancer Medicine Center Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Graeme Schache
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Richard Shaw
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Joseph H Davies
- Dorset Cancer Centre, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | | | - Rabindra P Singh
- Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul M Loadman
- University of Bradford, Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, Bradford, UK
| | - William Wilson
- Cancer Research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre, London, UK
| | - Allan Hackshaw
- Cancer Research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre, London, UK
| | | | - Klaus Okkenhaug
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gareth J Thomas
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Terry M Jones
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ferhat Ay
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Mitchell Kronenberg
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Pandurangan Vijayanand
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Christian H Ottensmeier
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool Cancer Research UK Experimental Cancer Medicine Center Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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13
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Targeting oncogene and non-oncogene addiction to inflame the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:440-462. [PMID: 35292771 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the clinical management of multiple tumours. However, only a few patients respond to ICIs, which has generated considerable interest in the identification of resistance mechanisms. One such mechanism reflects the ability of various oncogenic pathways, as well as stress response pathways required for the survival of transformed cells (a situation commonly referred to as 'non-oncogene addiction'), to support tumour progression not only by providing malignant cells with survival and/or proliferation advantages, but also by establishing immunologically 'cold' tumour microenvironments (TMEs). Thus, both oncogene and non-oncogene addiction stand out as promising targets to robustly inflame the TME and potentially enable superior responses to ICIs.
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14
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Wu M, Huang Q, Xie Y, Wu X, Ma H, Zhang Y, Xia Y. Improvement of the anticancer efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade via combination therapy and PD-L1 regulation. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:24. [PMID: 35279217 PMCID: PMC8917703 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules are promising anticancer targets, among which therapeutic antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have been widely applied to cancer treatment in clinical practice and have great potential. However, this treatment is greatly limited by its low response rates in certain cancers, lack of known biomarkers, immune-related toxicity, innate and acquired drug resistance, etc. Overcoming these limitations would significantly expand the anticancer applications of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and improve the response rate and survival time of cancer patients. In the present review, we first illustrate the biological mechanisms of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints and their role in the healthy immune system as well as in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibits the anticancer effect of T cells in the TME, which in turn regulates the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 through multiple mechanisms. Several strategies have been proposed to solve the limitations of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, including combination therapy with other standard treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, other immunotherapies and even diet control. Downregulation of PD-L1 expression in the TME via pharmacological or gene regulation methods improves the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. Surprisingly, recent preclinical studies have shown that upregulation of PD-L1 in the TME also improves the response and efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Immunotherapy is a promising anticancer strategy that provides novel insight into clinical applications. This review aims to guide the development of more effective and less toxic anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qianrui Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.,Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Xuyi Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hongbo Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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15
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Qi Z, Xu Z, Zhang L, Zou Y, Li J, Yan W, Li C, Liu N, Wu H. Overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint therapy in PTEN-null prostate cancer by intermittent anti-PI3Kα/β/δ treatment. Nat Commun 2022; 13:182. [PMID: 35013322 PMCID: PMC8748754 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27833-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Combining immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) and targeted therapy holds great promises for broad and long-lasting anti-cancer therapies. However, combining ICT with anti-PI3K inhibitors have been challenging because the multifaceted effects of PI3K on both cancer cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. Here we find that intermittent but not daily dosing of a PI3Kα/β/δ inhibitor, BAY1082439, on Pten-null prostate cancer models could overcome ICT resistance and unleash CD8+ T cell-dependent anti-tumor immunity in vivo. Mechanistically, BAY1082439 converts cancer cell-intrinsic immune-suppression to immune-stimulation by promoting IFNα/IFNγ pathway activation, β2-microglubin expression and CXCL10/CCL5 secretion. With its preferential regulatory T cell inhibition activity, BAY1082439 promotes clonal expansion of tumor-associated CD8+ T cells, most likely via tertiary lymphoid structures. Once primed, tumors remain T cell-inflamed, become responsive to anti-PD-1 therapy and have durable therapeutic effect. Our data suggest that intermittent PI3K inhibition can alleviate Pten-null cancer cell-intrinsic immunosuppressive activity and turn "cold" tumors into T cell-inflamed ones, paving the way for successful ICT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Qi
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zihan Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liuzhen Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yongkang Zou
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Institute for Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jinping Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Wenyu Yan
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Cheng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ningshu Liu
- Bayer AG, Drug Discovery TRG Oncology, Muellerstrasse 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany.,Hehlius Biotech, Inc., 1801 Hongmei Rd, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Hong Wu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. .,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Institute for Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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16
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Scott J, Rees L, Gallimore A, Lauder SN. PI3K Isoform Immunotherapy for Solid Tumours. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:369-392. [PMID: 36243853 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_16] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Improving the anti-tumour T cell response as a consequence of immunotherapy can result in eradication of tumour burden, however, the majority of patients fail with current treatment regimens and so novel immunotherapies with greater efficacy and improved tolerability are needed. The phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) family members that are directly involved in cell signalling comprise PI3Kα, PI3Kβ, PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ, with the latter two isoforms expressed primarily by leukocytes. The survival and optimal function of regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is dependent on PI3Kδ, whereas tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), use PI3Kγ. Blocking these signalling isoforms can boost development of effective anti-cancer immune responses and result in control of tumour burden. The dependence on different PI3K isoforms in immune cells makes targeting this pathway an attractive approach for tumour immunotherapy. Herein, we discuss how inhibiting specific PI3K isoforms in pro-tumoural Tregs, MDSCS and TAMs can unleash a powerful anti-tumour immune response, driven by CD8+ T cells, capable of controlling tumour burden and consider how the immune response to therapy needs careful investigation, to identify both the correlates of successful treatment and those that impede the generation of robust anti-tumour responses. Furthermore, we review how combination immunotherapy approaches with both PI3K inhibitors and subsequent immune checkpoint blockade can potentiate the efficacy of monotherapy. Finally, we discuss the recent advances in the use of PI3K isoform-specific inhibitors as an immunotherapy for solid tumours in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Scott
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, C14 4XN, UK
| | - Lauren Rees
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, C14 4XN, UK
| | - Awen Gallimore
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, C14 4XN, UK
| | - Sarah N Lauder
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, C14 4XN, UK.
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17
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Tarantelli C, Argnani L, Zinzani PL, Bertoni F. PI3Kδ Inhibitors as Immunomodulatory Agents for the Treatment of Lymphoma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5535. [PMID: 34771694 PMCID: PMC8582887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of small molecules able to block specific or multiple isoforms of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) has already been an active field of research for many years in the cancer field. PI3Kδ inhibitors are among the targeted agents most extensively studied for the treatment of lymphoma patients and PI3Kδ inhibitors are already approved by regulatory agencies. More recently, it became clear that the anti-tumor activity of PI3K inhibitors might not be due only to a direct effect on the cancer cells but it can also be mediated via inhibition of the kinases in non-neoplastic cells present in the tumor microenvironment. T-cells represent an important component of the tumor microenvironment and they comprise different subpopulations that can have both anti- and pro-tumor effects. In this review article, we discuss the effects that PI3Kδ inhibitors exert on the immune system with a particular focus on the T-cell compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tarantelli
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland;
| | - Lisa Argnani
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (P.L.Z.)
- Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Zinzani
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (P.L.Z.)
- Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertoni
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland;
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
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18
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Vanhaesebroeck B, Perry MWD, Brown JR, André F, Okkenhaug K. PI3K inhibitors are finally coming of age. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:741-769. [PMID: 34127844 PMCID: PMC9297732 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00209-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Overactive phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in cancer and immune dysregulation has spurred extensive efforts to develop therapeutic PI3K inhibitors. Although progress has been hampered by issues such as poor drug tolerance and drug resistance, several PI3K inhibitors have now received regulatory approval - the PI3Kα isoform-selective inhibitor alpelisib for the treatment of breast cancer and inhibitors mainly aimed at the leukocyte-enriched PI3Kδ in B cell malignancies. In addition to targeting cancer cell-intrinsic PI3K activity, emerging evidence highlights the potential of PI3K inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy. This Review summarizes key discoveries that aid the clinical translation of PI3Kα and PI3Kδ inhibitors, highlighting lessons learnt and future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew W D Perry
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer R Brown
- CLL Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fabrice André
- Institut Gustave Roussy, INSERM U981, Université Paris Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Klaus Okkenhaug
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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19
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Fitzgerald B, Connolly KA, Cui C, Fagerberg E, Mariuzza DL, Hornick NI, Foster GG, William I, Cheung JF, Joshi NS. A mouse model for the study of anti-tumor T cell responses in Kras-driven lung adenocarcinoma. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2021; 1:100080. [PMID: 34632444 PMCID: PMC8500377 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2021.100080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Kras-driven lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common lung cancer. A significant fraction of patients with Kras-driven LUAD respond to immunotherapy, but mechanistic studies of immune responses against LUAD have been limited because of a lack of immunotherapy-responsive models. We report the development of the immunogenic KP × NINJA (inversion inducible joined neoantigen) (KP-NINJA) LUAD model. This model allows temporal uncoupling of antigen and tumor induction, which allows one to wait until after infection-induced inflammation has subsided to induce neoantigen expression by tumors. Neoantigen expression is restricted to EPCAM+ cells in the lung and expression of neoantigen was more consistent between tumors than when neoantigens were encoded on lentiviruses. Moreover, tumors were infiltrated by tumor-specific CD8 T cells. Finally, LUAD cell lines derived from KP-NINJA mice were immunogenic and responded to immune checkpoint therapy (anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4), providing means for future studies into the immunobiology of therapeutic responses in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Fitzgerald
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Kelli A. Connolly
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Can Cui
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Eric Fagerberg
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Dylan L. Mariuzza
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Noah I. Hornick
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Gena G. Foster
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Ivana William
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Julie F. Cheung
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Nikhil S. Joshi
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
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20
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Isoyama S, Mori S, Sugiyama D, Kojima Y, Tada Y, Shitara K, Hinohara K, Dan S, Nishikawa H. Cancer immunotherapy with PI3K and PD-1 dual-blockade via optimal modulation of T cell activation signal. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002279. [PMID: 34446575 PMCID: PMC8395371 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) induces durable clinical responses in patients with various types of cancer. However, its limited clinical efficacy requires the development of better approaches. In addition to immune checkpoint molecules, tumor-infiltrating immunosuppressive cells including regulatory T cells (Tregs) play crucial roles in the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment. While phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition as a Treg-targeted treatment has been implicated in animal models, its effects on human Tregs and on the potential impairment of effector T cells are required to be clarified for successful cancer immunotherapy. Methods The impact of a selective-PI3K inhibitor ZSTK474 with or without anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody on Tregs and CD8+ T cells were examined with in vivo animal models and in vitro experiments with antigen specific and non-specific fashions using peripheral blood from healthy individuals and cancer patients. Phenotypes and functions of Tregs and effector T cells were examined with comprehensive gene and protein expression assays. Results Improved antitumor effects by the PI3K inhibitor in combination with ICB, particularly PD-1 blockade, were observed in mice and humans. Although administration of the PI3K inhibitor at higher doses impaired activation of CD8+ T cells as well as Tregs, the optimization (doses and timing) of this combination treatment selectively decreased intratumoral Tregs, resulting in increased tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in the treated mice. Moreover, on the administration of the PI3K inhibitor with the optimal dose for selectively deleting Tregs, PI3K signaling was inhibited not only in Tregs but also in activated CD8+ T cells, leading to the enhanced generation of tumor antigen-specific memory CD8+ T cells which contributed to durable antitumor immunity. These opposing outcomes between Tregs and CD8+ T cells were attributed to the high degree of dependence on T cell signaling in the former but not in the latter. Conclusions PI3K inhibitor in the combination with ICB with the optimized protocol fine-tuned T cell activation signaling for antitumor immunity via decreasing Tregs and optimizing memory CD8+ T cell responses, illustrating a promising combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Isoyama
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo/Kashiwa, Japan.,Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.,R&D Center, Zenyaku Kogyo Co Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Mori
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo/Kashiwa, Japan.,R&D Center, Zenyaku Kogyo Co Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sugiyama
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kojima
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuko Tada
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo/Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Kohei Shitara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Hinohara
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shingo Dan
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo/Kashiwa, Japan .,Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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21
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Rojo JM, Montes-Casado M, Aragoneses-Fenoll L, Ojeda G, Dianzani U, Portolés P. PI3-Kinase p110α Deficiency Modulates T Cell Homeostasis and Function and Attenuates Experimental Allergic Encephalitis in Mature Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168698. [PMID: 34445401 PMCID: PMC8395417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) are involved in the development of normal and autoimmune responses, including Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model for human multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, the role of the ubiquitously expressed class IA PI3K p110α catalytic subunits in EAE has been analyzed using a model of Cre/flox mediated T cell specific deletion of p110α catalytic chain (p110αΔT). Comparison of two month-old (young) and six month-old (mature) p110αΔT mice and their wild type (WT) counterparts indicated loss of spleen CD4+ T cells that increased with age, indicating a role of p110α in their homeostasis. In contrast, CD4+ T regulatory (Treg) cells were enhanced in mature p110αΔT mice when compared to WT mice. Since Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) peptide-induced EAE is dependent on, or mediated by CD4+ T cells and CD4+ T cell-derived cytokines and controlled by Treg cells, development of EAE in young and mature WT or p110αΔT mice was analyzed. EAE clinical symptoms and disease scores in six month p110αΔT mice were significantly lower than those of mature WT, or young WT and p110αΔT mice. Furthermore, ex vivo antigen activation of lymph node cells from MOG immunized mature p110αΔT mice induced significantly lower levels of IFN-γ and IL-17A than young p110αΔT or young and mature WT mice. Other cytokines including IL-2, IL-10 or TNF-α showed no significant differences between p110αΔT and WT mature mice. Our data show a lower incidence of MOG-induced EAE in mature p110αΔT mice linked to altered T cell homeostasis and lower secretion of inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Rojo
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.R.); (P.P.)
| | - María Montes-Casado
- Unidad de Inmunología Celular, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.-C.); (L.A.-F.); (G.O.)
| | - Laura Aragoneses-Fenoll
- Unidad de Inmunología Celular, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.-C.); (L.A.-F.); (G.O.)
| | - Gloria Ojeda
- Unidad de Inmunología Celular, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.-C.); (L.A.-F.); (G.O.)
| | - Umberto Dianzani
- Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Pilar Portolés
- Unidad de Inmunología Celular, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.-C.); (L.A.-F.); (G.O.)
- Presidencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.R.); (P.P.)
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22
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Olayinka-Adefemi F, Onyilagha C, Jayachandran N, Hou S, Jia P, Uzonna J, Marshall AJ. Critical Roles of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase δ in the Humoral Immune Response to Trypanosoma congolense Infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:1401-1410. [PMID: 34380646 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
PI3Kδ is critical in generating humoral and regulatory immune responses. In this study, we determined the impact of PI3Kδ in immunity to Trypanosoma congolense, an African trypanosome that can manipulate and evade Ab responses critical for protection. Upon infection with T. congolense, PI3KδD910A mice lacking PI3Kδ activity paradoxically show a transient enhancement in early control of parasitemia, associated with impaired production of regulatory IL-10 by B cells in the peritoneum. C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice treated with the PI3Kδ inhibitor (PI3Kδi) Idelalisib showed a similar transient decrease in parasitemia associated with reduced IL-10. Strikingly, however, we find that PI3KδD910A mice were ultimately unable to control this infection, resulting in uncontrolled parasitemia and death within 2 wk. Assessment of humoral responses revealed delayed B cell activation, impaired germinal center responses, and compromised Ab responses to differing degrees in PI3KδD910A and PI3Kδi-treated mice. To test the role of Abs, we administered serum from WT mice to PI3KδD910A mice and found that lethality was prevented by postinfection serum. Interestingly, serum from naive WT mice provided partial protection to PI3KδD910A mutants, indicating an additional role for natural Abs. Together our findings suggest that although PI3Kδ drives immune regulatory responses that antagonize early control of parasite growth in the peritoneum, it is also required for generation of Abs that are critical for protection from systemic trypanosome infection. The essential role of PI3Kδ for host survival of African trypanosome infection contrasts with findings for other pathogens such as Leishmania, underlining the critical importance of PI3Kδ-dependent humoral immunity in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folayemi Olayinka-Adefemi
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Chukwunonso Onyilagha
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
| | - Nipun Jayachandran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sen Hou
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ping Jia
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jude Uzonna
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Aaron J Marshall
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada;
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23
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Adefemi F, Fruman DA, Marshall AJ. A Case for Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase-Targeted Therapy for Infectious Disease. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 205:3237-3245. [PMID: 33288538 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PI3Ks activate critical signaling cascades and have multifaceted regulatory functions in the immune system. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations in the PI3Kδ isoform have revealed that this enzyme can substantially impact immune responses to infectious agents and their products. Moreover, reports garnered from decades of infectious disease studies indicate that pharmacologic inhibition of the PI3K pathway could potentially be effective in limiting the growth of certain microbes via modulation of the immune system. In this review, we briefly highlight the development and applications of PI3K inhibitors and summarize data supporting the concept that PI3Kδ inhibitors initially developed for oncology have immune regulatory potential that could be exploited to improve the control of some infectious diseases. This repurposing of existing kinase inhibitors could lay the foundation for alternative infectious disease therapy using available therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folayemi Adefemi
- Department of Immunology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, R3E-0T5 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - David A Fruman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697; and.,Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Aaron J Marshall
- Department of Immunology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, R3E-0T5 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada;
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24
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Petroni G, Buqué A, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G, Galluzzi L. Immunomodulation by targeted anticancer agents. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:310-345. [PMID: 33338426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
At odds with conventional chemotherapeutics, targeted anticancer agents are designed to inhibit precise molecular alterations that support oncogenesis or tumor progression. Despite such an elevated degree of molecular specificity, many clinically employed and experimental targeted anticancer agents also mediate immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive effects that (at least in some settings) influence therapeutic efficacy. Here, we discuss the main immunomodulatory effects of targeted anticancer agents and explore potential avenues to harness them in support of superior clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Petroni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aitziber Buqué
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France; INSERM U1015, Villejuif, France; Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer (CICBT) 1428, Villejuif, France; Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France; Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France; Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, China; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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25
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Aydin E, Faehling S, Saleh M, Llaó Cid L, Seiffert M, Roessner PM. Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment: What Do We Need to Consider When Treating Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia With PI3K Inhibitors? Front Immunol 2021; 11:595818. [PMID: 33552053 PMCID: PMC7857022 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.595818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and their downstream proteins constitute a signaling pathway that is involved in both normal cell growth and malignant transformation of cells. Under physiological conditions, PI3K signaling regulates various cellular functions such as apoptosis, survival, proliferation, and growth, depending on the extracellular signals. A deterioration of these extracellular signals caused by mutational damage in oncogenes or growth factor receptors may result in hyperactivation of this signaling cascade, which is recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Although higher activation of PI3K pathway is common in many types of cancer, it has been therapeutically targeted for the first time in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), demonstrating its significance in B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling and malignant B-cell expansion. The biological activity of the PI3K pathway is not only limited to cancer cells but is also crucial for many components of the tumor microenvironment, as PI3K signaling regulates cytokine responses, and ensures the development and function of immune cells. Therefore, the success or failure of the PI3K inhibition is strongly related to microenvironmental stimuli. In this review, we outline the impacts of PI3K inhibition on the tumor microenvironment with a specific focus on CLL. Acknowledging the effects of PI3K inhibitor-based therapies on the tumor microenvironment in CLL can serve as a rationale for improved drug development, explain treatment-associated adverse events, and suggest novel combinatory treatment strategies in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Aydin
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Faehling
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mariam Saleh
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Laura Llaó Cid
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Bioscience, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Seiffert
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp M Roessner
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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26
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Marelli G, Chard Dunmall LS, Yuan M, Di Gioia C, Miao J, Cheng Z, Zhang Z, Liu P, Ahmed J, Gangeswaran R, Lemoine N, Wang Y. A systemically deliverable Vaccinia virus with increased capacity for intertumoral and intratumoral spread effectively treats pancreatic cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e001624. [PMID: 33500259 PMCID: PMC7839893 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers and is refractory to immunotherapeutic interventions. Oncolytic viruses are a promising new treatment option, but current platforms demonstrate limited efficacy, especially for inaccessible and metastatic cancers that require systemically deliverable therapies. We recently described an oncolytic vaccinia virus (VV), VVLΔTKΔN1L, which has potent antitumor activity, and a regime to enhance intravenous delivery of VV by pharmacological inhibition of pharmacological inhibition of PI3 Kinase δ (PI3Kδ) to prevent virus uptake by macrophages. While these platforms improve the clinical prospects of VV, antitumor efficacy must be improved. METHODS VVLΔTKΔN1L was modified to improve viral spread within and between tumors via viral B5R protein modification, which enhanced production of the extracellular enveloped virus form of VV. Antitumor immunity evoked by viral treatment was improved by arming the virus with interleukin-21, creating VVL-21. Efficacy, functional activity and synergy with α-programmed cell death protein 1 (α-PD1) were assessed after systemic delivery to murine and Syrian hamster models of pancreatic cancer. RESULTS VVL-21 could reach tumors after systemic delivery and demonstrated antitumor efficacy in subcutaneous, orthotopic and disseminated models of pancreatic cancer. The incorporation of modified B5R improved intratumoural accumulation of VV. VVL-21 treatment increased the numbers of effector CD8+ T cells within the tumor, increased circulating natural killer cells and was able to polarize macrophages to an M1 phenotype in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, treatment with VVL-21 sensitized tumors to the immune checkpoint inhibitor α-PD1. CONCLUSIONS Intravenously administered VVL-21 successfully remodeled the suppressive tumor-microenvironment to promote antitumor immune responses and improve long-term survival in animal models of pancreatic cancer. Importantly, treatment with VVL-21 sensitized tumors to the immune checkpoint inhibitor α-PD1. Combination of PI3Kδ inhibition, VVL-21 and α-PD1 creates an effective platform for treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Marelli
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Louisa S Chard Dunmall
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ming Yuan
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Carmela Di Gioia
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jinxin Miao
- National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenguo Cheng
- National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhongxian Zhang
- National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jahangir Ahmed
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Rathi Gangeswaran
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nicholas Lemoine
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yaohe Wang
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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27
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Stéphan P, Lautraite R, Voisin A, Grinberg-Bleyer Y. Transcriptional Control of Regulatory T Cells in Cancer: Toward Therapeutic Targeting? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3194. [PMID: 33143070 PMCID: PMC7693300 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive research in the past decades has highlighted the tight link between immunity and cancer, leading to the development of immunotherapies that have revolutionized cancer care. However, only a fraction of patients display durable responses to these treatments, and a deeper understanding of the cellular and mechanisms orchestrating immune responses to tumors is mandatory for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Among the most scrutinized immune cells, Forkhead Box Protein P3 (Foxp3)+ Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are central inhibitors of protective anti-tumor immunity. These tumor-promoting functions render Treg cells attractive immunotherapy targets, and multiple strategies are being developed to inhibit their recruitment, survival, and function in the tumor microenvironment. In this context, it is critical to decipher the complex and multi-layered molecular mechanisms that shape and stabilize the Treg cell transcriptome. Here, we provide a global view of the transcription factors, and their upstream signaling pathways, involved in the programming of Treg cell homeostasis and functions in cancer. We also evaluate the feasibility and safety of novel therapeutic approaches aiming at targeting specific transcriptional regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yenkel Grinberg-Bleyer
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France; (P.S.); (R.L.); (A.V.)
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28
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Abstract
Virtually all aspects of T and B lymphocyte development, homeostasis, activation, and effector function are impacted by the interaction of their clonally distributed antigen receptors with antigens encountered in their respective environments. Antigen receptors mediate their effects by modulating intracellular signaling pathways that ultimately impinge on the cytoskeleton, bioenergetic pathways, transcription, and translation. Although these signaling pathways are rather well described at this point, especially those steps that are most receptor-proximal, how such pathways contribute to more quantitative aspects of lymphocyte function is still being elucidated. One of the signaling pathways that appears to be involved in this “tuning” process is controlled by the lipid kinase PI3K. Here we review recent key findings regarding both the triggering/enhancement of PI3K signals (via BCAP and ICOS) as well as their regulation (via PIK3IP1 and PHLPP) and how these signals integrate and determine cellular processes. Lymphocytes display tremendous functional plasticity, adjusting their metabolism and gene expression programs to specific conditions depending on their tissue of residence and the nature of the infectious threat to which they are responding. We give an overview of recent findings that have contributed to this model, with a focus on T cells, including what has been learned from patients with gain-of-function mutations in PI3K as well as lessons from cancer immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Murter
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Lawrence P Kane
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
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29
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Lauder SN, Smart K, Kersemans V, Allen D, Scott J, Pires A, Milutinovic S, Somerville M, Smart S, Kinchesh P, Lopez-Guadamillas E, Hughes E, Jones E, Scurr M, Godkin A, Friedman LS, Vanhaesebroeck B, Gallimore A. Enhanced antitumor immunity through sequential targeting of PI3Kδ and LAG3. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:e000693. [PMID: 33093155 PMCID: PMC7583804 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite striking successes, immunotherapies aimed at increasing cancer-specific T cell responses are unsuccessful in most patients with cancer. Inactivating regulatory T cells (Treg) by inhibiting the PI3Kδ signaling enzyme has shown promise in preclinical models of tumor immunity and is currently being tested in early phase clinical trials in solid tumors. METHODS Mice bearing 4T1 mammary tumors were orally administered a PI3Kδ inhibitor (PI-3065) daily and tumor growth, survival and T cell infiltrate were analyzed in the tumor microenvironment. A second treatment schedule comprised PI3Kδ inhibitor with anti-LAG3 antibodies administered sequentially 10 days later. RESULTS As observed in human immunotherapy trials with other agents, immunomodulation by PI3Kδ-blockade led to 4T1 tumor regressor and non-regressor mice. Tumor infiltrating T cells in regressors were metabolically fitter than those in non-regressors, with significant enrichments of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, T cell factor 1 (TCF1)+ T cells and CD69- T cells, compatible with induction of a sustained tumor-specific T cell response. Treg numbers were significantly reduced in both regressor and non-regressor tumors compared with untreated tumors. The remaining Treg in non-regressor tumors were however significantly enriched with cells expressing the coinhibitory receptor LAG3, compared with Treg in regressor and untreated tumors. This striking difference prompted us to sequentially block PI3Kδ and LAG3. This combination enabled successful therapy of all mice, demonstrating the functional importance of LAG3 in non-regression of tumors on PI3Kδ inhibition therapy. Follow-up studies, performed using additional cancer cell lines, namely MC38 and CT26, indicated that a partial initial response to PI3Kδ inhibition is an essential prerequisite to a sequential therapeutic benefit of anti-LAG3 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that LAG3 is a key bottleneck to successful PI3Kδ-targeted immunotherapy and provide a rationale for combining PI3Kδ/LAG3 blockade in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nicol Lauder
- Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University Department of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kathryn Smart
- Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University Department of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Danny Allen
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jake Scott
- Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University Department of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ana Pires
- Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University Department of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Stefan Milutinovic
- Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University Department of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michelle Somerville
- Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University Department of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sean Smart
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Kinchesh
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Ellyn Hughes
- Cancer Biomarker Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma Jones
- Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University Department of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Martin Scurr
- Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University Department of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Godkin
- Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University Department of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Bart Vanhaesebroeck
- UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, University College London, London, UK
| | - Awen Gallimore
- Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University Department of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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p110δ PI3K as a therapeutic target of solid tumours. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:1377-1397. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20190772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AbstractFrom the time of first characterization of PI3K as a heterodimer made up of a p110 catalytic subunit and a regulatory subunit, a wealth of evidence have placed the class IA PI3Ks at the forefront of drug development for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. The p110α isoform was quickly brought at the centre of attention in the field of cancer research by the discovery of cancer-specific gain-of-function mutations in PIK3CA gene in a range of human solid tumours. In contrast, p110δ PI3K was placed into the spotlight of immunity, inflammation and haematologic malignancies because of the preferential expression of this isoform in leucocytes and the rare mutations in PIK3CD gene. The last decade, however, several studies have provided evidence showing that the correlation between the PIK3CA mutations and the response to PI3K inhibition is less clear than originally considered, whereas concurrently an unexpected role of p110δ PI3K in solid tumours has being emerging. While PIK3CD is mostly non-mutated in cancer, the expression levels of p110δ protein seem to act as an intrinsic cancer-causing driver in various solid tumours including breast, prostate, colorectal and liver cancer, Merkel-Cell carcinoma, glioblastoma and neurobalstoma. Furthermore, p110δ selective inhibitors are being studied as potential single agent treatments or as combination partners in attempt to improve cancer immunotherapy, with both strategies to shown great promise for the treatment of several solid tumours. In this review, we discuss the evidence implicating the p110δ PI3K in human solid tumours, their impact on the current state of the field and the potential of using p110δ-selective inhibitors as monotherapy or combined therapy in different cancer contexts.
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Poli A, Fiume R, Mongiorgi S, Zaurito A, Sheth B, Vidalle MC, Hamid SA, Kimber S, Campagnoli F, Ratti S, Rusciano I, Faenza I, Manzoli L, Divecha N. Exploring the controversial role of PI3K signalling in CD4 + regulatory T (T-Reg) cells. Adv Biol Regul 2020; 76:100722. [PMID: 32362560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is a complex network that acts to protect vertebrates from foreign microorganisms and carries out immunosurveillance to combat cancer. In order to avoid hyper-activation of the immune system leading to collateral damage tissues and organs and to prevent self-attack, the network has the intrinsic control mechanisms that negatively regulate immune responses. Central to this negative regulation are regulatory T (T-Reg) cells, which through cytokine secretion and cell interaction limit uncontrolled clonal expansion and functions of activated immune cells. Given that positive or negative manipulation of T-Regs activity could be utilised to therapeutically treat host versus graft rejection or cancer respectively, understanding how signaling pathways impact on T-Regs function should reveal potential targets with which to intervene. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway controls a vast array of cellular processes and is critical in T cell activation. Here we focus on phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and their ability to regulate T-Regs cell differentiation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Poli
- The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Fiume
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Sara Mongiorgi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Zaurito
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Bhavwanti Sheth
- Inositide Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building 85, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Magdalena Castellano Vidalle
- Inositide Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building 85, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Shidqiyyah Abdul Hamid
- Inositide Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building 85, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - ScottT Kimber
- Inositide Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building 85, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Francesca Campagnoli
- Inositide Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building 85, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Isabella Rusciano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Faenza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Manzoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nullin Divecha
- Inositide Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building 85, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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32
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Belizário J, Destro Rodrigues MF. Checkpoint inhibitor blockade and epigenetic reprogrammability in CD8 + T-cell activation and exhaustion. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2020; 8:2515135520904238. [PMID: 32206744 PMCID: PMC7074507 DOI: 10.1177/2515135520904238] [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: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T-cell exhaustion is a dysfunctional state that is regulated through the expression of inhibitory checkpoint receptor genes including the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4, programmed death 1, and DNA methylation of effector genes interferon-γ, perforin, and granzyme B. Different strategies have been used to reverse T-cell exhaustion, which is an adverse event of checkpoint inhibitor blockade. Here, we present the mechanisms by which DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and Simian virus 40 large T antigen through viral mimicry can promote the reversion of exhausted CD8+ T cells. We examine how these pharmacological strategies can work together to improve the clinical efficacy of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Belizário
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute Biomedical Sciences of the University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, CEP 05508-900, Brazil
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33
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Kerr WG, Chisholm JD. The Next Generation of Immunotherapy for Cancer: Small Molecules Could Make Big Waves. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:11-19. [PMID: 30587569 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
After decades of intense effort, therapeutics that leverage the immune system to fight cancer have now been conclusively demonstrated to be effective. Immuno-oncology has arrived and will play a key role in the treatment of cancer for the foreseeable future. However, the search for novel methods to improve immune responses to cancer continues unabated. Toward this end, small molecules that can either reduce immune suppression in the tumor milieu or enhance activation of cytotoxic lymphocyte responses to the tumor are actively being pursued. Such novel treatment strategies might be used as monotherapies or combined with other cancer therapies to increase and broaden their efficacy. In this article, we provide an overview of small molecule immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer. Over the next decade and beyond, these approaches could further enhance our ability to harness the immune system to combat cancer and thus become additional weapons in the oncologist's armory.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Kerr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210; .,Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244; and.,Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210
| | - John D Chisholm
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244; and
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34
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Eades CP, Armstrong-James DPH. Invasive fungal infections in the immunocompromised host: Mechanistic insights in an era of changing immunotherapeutics. Med Mycol 2019; 57:S307-S317. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe use of cytotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant and inflammatory disorders is beset by considerable adverse effects related to nonspecific cytotoxicity. Accordingly, a mechanistic approach to therapeutics has evolved in recent times with small molecular inhibitors of intracellular signaling pathways involved in disease pathogenesis being developed for clinical use, some with unparalleled efficacy and tolerability. Nevertheless, there are emerging concerns regarding an association with certain small molecular inhibitors and opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal diseases. This is perhaps unsurprising, given that the molecular targets of such agents play fundamental and multifaceted roles in orchestrating innate and adaptive immune responses. Nevertheless, some small molecular inhibitors appear to possess intrinsic antifungal activity and may therefore represent novel therapeutic options in future. This is particularly important given that antifungal resistance is a significant, emerging concern. This paper is a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in the molecular immunology to fungal pathogens as applied to existing and emerging small molecular inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Eades
- Department of Clinical Infection, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Darius P H Armstrong-James
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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35
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Lim EL, Okkenhaug K. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ is a regulatory T-cell target in cancer immunotherapy. Immunology 2019; 157:210-218. [PMID: 31107985 PMCID: PMC6587315 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour infiltration by regulatory T (Treg) cells contributes to suppression of the anti-tumour immune response, which limits the efficacy of immune-mediated cancer therapies. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway has key roles in mediating the function of many immune cell subsets, including Treg cells. Treg function is context-dependent and depends on input from different cell surface receptors, many of which can activate the PI3K pathway. In this review, we explore how PI3Kδ contributes to signalling through several major immune cell receptors, including the T-cell receptor and co-stimulatory receptors such as CD28 and ICOS, but is antagonized by the immune checkpoint receptors CTLA-4 and PD-1. Understanding how PI3Kδ inhibition affects Treg signalling events will help to inform how best to use PI3Kδ inhibitors in clinical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Lyn Lim
- Laboratory of Experimental ImmunologyImmunology Frontier Research CentreOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Klaus Okkenhaug
- Division of ImmunologyDepartment of PathologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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36
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Curigliano G, Shah RR. Safety and Tolerability of Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase (PI3K) Inhibitors in Oncology. Drug Saf 2019; 42:247-262. [PMID: 30649751 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-018-0778-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and downstream signalling by AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) modulates cellular processes such as increased cell growth, cell proliferation and increased cell migration as well as deregulated apoptosis and oncogenesis. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (particularly Class I PI3K isoforms) is frequently activated in a variety of solid tumours and haematological malignancies, making PI3K an attractive therapeutic target in oncology. Inhibitors of PI3K also have the potential to restore sensitivity to other modalities of treatments when administered as part of combination regimens. Although many PI3K inhibitors have reached different stages of clinical development, only two (idelalisib and copanlisib) have been currently approved for use in the treatment of B cell lymphoma and leukaemias. While these two agents are effective clinically, their use is associated with a number of serious class-related as well as drug-specific adverse effects. Some of these are immune-mediated and include cutaneous reactions, severe diarrhoea with or without colitis, hepatotoxicity and pneumonitis. They also induce various metabolic abnormalities such as hyperglycaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia. Not surprisingly, therefore, many new PI3K inhibitors with a varying degree of target selectivity have been synthesised in expectations of improved safety and efficacy, and are currently under clinical investigations for use in a variety of solid tumours as well as haematological malignancies. However, evidence from early clinical trials, reviewed herein, suggests that these newer agents are also associated not only with class-related but also other serious and unexpected adverse effects. Their risk/benefit evaluations have resulted in a number of them being discontinued from further development. Cumulative experience with the use of PI3K inhibitors under development suggests that, compared with their use as monotherapy, combining them with other anticancer therapies may be a more effective strategy in improving current standard-of-care and clinical outcomes in cancers beyond haematological cancers. For example, combination of alpelisib with fulvestrant has recently demonstrated unexpectedly superior efficacy compared to fulvestrant alone. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory activity of PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ inhibitors also provides unexpected opportunities for their use in cancer immunotherapy, as is currently being tested in several clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rashmi R Shah
- Pharmaceutical Consultant, 8 Birchdale, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 7JA, UK.
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37
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Chellappa S, Kushekhar K, Munthe LA, Tjønnfjord GE, Aandahl EM, Okkenhaug K, Taskén K. The PI3K p110δ Isoform Inhibitor Idelalisib Preferentially Inhibits Human Regulatory T Cell Function. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:1397-1405. [PMID: 30692213 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), signaling through several prosurvival B cell surface receptors activates the PI3K signaling pathway. Idelalisib is a highly selective PI3K (PI3Kδ) isoform-specific inhibitor effective in relapsed/refractory CLL and follicular lymphoma. However, severe autoimmune adverse effects in association with the use of idelalisib in the treatment of CLL, particularly as a first-line therapy, gave indications that idelalisib may preferentially target the suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). On this background, we examined the effect of idelalisib on the function of human Tregs ex vivo with respect to proliferation, TCR signaling, phenotype, and suppressive function. Our results show that human Tregs are highly susceptible to PI3Kδ inactivation using idelalisib compared with CD4+ and CD8+ effector T cells (Teffs) as evident from effects on anti-CD3/CD28/CD2-induced proliferation (order of susceptibility [IC50]: Treg [.5 μM] > CD4+ Teff [2.0 μM] > CD8+ Teff [6.5 μM]) and acting at the level of AKT and NF-κB phosphorylation. Moreover, idelalisib treatment of Tregs altered their phenotype and reduced their suppressive function against CD4+ and CD8+ Teffs. Phenotyping Tregs from CLL patients treated with idelalisib supported our in vitro findings. Collectively, our data show that human Tregs are more dependent on PI3Kδ-mediated signaling compared with CD4+ and CD8+ Teffs. This Treg-preferential effect could explain why idelalisib produces adverse autoimmune effects by breaking Treg-mediated tolerance. However, balancing effects on Treg sensitivity versus CD8+ Teff insensitivity to idelalisib could still potentially be exploited to enhance inherent antitumor immune responses in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stalin Chellappa
- Department for Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for B Cell Malignancies, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, N-0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kushi Kushekhar
- Department for Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for B Cell Malignancies, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, N-0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludvig A Munthe
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for B Cell Malignancies, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir E Tjønnfjord
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for B Cell Malignancies, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar M Aandahl
- Department for Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for B Cell Malignancies, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, N-0318 Oslo, Norway.,Section for Transplantation Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, N-0424 Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Klaus Okkenhaug
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom
| | - Kjetil Taskén
- Department for Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, N-0424 Oslo, Norway; .,K.G. Jebsen Centre for B Cell Malignancies, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, N-0318 Oslo, Norway
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38
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Carrera AC, Anderson R. The cell biology behind the oncogenic PIP3 lipids. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:132/1/jcs228395. [PMID: 30602575 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.228395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The different mechanisms of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation in cancer as well as the events that result in PI3K pathway reactivation after patient treatment with PI3K inhibitors was discussed on October 15-17th, 2018, in the medieval town of Baeza (Universidad Internacional de Andalucía, Spain) at the workshop entitled 'The cell biology behind the oncogenic PIP3 lipids'. These topics and the data presented regarding cellular functions altered by PI3K deregulation, the cooperation of PI3K/PTEN mutations with other tumor drivers, and the lessons learned for PI3K-targeted therapy, are discussed below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Carrera
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/CSIC, Darwin 3, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Richard Anderson
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706-1532, USA
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