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Fu C, Tong W, Yu L, Miao Y, Wei Q, Yu Z, Chen B, Wei M. When will the immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISACs) be transferred from bench to bedside? Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107160. [PMID: 38547937 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Immunostimulatory antibody conjugates (ISACs) as a promising new generation of targeted therapeutic antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), that not only activate innate immunity but also stimulate adaptive immunity, providing a dual therapeutic effect to eliminate tumor cells. However, several ISACs are still in the early stages of clinical development or have already failed. Therefore, it is crucial to design ISACs more effectively to overcome their limitations, including high toxicity, strong immunogenicity, long development time, and poor pharmacokinetics. This review aims to summarize the composition and function of ISACs, incorporating current design considerations and ongoing clinical trials. Additionally, the review delves into the current issues with ISACs and potential solutions, such as adjusting the drug-antibody ratio (DAR) to improve the bioavailability of ISACs. By leveraging the affinity and bioavailability-enhancing properties of bispecific antibodies, the utility between antibodies and immunostimulatory agents can be balanced. Commonly used immunostimulatory agents may induce systemic immune reactions, and BTK (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) inhibitors can regulate immunogenicity. Finally, the concept of grafting ADC's therapeutic principles is simple, but the combination of payload, linker, and targeted functional molecules is not a simple permutation and combination problem. The development of conjugate drugs faces more complex pharmacological and toxicological issues. Standing on the shoulders of ADC, the development and application scenarios of ISAC are endowed with broader space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Weiwei Tong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Lifeng Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Yuxi Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Qian Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Zhaojin Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China.
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjing North Street, Shenyang 110122, PR China.
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China.
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2
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Hartmeier PR, Ostrowski SM, Busch EE, Empey KM, Meng WS. Lymphatic distribution considerations for subunit vaccine design and development. Vaccine 2024; 42:2519-2529. [PMID: 38494411 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Subunit vaccines are an important platform for controlling current and emerging infectious diseases. The lymph nodes are the primary site generating the humoral response and delivery of antigens to these sites is critical to effective immunization. Indeed, the duration of antigen exposure within the lymph node is correlated with the antibody response. While current licensed vaccines are typically given through the intramuscular route, injecting vaccines subcutaneously allows for direct access to lymphatic vessels and therefore can enhance the transfer of antigen to the lymph nodes. However, protein subunit antigen uptake into the lymph nodes is inefficient, and subunit vaccines require adjuvants to stimulate the initial immune response. Therefore, formulation strategies have been developed to enhance the exposure of subunit proteins and adjuvants to the lymph nodes by increasing lymphatic uptake or prolonging the retention at the injection site. Given that lymph node exposure is a crucial consideration in vaccine design, in depth analyses of the pharmacokinetics of antigens and adjuvants should be the focus of future preclinical and clinical studies. This review will provide an overview of formulation strategies for targeting the lymphatics and prolonging antigen exposure and will discuss pharmacokinetic evaluations which can be applied toward vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Hartmeier
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Sarah M Ostrowski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Emelia E Busch
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Kerry M Empey
- Center for Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Wilson S Meng
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
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3
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Strašek Benedik N, Dolšak A, Švajger U, Sosič I, Gobec S, Sova M. Structural Optimization and Biological Evaluation of Isoxazolo[5,4 -d]pyrimidines as Selective Toll-Like Receptor 7 Agonists. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:2362-2382. [PMID: 38250345 PMCID: PMC10795023 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are components of innate immunity that play a crucial role in several diseases, including chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In particular, TLR7 has been identified as a key player in the innate immune response against viral infections and small-molecule TLR7 agonists have shown potential for vaccine therapy, for treatment of asthma and allergies, and as anticancer drugs. Inspired by our previous discovery of selective TLR7 agonists, our goal was to develop and introduce a new chemotype of TLR7 agonists by replacing the quinazoline ring with a new heterocycle isoxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine. Here, we report design, optimized synthesis, and structure-activity relationship studies of a novel class of TLR7 agonists based on the 6-(trifluoromethyl)isoxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine-4-amine scaffold that demonstrate high selectivity and low micromolar potencies. The best-in-class agonist 21a, with an EC50 value of 7.8 μM, also proved to be noncytotoxic and induced secretion of cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-12p70, IL-8, and TNF-α, indicating its potential to modulate the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Strašek Benedik
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Ana Dolšak
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Urban Švajger
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Blood
Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Šlajmerjeva 6, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Matej Sova
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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4
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Chakraborty S, Ye J, Wang H, Sun M, Zhang Y, Sang X, Zhuang Z. Application of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their agonists in cancer vaccines and immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1227833. [PMID: 37936697 PMCID: PMC10626551 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1227833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed in various immune cell types and perform multiple purposes and duties involved in the induction of innate and adaptive immunity. Their capability to propagate immunity makes them attractive targets for the expansion of numerous immunotherapeutic approaches targeting cancer. These immunotherapeutic strategies include using TLR ligands/agonists as monotherapy or combined therapeutic strategies. Several TLR agonists have demonstrated significant efficacy in advanced clinical trials. In recent years, multiple reports established the applicability of TLR agonists as adjuvants to chemotherapeutic drugs, radiation, and immunotherapies, including cancer vaccines. Cancer vaccines are a relatively novel approach in the field of cancer immunotherapy and are currently under extensive evaluation for treating different cancers. In the present review, we tried to deliver an inclusive discussion of the significant TLR agonists and discussed their application and challenges to their incorporation into cancer immunotherapy approaches, particularly highlighting the usage of TLR agonists as functional adjuvants to cancer vaccines. Finally, we present the translational potential of rWTC-MBTA vaccination [irradiated whole tumor cells (rWTC) pulsed with phagocytic agonists Mannan-BAM, TLR ligands, and anti-CD40 agonisticAntibody], an autologous cancer vaccine leveraging membrane-bound Mannan-BAM, and the immune-inducing prowess of TLR agonists as a probable immunotherapy in multiple cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samik Chakraborty
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- NE1 Inc., New York, NY, United States
| | - Juan Ye
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Herui Wang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mitchell Sun
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yaping Zhang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Xueyu Sang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zhengping Zhuang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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5
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Wang J, Zhang J, Wang J, Hu X, Ouyang L, Wang Y. Small-Molecule Modulators Targeting Toll-like Receptors for Potential Anticancer Therapeutics. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6437-6462. [PMID: 37163340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key components of the innate immune system and serve as a crucial link between innate and acquired immunity. In addition to immune function, TLRs are involved in other important pathological processes, including tumorigenesis. TLRs have dual regulatory effects on tumor immunity by activating nuclear factor κ-B signaling pathways, which induce tumor immune evasion or enhance the antitumor immune response. Therefore, TLRs have become a popular target for cancer prevention and treatment, and TLR agonists and antagonists offer considerable potential for drug development. The TLR7 agonist imiquimod (1) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for malignant skin cancer. Herein, the structure, signaling pathways, and function of the TLR family are summarized, and the structure-activity relationships associated with TLR selective and multitarget modulators and their potential application in tumor therapy are systematically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Xinyue Hu
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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Bhagchandani SH, Vohidov F, Milling LE, Tong EY, Brown CM, Ramseier ML, Liu B, Fessenden TB, Nguyen HVT, Kiel GR, Won L, Langer RS, Spranger S, Shalek AK, Irvine DJ, Johnson JA. Engineering kinetics of TLR7/8 agonist release from bottlebrush prodrugs enables tumor-focused immune stimulation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg2239. [PMID: 37075115 PMCID: PMC10115420 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg2239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Imidazoquinolines (IMDs), such as resiquimod (R848), are of great interest as potential cancer immunotherapies because of their ability to activate Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and/or TLR8 on innate immune cells. Nevertheless, intravenous administration of IMDs causes severe immune-related toxicities, and attempts to improve their tissue-selective exposure while minimizing acute systemic inflammation have proven difficult. Here, using a library of R848 "bottlebrush prodrugs" (BPDs) that differ only by their R848 release kinetics, we explore how the timing of R848 exposure affects immune stimulation in vitro and in vivo. These studies led to the discovery of R848-BPDs that exhibit optimal activation kinetics to achieve potent stimulation of myeloid cells in tumors and substantial reductions in tumor growth following systemic administration in mouse syngeneic tumor models without any observable systemic toxicity. These results suggest that release kinetics can be tuned at the molecular level to provide safe yet effective systemically administered immunostimulant prodrugs for next-generation cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin H. Bhagchandani
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Farrukh Vohidov
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lauren E. Milling
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Evelyn Yuzhou Tong
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Christopher M. Brown
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Michelle L. Ramseier
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Timothy B. Fessenden
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Hung V.-T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Gavin R. Kiel
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lori Won
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Robert S. Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Stefani Spranger
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alex K. Shalek
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Darrell J. Irvine
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Jeremiah A. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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7
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Fuentes-Antrás J, Genta S, Vijenthira A, Siu LL. Antibody-drug conjugates: in search of partners of choice. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:339-354. [PMID: 36746689 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have become a credentialled class of anticancer drugs for both solid and hematological malignancies, with regulatory approvals mainly as single agents. Despite extensive preclinical and clinical efforts to develop rational ADC-based combinations, to date only a limited number have demonstrated survival improvements over standard of care. The most appealing partners for ADCs are those that offer additive or synergistic effects on tumor cells or their microenvironment without unacceptable overlapping toxicities. Coadministration with antiangiogenic compounds, HER2-targeting drugs, DNA-damage response agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent active forerunners. Through the identification of targets with tumor-specific expression, improved conjugation technologies, and novel linkers and payloads offering superior therapeutic indices, the next generation of ADCs brings optimism to combinatorial approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Fuentes-Antrás
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sofia Genta
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abi Vijenthira
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lillian L Siu
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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8
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Ota Y, Nagai Y, Hirose Y, Hori S, Koga-Yamakawa E, Eguchi K, Sumida K, Murata M, Umehara H, Yamamoto S. DSP-0509, a systemically available TLR7 agonist, exhibits combination effect with immune checkpoint blockade by activating anti-tumor immune effects. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1055671. [PMID: 36793737 PMCID: PMC9922899 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1055671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
TLR7 is an innate immune receptor that recognizes single-stranded RNAs, and its activation leads to anti-tumor immune effects. Although it is the only approved TLR7 agonist in cancer therapy, imiquimod is allowed to be administered with topical formulation. Thus, systemic administrative TLR7 agonist is expected in terms of expanding applicable cancer types. Here, we demonstrated the identification and characterization of DSP-0509 as a novel small-molecule TLR7 agonist. DSP-0509 is designed to have unique physicochemical features that could be administered systemically with a short half-life. DSP-0509 activated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and induced inflammatory cytokines including type I interferons. In the LM8 tumor-bearing mouse model, DSP-0509 reduced tumor growth not only in subcutaneous primary lesions but also in lung metastatic lesions. DSP-0509 inhibited tumor growth in several syngeneic tumor-bearing mouse models. We found that the CD8+ T cell infiltration of tumor before treatment tended to be positively correlated with anti-tumor efficacy in several mouse tumor models. The combination of DSP-0509 with anti-PD-1 antibody significantly enhanced the tumor growth inhibition compared to each monotherapy in CT26 model mice. In addition, the effector memory T cells were expanded in both the peripheral blood and tumor, and rejection of tumor re-challenge occurred in the combination group. Moreover, synergistic anti-tumor efficacy and effector memory T cell upregulation were also observed for the combination with anti-CTLA-4 antibody. The analysis of the tumor-immune microenvironment by using the nCounter assay revealed that the combination of DSP-0509 with anti-PD-1 antibody enhanced infiltration by multiple immune cells including cytotoxic T cells. In addition, the T cell function pathway and antigen presentation pathway were activated in the combination group. We confirmed that DSP-0509 enhanced the anti-tumor immune effects of anti-PD-1 antibody by inducing type I interferons via activation of dendritic cells and even CTLs. In conclusion, we expect that DSP-0509, a new TLR7 agonist that synergistically induces anti-tumor effector memory T cells with immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) and can be administered systemically, will be used in the treatment of multiple cancers.
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9
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Veneziani I, Alicata C, Moretta L, Maggi E. The Latest Approach of Immunotherapy with Endosomal TLR Agonists Improving NK Cell Function: An Overview. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010064. [PMID: 36672572 PMCID: PMC9855813 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the most well-defined pattern recognition receptors (PRR) of several cell types recognizing pathogens and triggering innate immunity. TLRs are also expressed on tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) cells, including natural killer (NK) cells. Cell surface TLRs primarily recognize extracellular ligands from bacteria and fungi, while endosomal TLRs recognize microbial DNA or RNA. TLR engagement activates intracellular pathways leading to the activation of transcription factors regulating gene expression of several inflammatory molecules. Endosomal TLR agonists may be considered as new immunotherapeutic adjuvants for dendritic cell (DC) vaccines able to improve anti-tumor immunity and cancer patient outcomes. The literature suggests that endosomal TLR agonists modify TME on murine models and human cancer (clinical trials), providing evidence that locally infused endosomal TLR agonists may delay tumor growth and induce tumor regression. Recently, our group demonstrated that CD56bright NK cell subset is selectively responsive to TLR8 engagement. Thus, TLR8 agonists (loaded or not to nanoparticles or other carriers) can be considered a novel strategy able to promote anti-tumor immunity. TLR8 agonists can be used to activate and expand in vitro circulating or intra-tumoral NK cells to be adoptively transferred into patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Veneziani
- Translational Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Alicata
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Translational Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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10
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Zúñiga LA, Leßmann T, Uppal K, Bisek N, Hong E, Rasmussen CE, Karlsson JJ, Zettler J, Holten-Andersen L, Bang K, Thakar D, Lee YC, Martinez S, Sabharwal SS, Stark S, Faltinger F, Kracker O, Weisbrod S, Müller R, Voigt T, Bigott K, Tabrizifard M, Breinholt VM, Mirza AM, Rosen DB, Sprogøe K, Punnonen J. Intratumoral delivery of TransCon ™ TLR7/8 Agonist promotes sustained anti-tumor activity and local immune cell activation while minimizing systemic cytokine induction. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:286. [PMID: 36123697 PMCID: PMC9484246 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02708-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intratumoral (IT) delivery of toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists has shown encouraging anti-tumor benefit in preclinical and early clinical studies. However, IT delivery of TLR agonists may lead to rapid effusion from the tumor microenvironment (TME), potentially limiting the duration of local inflammation and increasing the risk of systemic adverse events. Methods To address these limitations, TransCon™ TLR7/8 Agonist—an investigational sustained-release prodrug of resiquimod that uses a TransCon linker and hydrogel technology to achieve sustained and predictable IT release of resiquimod—was developed. TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist was characterized for resiquimod release in vitro and in vivo, in mice and rats, and was assessed for anti-tumor efficacy and pharmacodynamic activity in mice. Results Following a single IT dose, TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist mediated potent tumor growth inhibition which was associated with sustained resiquimod release over several weeks with minimal induction of systemic cytokines. TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist monotherapy promoted activation of antigen-presenting cells in the TME and tumor-draining lymph nodes, with evidence of activation and expansion of CD8+ T cells in the tumor-draining lymph node and TME. Combination of TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist with systemic immunotherapy further promoted anti-tumor activity in TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist-treated tumors. In a bilateral tumor setting, combination of TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist with systemic IL-2 potentiated tumor growth inhibition in both injected and non-injected tumors and conferred protection against tumor rechallenge following complete regressions. Conclusions Our findings show that a single dose of TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist can mediate sustained local release of resiquimod in the TME and promote potent anti-tumor effects as monotherapy and in combination with systemic immunotherapy, supporting TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist as a novel intratumoral TLR agonist for cancer therapy. A clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist, as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab, in cancer patients is currently ongoing (transcendIT-101; NCT04799054). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02708-6.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karan Uppal
- Ascendis Pharma, Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | - Enping Hong
- Ascendis Pharma, Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kathy Bang
- Ascendis Pharma, Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | - Yu-Chi Lee
- Ascendis Pharma, Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA
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11
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Stickdorn J, Stein L, Arnold-Schild D, Hahlbrock J, Medina-Montano C, Bartneck J, Ziß T, Montermann E, Kappel C, Hobernik D, Haist M, Yurugi H, Raabe M, Best A, Rajalingam K, Radsak MP, David SA, Koynov K, Bros M, Grabbe S, Schild H, Nuhn L. Systemically Administered TLR7/8 Agonist and Antigen-Conjugated Nanogels Govern Immune Responses against Tumors. ACS NANO 2022; 16:4426-4443. [PMID: 35103463 PMCID: PMC8945363 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c10709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The generation of specific humoral and cellular immune responses plays a pivotal role in the development of effective vaccines against tumors. Especially the presence of antigen-specific, cytotoxic T cells influences the outcome of therapeutic cancer vaccinations. Different strategies, ranging from delivering antigen-encoding mRNAs to peptides or full antigens, are accessible but often suffer from insufficient immunogenicity and require immune-boosting adjuvants as well as carrier platforms to ensure stability and adequate retention. Here, we introduce a pH-responsive nanogel platform as a two-component antitumor vaccine that is safe for intravenous application and elicits robust immune responses in vitro and in vivo. The underlying chemical design allows for straightforward covalent attachment of a model antigen (ovalbumin) and an immune adjuvant (imidazoquinoline-type TLR7/8 agonist) onto the same nanocarrier system. In addition to eliciting antigen-specific T and B cell responses that outperform mixtures of individual components, our two-component nanovaccine leads in prophylactic and therapeutic studies to an antigen-specific growth reduction of different tumors expressing ovalbumin intracellularly or on their surface. Regarding the versatile opportunities for functionalization, our nanogels are promising for the development of highly customized and potent nanovaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Stickdorn
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lara Stein
- Institute
of Immunology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Danielle Arnold-Schild
- Institute
of Immunology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jennifer Hahlbrock
- Institute
of Immunology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Carolina Medina-Montano
- Department
of Dermatology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Joschka Bartneck
- III Department of Medicine - Hematology, Oncology, Pneumology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University
Mainz, Langenbeckstraße
1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Ziß
- Institute
of Immunology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Evelyn Montermann
- Department
of Dermatology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Cinja Kappel
- Department
of Dermatology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Dominika Hobernik
- Department
of Dermatology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Maximilian Haist
- Department
of Dermatology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Hajime Yurugi
- Cell
Biology Unit, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Marco Raabe
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Best
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Krishnaraj Rajalingam
- Cell
Biology Unit, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus P. Radsak
- III Department of Medicine - Hematology, Oncology, Pneumology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University
Mainz, Langenbeckstraße
1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sunil A. David
- ViroVax,
LLC, 2029 Becker Drive
Suite 100E, Lawrence 66047-1620, Kansas. United States
| | - Kaloian Koynov
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department
of Dermatology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- Department
of Dermatology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Schild
- Institute
of Immunology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lutz Nuhn
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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12
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Wan D, Que H, Chen L, Lan T, Hong W, He C, Yang J, Wei Y, Wei X. Lymph-Node-Targeted Cholesterolized TLR7 Agonist Liposomes Provoke a Safe and Durable Antitumor Response. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:7960-7969. [PMID: 34533963 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c01968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists as the potent stimulants of an innate immune system hold promises for applications in anticancer immunotherapy. However, most of them are limited in the clinical translation due to the uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response. In the current study, 1V209, a small molecule TLR7 agonist, was conjugated with cholesterol (1V209-Cho) and prepared into liposomes (1V209-Cho-Lip). 1V209-Cho-Lip exerted minimal toxic effects and enhanced the transportation ability in lymph nodes (LNs) compared with 1V209. 1V209-Cho-Lip treatment inhibited tumor progression in CT26 colorectal cancer, 4T1 breast cancer, and Pan02 pancreatic ductal cancer models through inducing effective DC activation and eliciting CD8+ T cell responses. Furthermore, 1V209-Cho-Lip induced tumor-specific memory immunity to inhibit cancer recurrence and metastasis. These results indicate that cholesterol conjugation with 1V209 is an effective approach to target lymph nodes and to reduce the adverse effects. This work provides a rational basis for the distribution optimization of TLR agonists for potential clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wan
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Haiying Que
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Li Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Tianxia Lan
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Cai He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Jingyun Yang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
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13
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Hennessy C, McKernan DP. Anti-Viral Pattern Recognition Receptors as Therapeutic Targets. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092258. [PMID: 34571909 PMCID: PMC8466445 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play a central role in the inflammation that ensues following microbial infection by their recognition of molecular patterns present in invading microorganisms but also following tissue damage by recognising molecules released during disease states. Such receptors are expressed in a variety of cells and in various compartments of these cells. PRR binding of molecular patterns results in an intracellular signalling cascade and the eventual activation of transcription factors and the release of cytokines, chemokines, and vasoactive molecules. PRRs and their accessory molecules are subject to tight regulation in these cells so as to not overreact or react in unnecessary circumstances. They are also key to reacting to infection and in stimulating the immune system when needed. Therefore, targeting PRRs offers a potential therapeutic approach for chronic inflammatory disease, infections and as vaccine adjuvants. In this review, the current knowledge on anti-viral PRRs and their signalling pathways is reviewed. Finally, compounds that target PRRs and that have been tested in clinical trials for chronic infections and as adjuvants in vaccine trials are discussed.
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14
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Bhagchandani S, Johnson JA, Irvine DJ. Evolution of Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist therapeutics and their delivery approaches: From antiviral formulations to vaccine adjuvants. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113803. [PMID: 34058283 PMCID: PMC9003539 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Imidazoquinoline derivatives (IMDs) and related compounds function as synthetic agonists of Toll-like receptors 7 and 8 (TLR7/8) and one is FDA approved for topical antiviral and skin cancer treatments. Nevertheless, these innate immune system-activating drugs have potentially much broader therapeutic utility; they have been pursued as antitumor immunomodulatory agents and more recently as candidate vaccine adjuvants for cancer and infectious disease. The broad expression profiles of TLR7/8, poor pharmacokinetic properties of IMDs, and toxicities associated with systemic administration, however, are formidable barriers to successful clinical translation. Herein, we review IMD formulations that have advanced to the clinic and discuss issues related to biodistribution and toxicity that have hampered the further development of these compounds. Recent strategies aimed at enhancing safety and efficacy, particularly through the use of bioconjugates and nanoparticle formulations that alter pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and cellular targeting, are described. Finally, key aspects of the biology of TLR7 signaling, such as TLR7 tolerance, that may need to be considered in the development of new IMD therapeutics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Bhagchandani
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jeremiah A Johnson
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Darrell J Irvine
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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15
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Huppertsberg A, Kaps L, Zhong Z, Schmitt S, Stickdorn J, Deswarte K, Combes F, Czysch C, De Vrieze J, Kasmi S, Choteschovsky N, Klefenz A, Medina-Montano C, Winterwerber P, Chen C, Bros M, Lienenklaus S, Sanders NN, Koynov K, Schuppan D, Lambrecht BN, David SA, De Geest BG, Nuhn L. Squaric Ester-Based, pH-Degradable Nanogels: Modular Nanocarriers for Safe, Systemic Administration of Toll-like Receptor 7/8 Agonistic Immune Modulators. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:9872-9883. [PMID: 34166595 PMCID: PMC8267846 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c03772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Small-molecular Toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8) agonists hold promise as immune modulators for a variety of immune therapeutic purposes including cancer therapy or vaccination. However, due to their rapid systemic distribution causing difficult-to-control inflammatory off-target effects, their application is still problematic, in particular systemically. To address this problem, we designed and robustly fabricated pH-responsive nanogels serving as versatile immunodrug nanocarriers for safe delivery of TLR7/8-stimulating imidazoquinolines after intravenous administration. To this aim, a primary amine-reactive methacrylamide monomer bearing a pendant squaric ester amide is introduced, which is polymerized under controlled RAFT polymerization conditions. Corresponding PEG-derived squaric ester amide block copolymers self-assemble into precursor micelles in polar protic solvents. Their cores are amine-reactive and can sequentially be transformed by acid-sensitive cross-linkers, dyes, and imidazoquinolines. Remaining squaric ester amides are hydrophilized affording fully hydrophilic nanogels with profound stability in human plasma but stimuli-responsive degradation upon exposure to endolysosomal pH conditions. The immunomodulatory behavior of the imidazoquinolines alone or conjugated to the nanogels was demonstrated by macrophages in vitro. In vivo, however, we observed a remarkable impact of the nanogel: After intravenous injection, a spatially controlled immunostimulatory activity was evident in the spleen, whereas systemic off-target inflammatory responses triggered by the small-molecular imidazoquinoline analogue were absent. These findings underline the potential of squaric ester-based, pH-degradable nanogels as a promising platform to permit intravenous administration routes of small-molecular TLR7/8 agonists and, thus, the opportunity to explore their adjuvant potency for systemic vaccination or cancer immunotherapy purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonard Kaps
- Institute
for Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy,
University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University
Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Department
of Internal Medicine I, University Medical
Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Zifu Zhong
- Department
of Pharmaceutics and Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Sascha Schmitt
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Kim Deswarte
- Department
of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent
University, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Francis Combes
- Laboratory
of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | | | - Jana De Vrieze
- Department
of Pharmaceutics and Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Sabah Kasmi
- Department
of Pharmaceutics and Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Niklas Choteschovsky
- Institute
for Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy,
University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University
Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Adrian Klefenz
- Institute
for Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy,
University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University
Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Carolina Medina-Montano
- Department
of Dermatology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Chaojian Chen
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department
of Dermatology, University Medical Center
of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Lienenklaus
- Institute
for Laboratory Animal Science and Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Niek N. Sanders
- Laboratory
of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Kaloian Koynov
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute
for Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy,
University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University
Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Division
of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Bart N. Lambrecht
- Department
of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent
University, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent 9052, Belgium
- Department
of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University
Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015, Netherlands
| | | | - Bruno G. De Geest
- Department
of Pharmaceutics and Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Lutz Nuhn
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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16
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Bahmani B, Gong H, Luk BT, Haushalter KJ, DeTeresa E, Previti M, Zhou J, Gao W, Bui JD, Zhang L, Fang RH, Zhang J. Intratumoral immunotherapy using platelet-cloaked nanoparticles enhances antitumor immunity in solid tumors. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1999. [PMID: 33790276 PMCID: PMC8012593 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intratumoral immunotherapy is an emerging modality for the treatment of solid tumors. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists have shown promise for eliciting immune responses, but systemic administration often results in the development of adverse side effects. Herein, we investigate whether localized delivery of the TLR agonist, resiquimod (R848), via platelet membrane-coated nanoparticles (PNP-R848) elicits antitumor responses. The membrane coating provides a means of enhancing interactions with the tumor microenvironment, thereby maximizing the activity of R848. Intratumoral administration of PNP-R848 strongly enhances local immune activation and leads to complete tumor regression in a colorectal tumor model, while providing protection against repeated tumor re-challenges. Moreover, treatment of an aggressive breast cancer model with intratumoral PNP-R848 delays tumor growth and inhibits lung metastasis. Our findings highlight the promise of locally delivering immunostimulatory payloads using biomimetic nanocarriers, which possess advantages such as enhanced biocompatibility and natural targeting affinities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Gong
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Brian T Luk
- Cello Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | | | | | - Mark Previti
- Cello Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jiarong Zhou
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Weiwei Gao
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jack D Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Liangfang Zhang
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ronnie H Fang
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Jie Zhang
- Cello Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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17
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Galluzzi L, Vacchelli E, Eggermont A, Fridman WH, Galon J, Sautès-Fridman C, Tartour E, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G. Trial Watch: Experimental Toll-like receptor agonists for cancer therapy. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:699-716. [PMID: 22934262 PMCID: PMC3429574 DOI: 10.4161/onci.20696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are prototypic pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) best known for their ability to activate the innate immune system in response to conserved microbial components such as lipopolysaccharide and double-stranded RNA. Accumulating evidence indicates that the function of TLRs is not restricted to the elicitation of innate immune responses against invading pathogens. TLRs have indeed been shown to participate in tissue repair and injury-induced regeneration as well as in adaptive immune responses against cancer. In particular, TLR4 signaling appears to be required for the efficient processing and cross-presentation of cell-associated tumor antigens by dendritic cells, which de facto underlie optimal therapeutic responses to some anticancer drugs. Thus, TLRs constitute prominent therapeutic targets for the activation/intensification of anticancer immune responses. In line with this notion, long-used preparations such as the Coley toxin (a mixture of killed Streptococcus pyogenes and Serratia marcescens bacteria) and the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG, an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis originally developed as a vaccine against tuberculosis), both of which have been associated with consistent anticancer responses, potently activate TLR2 and TLR4 signaling. Today, besides BCG, only one TLR agonist is FDA-approved for therapeutic use in cancer patients: imiquimod. In this Trial Watch, we will briefly present the role of TLRs in innate and cognate immunity and discuss the progress of clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of experimental TLR agonists as immunostimulatory agents for oncological indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris, France ; Institut Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France
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18
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Keshavarz A, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Zafari P, Bagheri N, Ghaffari SH, Bashash D. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in cancer; with an extensive focus on TLR agonists and antagonists. IUBMB Life 2020; 73:10-25. [PMID: 33217774 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
At the forefront of the battle against pathogens or any endogenously released molecules, toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role as the most noble pattern recognition receptors. The ability of these receptors in distinguishing "self" and "non-self" antigens is a cornerstone in the innate immunity system; however, misregulation links inflammatory responses to the development of human cancers. It has been known for some time that aberrant expression and regulation of TLRs not only endows cancer cells an opportunity to escape from the immune system but also supports them through enhancing proliferation and angiogenesis. Over the past decades, cancer research studies have witnessed a number of preclinical and clinical breakthroughs in the field of TLR modulators and some of the agents have exceptionally performed well in advanced clinical trials. In the present review, we have provided a comprehensive review of different TLR agonists and antagonists and discuss their limitations, toxicities, and challenges to outline their future incorporation in cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Keshavarz
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Zafari
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nader Bagheri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Frega G, Wu Q, Le Naour J, Vacchelli E, Galluzzi L, Kroemer G, Kepp O. Trial Watch: experimental TLR7/TLR8 agonists for oncological indications. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1796002. [PMID: 32934889 PMCID: PMC7466852 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1796002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Resiquimod (R848) and motolimod (VTX-2337) are second-generation experimental derivatives of imiquimod, an imidazoquinoline with immunostimulatory properties originally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the topical treatment of actinic keratosis and genital warts more than 20 years ago. Both resiquimod and motolimod operate as agonists of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and/or TLR8, in thus far delivering adjuvant-like signals to antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In line with such an activity, these compounds are currently investigated as immunostimulatory agents for the treatment of various malignancies, especially in combination with peptide-based, dendritic cell-based, cancer cell lysate-based, or DNA-based vaccines. Here, we summarize preclinical and clinical evidence recently collected to support the development of resiquimod and motolimod and other TLR7/TLR8 agonists as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Frega
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Qi Wu
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Julie Le Naour
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Erika Vacchelli
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - 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
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.,Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, China.,Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oliver Kepp
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
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20
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Irvine DJ, Aung A, Silva M. Controlling timing and location in vaccines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 158:91-115. [PMID: 32598970 PMCID: PMC7318960 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the most powerful technologies supporting public health. The adaptive immune response induced by immunization arises following appropriate activation and differentiation of T and B cells in lymph nodes. Among many parameters impacting the resulting immune response, the presence of antigen and inflammatory cues for an appropriate temporal duration within the lymph nodes, and further within appropriate subcompartments of the lymph nodes– the right timing and location– play a critical role in shaping cellular and humoral immunity. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of how vaccine kinetics and biodistribution impact adaptive immunity, and the underlying immunological mechanisms that govern these responses. We discuss emerging approaches to engineer these properties for future vaccines, with a focus on subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell J Irvine
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
| | - Aereas Aung
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Murillo Silva
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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21
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Gardner A, de Mingo Pulido Á, Ruffell B. Dendritic Cells and Their Role in Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:924. [PMID: 32508825 PMCID: PMC7253577 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in the field of cancer immunotherapy, the majority of patients still do not benefit from treatment and must rely on traditional therapies. Dendritic cells have long been a focus of cancer immunotherapy due to their role in inducing protective adaptive immunity, but cancer vaccines have shown limited efficacy in the past. With the advent of immune checkpoint blockade and the ability to identify patient-specific neoantigens, new vaccines, and combinatorial therapies are being evaluated in the clinic. Dendritic cells are also emerging as critical regulators of the immune response within tumors. Understanding how to augment the function of these intratumoral dendritic cells could offer new approaches to enhance immunotherapy, in addition to improving the cytotoxic and targeted therapies that are partially dependent upon a robust immune response for their efficacy. Here we will discuss the role of specific dendritic cell subsets in regulating the anti-tumor immune response, as well as the current status of dendritic cell-based immunotherapies, in order to provide an overview for future lines of research and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alycia Gardner
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States.,Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Álvaro de Mingo Pulido
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Brian Ruffell
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
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22
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Kockelmann J, Stickdorn J, Kasmi S, De Vrieze J, Pieszka M, Ng DYW, David SA, De Geest BG, Nuhn L. Control over Imidazoquinoline Immune Stimulation by pH-Degradable Poly(norbornene) Nanogels. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:2246-2257. [PMID: 32255626 PMCID: PMC7304817 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The
reactivation of the innate immune system by toll-like receptor
(TLR) agonists holds promise for anticancer immunotherapy. Severe
side effects caused by unspecific and systemic activation of the immune
system upon intravenous injection prevent the use of small-molecule
TLR agonists for such purposes. However, a covalent attachment of
small-molecule imidazoquinoline (IMDQ) TLR7/8 agonists to pH-degradable
polymeric nanogels could be shown to drastically reduce the systemic
inflammation but retain the activity to tumoral tissues and their
draining lymph nodes. Here, we introduce the synthesis of poly(norbornene)-based,
acid-degradable nanogels for the covalent ligation of IMDQs. While
the intact nanogels trigger sufficient TLR7/8 receptor stimulation,
their degraded version of soluble, IMDQ-conjugated poly(norbornene)
chains hardly activates TLR7/8. This renders their clinical safety
profile, as degradation products are obtained, which would not only
circumvent nanoparticle accumulation in the body but also provide
nonactive, polymer-bound IMDQ species. Their immunologically silent
behavior guarantees both spatial and temporal control over immune
activity and, thus, holds promise for improved clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kockelmann
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Judith Stickdorn
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sabah Kasmi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jana De Vrieze
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michaela Pieszka
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - David Yuen W Ng
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sunil A David
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 Sixth Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Bruno G De Geest
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lutz Nuhn
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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23
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Santos-Sierra S. Developments in anticancer vaccination: budding new adjuvants. Biol Chem 2020; 401:435-446. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe immune system has a limited capacity to recognize and fight cells that become cancerous and in cancer patients, the immune system has to seek the right balance between cancer rejection and host-immunosupression. The tumor milieu builds a protective shell and tumor cells rapidly accumulate mutations that promote antigen variability and immune-escape. Therapeutic vaccination of cancer is a promising strategy the success of which depends on a powerful activation of the cells of the adaptive immune system specific for tumor-cell detection and killing (e.g. CD4+and CD8+T-cells). In the last decades, the search for novel adjuvants that enhance dendritic cell (DC) function and their ability to prime T-cells has flourished and some Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists have long been known to be valid immune adjuvants. The implementation of TLR-synthetic agonists in clinical studies of cancer vaccination is replacing the initial use of microbial-derived products with some encouraging results. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest discoveries of TLR-synthetic agonists with adjuvant potential in anti-cancer vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Santos-Sierra
- Section of Biochemical Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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24
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Gowing SD, Cool-Lartigue JJ, Spicer JD, Seely AJE, Ferri LE. Toll-like receptors: exploring their potential connection with post-operative infectious complications and cancer recurrence. Clin Exp Metastasis 2020; 37:225-239. [PMID: 31975313 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-020-10018-2] [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: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death in North America. Despite modern advances in cancer therapy, many patients will ultimately develop cancer metastasis resulting in mortality. Surgery to resect early stage solid malignancies remains the cornerstone of cancer treatment. However, surgery places patients at risk of developing post-operative infectious complications that are linked to earlier cancer metastatic recurrence and cancer mortality. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are evolutionarily-conserved sentinel receptors of the innate immune system that are activated by microbial products present during infection, leading to activation of innate immunity. Numerous types of solid cancer cells also express TLRs, with their activation augmenting their ability to metastasize. Similarly, healthy host-tissue TLRs activated during infection induce a prometastatic environment in the host. Cancer cells additionally secrete TLR activating ligands that activate both cancer TLRs and host TLRs to promote metastasis. Consequently, TLRs are an attractive therapeutic candidate to target infection-induced cancer metastasis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Gowing
- Deparment of Surgery, L.D. MacLean Surgical Research Laboratories, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. .,Montreal General Hospital, Room L8-505, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada.
| | - J J Cool-Lartigue
- Deparment of Surgery, L.D. MacLean Surgical Research Laboratories, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Montreal General Hospital, Room L8-505, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - J D Spicer
- Deparment of Surgery, L.D. MacLean Surgical Research Laboratories, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Montreal General Hospital, Room L8-505, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - A J E Seely
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ottawa General Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - L E Ferri
- Deparment of Surgery, L.D. MacLean Surgical Research Laboratories, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Montreal General Hospital, Room L8-505, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada
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25
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Michaelis KA, Norgard MA, Zhu X, Levasseur PR, Sivagnanam S, Liudahl SM, Burfeind KG, Olson B, Pelz KR, Angeles Ramos DM, Maurer HC, Olive KP, Coussens LM, Morgan TK, Marks DL. The TLR7/8 agonist R848 remodels tumor and host responses to promote survival in pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4682. [PMID: 31615993 PMCID: PMC6794326 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12657-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A priority in cancer research is to innovate therapies that are not only effective against tumor progression but also address comorbidities such as cachexia that limit quality and quantity of life. We demonstrate that TLR7/8 agonist R848 induces anti-tumor responses and attenuates cachexia in murine models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In vivo, tumors from two of three cell lines were R848-sensitive, resulting in smaller tumor mass, increased immune complexity, increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration and activity, and decreased Treg frequency. R848-treated mice demonstrated improvements in behavioral and molecular cachexia manifestations, resulting in a near-doubling of survival duration. Knockout mouse studies revealed that stromal, not neoplastic, TLR7 is requisite for R848-mediated responses. In patient samples, we found Tlr7 is ubiquitously expressed in stroma across all stages of pancreatic neoplasia, but epithelial Tlr7 expression is relatively uncommon. These studies indicate immune-enhancing approaches including R848 may be useful in PDAC and cancer-associated cachexia. In the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), comorbidities such as cachexia limit quality of life and survival. Here, the authors show TLR7/8 agonist R848 remodels host and tumour immune responses, promoting survival and attenuating cachexia in murine models of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Michaelis
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mason A Norgard
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Xinxia Zhu
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Peter R Levasseur
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shamilene Sivagnanam
- Department of Computational Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shannon M Liudahl
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kevin G Burfeind
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Brennan Olson
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Katherine R Pelz
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Diana M Angeles Ramos
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - H Carlo Maurer
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth P Olive
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa M Coussens
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Terry K Morgan
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daniel L Marks
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA. .,Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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26
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Lynn GM, Laga R, Jewell CM. Induction of anti-cancer T cell immunity by in situ vaccination using systemically administered nanomedicines. Cancer Lett 2019; 459:192-203. [PMID: 31185250 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.114427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Patients with inadequate anti-cancer T cell responses experience limited benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapies that require T cells. Therefore, treatments that induce de novo anti-cancer T cell immunity are needed. One strategy - referred to as in situ vaccination - is to deliver chemotherapeutic or immunostimulatory drugs into tumors to promote cancer cell death and provide a stimulatory environment for priming T cells against antigens already present in the tumor. However, achieving sufficient drug concentrations in tumors without causing dose-limiting toxicities remains a major challenge. To address this challenge, nanomedicines based on nano-sized carriers ('nanocarriers') of chemotherapeutics and immunostimulants are being developed to improve drug accumulation in tumors following systemic (intravenous) administration. Herein, we present the rationale for using systemically administrable nanomedicines to induce anti-cancer T cell immunity via in situ vaccination and provide an overview of synthetic nanomedicines currently used clinically. We also describe general strategies for improving nanomedicine design to increase tumor uptake, including use of micelle- and star polymer-based nanocarriers. We conclude with perspectives for how nanomedicine properties, host factors and treatment combinations can be leveraged to maximize efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey M Lynn
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, A. James Clark Hall, Room 5110, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA; Avidea Technologies, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Richard Laga
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Christopher M Jewell
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, A. James Clark Hall, Room 5110, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA; United States Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, A. James Clark Hall, Room 5110, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, HSF-I Suite 380, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Executive Office, Suite N9E17, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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27
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Lynn GM, Chytil P, Francica JR, Lagová A, Kueberuwa G, Ishizuka AS, Zaidi N, Ramirez-Valdez RA, Blobel NJ, Baharom F, Leal J, Wang AQ, Gerner MY, Etrych T, Ulbrich K, Seymour LW, Seder RA, Laga R. Impact of Polymer-TLR-7/8 Agonist (Adjuvant) Morphology on the Potency and Mechanism of CD8 T Cell Induction. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:854-870. [PMID: 30608149 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule Toll-like receptor-7 and -8 agonists (TLR-7/8a) can be used as vaccine adjuvants to induce CD8 T cell immunity but require formulations that prevent systemic toxicity and focus adjuvant activity in lymphoid tissues. Here, we covalently attached TLR-7/8a to polymers of varying composition, chain architecture and hydrodynamic behavior (∼300 nm submicrometer particles, ∼10 nm micelles and ∼4 nm flexible random coils) and evaluated how these parameters of polymer-TLR-7/8a conjugates impact adjuvant activity in vivo. Attachment of TLR-7/8a to any of the polymer compositions resulted in a nearly 10-fold reduction in systemic cytokines (toxicity). Moreover, both lymph node cytokine production and the magnitude of CD8 T cells induced against protein antigen increased with increasing polymer-TLR-7/8a hydrodynamic radius, with the submicrometer particle inducing the highest magnitude responses. Notably, CD8 T cell responses induced by polymer-TLR-7/8a were dependent on CCR2+ monocytes and IL-12, whereas responses by a small molecule TLR-7/8a that unexpectedly persisted in vaccine-site draining lymph nodes (T1/2 = 15 h) had less dependence on monocytes and IL-12 but required Type I IFNs. This study shows how modular properties of synthetic adjuvants can be chemically programmed to alter immunity in vivo through distinct immunological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey M Lynn
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , National Institutes of Health, 40 Convent Drive , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Petr Chytil
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences , Heyrovského nám. 2 , 162 06 Prague 6 , Czech Republic
| | - Joseph R Francica
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , National Institutes of Health, 40 Convent Drive , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Anna Lagová
- Department of Oncology , University of Oxford , Old Road Campus Research Building , Oxford OX3 7DQ , United Kingdom
| | - Gray Kueberuwa
- Department of Oncology , University of Oxford , Old Road Campus Research Building , Oxford OX3 7DQ , United Kingdom
| | - Andrew S Ishizuka
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , National Institutes of Health, 40 Convent Drive , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Neeha Zaidi
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , National Institutes of Health, 40 Convent Drive , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Ramiro A Ramirez-Valdez
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , National Institutes of Health, 40 Convent Drive , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Nicolas J Blobel
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , National Institutes of Health, 40 Convent Drive , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Faezzah Baharom
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , National Institutes of Health, 40 Convent Drive , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Joseph Leal
- Department of Immunology , University of Washington , South Lake Union E-411, 750 Republican Street , Seattle , Washington 98109 , United States
| | - Amy Q Wang
- Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences , 9800 Medical Center Drive , Rockville , Maryland 20850 , United States
| | - Michael Y Gerner
- Department of Immunology , University of Washington , South Lake Union E-411, 750 Republican Street , Seattle , Washington 98109 , United States
| | - Tomáš Etrych
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences , Heyrovského nám. 2 , 162 06 Prague 6 , Czech Republic
| | - Karel Ulbrich
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences , Heyrovského nám. 2 , 162 06 Prague 6 , Czech Republic
| | - Leonard W Seymour
- Department of Oncology , University of Oxford , Old Road Campus Research Building , Oxford OX3 7DQ , United Kingdom
| | - Robert A Seder
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , National Institutes of Health, 40 Convent Drive , Bethesda , Maryland 20892 , United States
| | - Richard Laga
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences , Heyrovského nám. 2 , 162 06 Prague 6 , Czech Republic
- Department of Oncology , University of Oxford , Old Road Campus Research Building , Oxford OX3 7DQ , United Kingdom
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28
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Moradi-Marjaneh R, Hassanian SM, Hasanzadeh M, Rezayi M, Maftouh M, Mehramiz M, Ferns GA, Khazaei M, Avan A. Therapeutic potential of toll-like receptors in treatment of gynecological cancers. IUBMB Life 2019; 71:549-564. [PMID: 30729633 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in the innate and adaptive immune system. They are expressed in various regions of the female reproductive tract, and their regulation may be involved in the pathogenesis of gynecological lesions. There is growing evidence that ligands for several TLRs are potentially anticancer agents, some of which have already been approved by the FDA, and these compounds are now undergoing clinical evaluation. There is a rationale for using these ligands as adjuvants in the treatment or prevention of gynecological cancer. Some TLR agonists that are of potential interest in the treatment of gynecological lesions include imiquimod, motolimod, cervarix, and CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs). In this review, we outline the different functions of TLRs in gynecological cancer with particular emphasis on the value of TLR agonists as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of gynecological cancer. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(5):549-564, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Malihe Hasanzadeh
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Woman Health Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Rezayi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Maftouh
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehrane Mehramiz
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Division of Medical Education, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Nuhn L, De Koker S, Van Lint S, Zhong Z, Catani JP, Combes F, Deswarte K, Li Y, Lambrecht BN, Lienenklaus S, Sanders NN, David SA, Tavernier J, De Geest BG. Nanoparticle-Conjugate TLR7/8 Agonist Localized Immunotherapy Provokes Safe Antitumoral Responses. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1803397. [PMID: 30276880 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201803397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Localized therapeutic modalities that subvert the tumor microenvironment from immune-suppressive to pro-immunogenic can elicit systemic antitumor immune responses that induce regression of directly treated as well as nontreated distal tumors. A key toward generating robust antitumor T cell responses is the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) in the tumor microenvironment. Treatment with agonists triggering various pattern recognition receptors is very efficient to activate DCs, yet suffers from the induction of serious immune-related adverse effects, which is closely linked to their unfavorable PK/PD profile causing systemic immune activation and cytokine release. Here, it is reported that nanoparticle conjugation of a highly potent TLR7/8 agonist restricts immune activation to the tumor bed and its sentinel lymph nodes without hampering therapeutic antitumor efficacy. On a mechanistic level, it is confirmed that localized treatment with a nanoparticle-conjugated TLR7/8 agonist leads to potent activation of DCs in the sentinel lymph nodes and promotes proliferation of tumor antigen-specific CD8 T cells. Furthermore, therapeutic improvement upon combination with anti-PDL1 checkpoint inhibition and Flt3L, a growth factor that expands and mobilizes DCs from the bone marrow, is demonstrated. The findings provide a rational base for localized tumor engineering by nanomedicine strategies that provide spatial control over immune-activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Nuhn
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Koker
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, Flanders Institute of Biotechnology, VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Lint
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, Flanders Institute of Biotechnology, VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zifu Zhong
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - João Portela Catani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Francis Combes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kim Deswarte
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yupeng Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Bart N Lambrecht
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, ErasmusMC, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Lienenklaus
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sunil A David
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Jan Tavernier
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, Flanders Institute of Biotechnology, VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno G De Geest
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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Toll-like receptors in immunity and inflammatory diseases: Past, present, and future. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 59:391-412. [PMID: 29730580 PMCID: PMC7106078 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is a very diverse system of the host that evolved during evolution to cope with various pathogens present in the vicinity of environmental surroundings inhabited by multicellular organisms ranging from achordates to chordates (including humans). For example, cells of immune system express various pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect danger via recognizing specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and mount a specific immune response. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are one of these PRRs expressed by various immune cells. However, they were first discovered in the Drosophila melanogaster (common fruit fly) as genes/proteins important in embryonic development and dorso-ventral body patterning/polarity. Till date, 13 different types of TLRs (TLR1-TLR13) have been discovered and described in mammals since the first discovery of TLR4 in humans in late 1997. This discovery of TLR4 in humans revolutionized the field of innate immunity and thus the immunology and host-pathogen interaction. Since then TLRs are found to be expressed on various immune cells and have been targeted for therapeutic drug development for various infectious and inflammatory diseases including cancer. Even, Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among various TLR genes have been identified among the different human population and their association with susceptibility/resistance to certain infections and other inflammatory diseases. Thus, in the present review the current and future importance of TLRs in immunity, their pattern of expression among various immune cells along with TLR based therapeutic approach is reviewed. TLRs are first described PRRs that revolutionized the biology of host-pathogen interaction and immune response The discovery of different TLRs in humans proved milestone in the field of innate immunity and inflammation The pattern of expression of all the TLRs expressed by human immune cells An association of various TLR SNPs with different inflammatory diseases Currently available drugs or vaccines based on TLRs and their future in drug targeting along with the role in reproduction, and regeneration
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Bazin HG, Bess LS, Livesay MT. Synthesis and Applications of Imidazoquinolines: A Review. ORG PREP PROCED INT 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00304948.2018.1433427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène G. Bazin
- Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive #1552, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Laura S. Bess
- Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive #1552, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Mark T. Livesay
- Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive #1552, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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Thermosensitive Gel–Based Formulation for Intratumoral Delivery of Toll-Like Receptor 7/8 Dual Agonist, MEDI9197. J Pharm Sci 2017; 106:2037-2045. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2017.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Chi H, Li C, Zhao FS, Zhang L, Ng TB, Jin G, Sha O. Anti-tumor Activity of Toll-Like Receptor 7 Agonists. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:304. [PMID: 28620298 PMCID: PMC5450331 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of pattern recognition receptors that play a bridging role in innate immunity and adaptive immunity. The activated TLRs not only induce inflammatory responses, but also elicit the development of antigen specific immunity. TLR7, a member of TLR family, is an intracellular receptor expressed on the membrane of endosomes. TLR7 can be triggered not only by ssRNA during viral infections, but also by immune modifiers that share a similar structure to nucleosides. Its powerful immune stimulatory action can be potentially used in the anti-tumor therapy. This article reviewed the anti-tumor activity and mechanism of TLR7 agonists that are frequently applied in preclinical and clinical investigations, and mainly focused on small synthetic molecules, including imiquimod, resiquimod, gardiquimod, and 852A, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huju Chi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science CentreShenzhen, China
| | - Chunman Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science CentreShenzhen, China
| | - Flora Sha Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurology, University of ConnecticutStorrs, CT, United States
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- Departmet of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Guangyi Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Health Science CentreShenzhen, China
| | - Ou Sha
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science CentreShenzhen, China
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Smith TT, Moffett HF, Stephan SB, Opel CF, Dumigan AG, Jiang X, Pillarisetty VG, Pillai SPS, Wittrup KD, Stephan MT. Biopolymers codelivering engineered T cells and STING agonists can eliminate heterogeneous tumors. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:2176-2191. [PMID: 28436934 DOI: 10.1172/jci87624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapies using T cells that are programmed to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR T cells) consistently produce positive results in patients with hematologic malignancies. However, CAR T cell treatments are less effective in solid tumors for several reasons. First, lymphocytes do not efficiently target CAR T cells; second, solid tumors create an immunosuppressive microenvironment that inactivates T cell responses; and third, solid cancers are typified by phenotypic diversity and thus include cells that do not express proteins targeted by the engineered receptors, enabling the formation of escape variants that elude CAR T cell targeting. Here, we have tested implantable biopolymer devices that deliver CAR T cells directly to the surfaces of solid tumors, thereby exposing them to high concentrations of immune cells for a substantial time period. In immunocompetent orthotopic mouse models of pancreatic cancer and melanoma, we found that CAR T cells can migrate from biopolymer scaffolds and eradicate tumors more effectively than does systemic delivery of the same cells. We have also demonstrated that codelivery of stimulator of IFN genes (STING) agonists stimulates immune responses to eliminate tumor cells that are not recognized by the adoptively transferred lymphocytes. Thus, these devices may improve the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors and help protect against the emergence of escape variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrel T Smith
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Howell F Moffett
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sirkka B Stephan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Cary F Opel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy G Dumigan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Xiuyun Jiang
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Smitha P S Pillai
- Comparative Pathology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - K Dane Wittrup
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthias T Stephan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Abstract
Molecular adjuvants based off of pattern recognition receptor agonists are capable of potently stimulating innate immunity and inducing protective immune responses to subunit antigens. One significant disadvantage to these small molecule adjuvants is their pharmacokinetic profile of entering the blood stream rather than the lymphatics after parental injection. In order to target molecular adjuvants to lymph nodes, we have developed nanoparticle carriers whose size has been optimized to avoid the blood and efficiently drain to lymph nodes (Hanson et al. Vaccine 33:861-8,2015; Hanson et al. J Clin Invest 125:2532-2546, 2015). This chapter describes in detail the materials and procedures necessary to synthesize liposome nanoparticle carriers of either hydrophobic or hydrophilic adjuvants, including synthesis tips, alternative equipment options, and pitfalls to avoid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C Hanson
- Department of Cell Biology and Infection, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France.
| | - Darrell J Irvine
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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Sepehri Z, Kiani Z, Alavian SM, Arababadi MK, Kennedy D. The link between TLR7 signaling and hepatitis B virus infection. Life Sci 2016; 158:63-9. [PMID: 27373425 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) play crucial roles in recognition and induction of appropriate immune responses against viral infections, including hepatitis B. TLR7 detects intracellular viral single strand RNA which leads to the activation of several pro-inflammatory transcription factors via the MYD88 dependent pathway. Patients with prolonged infectious forms of hepatitis B, including active and inactive chronic forms, are unable to clear HBV from hepatocytes completely. It is believed that the differences in genetic and immunological parameters of the patients and clearance subjects, who successfully clear HBV infections, are the main factors responsible for allowing the long term infections to persist. It appears that defective expression of TLR7 may result in impaired immune responses against HBV. The aim of this review is to address the recent information regarding the crucial roles played by TLR7 in hepatitis B infection and also the main mechanisms used by HBV to escape from recognition by TLR7 in prolonged HBV infected patients. Considering that chronic hepatitis B infection is not yet curable, it could be possible to activate TLR7-related immunological pathways as a therapy directed towards persistent HBV infection. Hence, another aim of this study is to present recent developments of TLR7 agonists as a therapeutic strategy for chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sepehri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Zohre Kiani
- Zabol Medicinal Plant Research Center, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran; Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatollah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatollah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi Arababadi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
| | - Derek Kennedy
- School of Natural Sciences, Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
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37
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Wiedemann GM, Jacobi SJ, Chaloupka M, Krächan A, Hamm S, Strobl S, Baumgartner R, Rothenfusser S, Duewell P, Endres S, Kobold S. A novel TLR7 agonist reverses NK cell anergy and cures RMA-S lymphoma-bearing mice. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1189051. [PMID: 27622045 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1189051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists are potent immune stimulants able to overcome cancer-associated immune suppression. Due to dose-limiting systemic toxicities, only the topically applied TLR7 agonist (imiquimod) has been approved for therapy of skin tumors. There is a need for TLR7-activating compounds with equivalent efficacy but less toxicity. SC1, a novel small molecule agonist for TLR7, is a potent type-1 interferon inducer, comparable to the reference TLR7 agonist resiquimod, yet with lower induction of proinflammatory cytokines. In vivo, SC1 activates NK cells in a TLR7-dependent manner. Mice bearing the NK cell-sensitive lymphoma RMA-S are cured by repeated s. c. administrations of SC1 as efficiently as by the administration of resiquimod. No relevant toxicities were observed. Mechanistically, SC1 reverses NK cell anergy and restores NK cell-mediated tumor cell killing in an IFN-α-dependent manner. TLR7 targeting by SC1-based compounds may form an attractive strategy to activate NK cell responses for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Maria Wiedemann
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München , Munich, Germany
| | - Severin Johannes Jacobi
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München , Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Chaloupka
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München , Munich, Germany
| | - Angelina Krächan
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München , Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Simon Rothenfusser
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München , Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Duewell
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München , Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Endres
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München , Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München , Munich, Germany
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Hanson MC, Crespo MP, Abraham W, Moynihan KD, Szeto GL, Chen SH, Melo MB, Mueller S, Irvine DJ. Nanoparticulate STING agonists are potent lymph node-targeted vaccine adjuvants. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:2532-46. [PMID: 25938786 DOI: 10.1172/jci79915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are agonists of stimulator of IFN genes (STING) and have potential as vaccine adjuvants. However, cyclic di-GMP (cdGMP) injected s.c. shows minimal uptake into lymphatics/draining lymph nodes (dLNs) and instead is rapidly distributed to the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation. Here, we encapsulated cdGMP within PEGylated lipid nanoparticles (NP-cdGMP) to redirect this adjuvant to dLNs. Compared with unformulated CDNs, encapsulation blocked systemic dissemination and markedly enhanced dLN accumulation in murine models. Delivery of NP-cdGMP increased CD8+ T cell responses primed by peptide vaccines and enhanced therapeutic antitumor immunity. A combination of a poorly immunogenic liposomal HIV gp41 peptide antigen and NP-cdGMP robustly induced type I IFN in dLNs, induced a greater expansion of vaccine-specific CD4+ T cells, and greatly increased germinal center B cell differentiation in dLNs compared with a combination of liposomal HIV gp41 and soluble CDN. Further, NP-cdGMP promoted durable antibody titers that were substantially higher than those promoted by the well-studied TLR agonist monophosphoryl lipid A and comparable to a much larger dose of unformulated cdGMP, without the systemic toxicity of the latter. These results demonstrate that nanoparticulate delivery safely targets CDNs to the dLNs and enhances the efficacy of this adjuvant. Moreover, this approach can be broadly applied to other small-molecule immunomodulators of interest for vaccines and immunotherapy.
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Funk E, Kottilil S, Gilliam B, Talwani R. Tickling the TLR7 to cure viral hepatitis. J Transl Med 2014; 12:129. [PMID: 24884741 PMCID: PMC4039542 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of liver disease and liver transplantation worldwide. Ability to mount an effective immune response against both HBV and HCV is associated with spontaneous clearance of both infections, while an inability to do so leads to chronicity of both infections. To mount an effective immune response, both innate and adaptive immune responses must work in tandem. Hence, developing protective immunity to hepatitis viruses is an important goal in order to reduce the global burden of these two infections and prevent development of long-term complications. In this regard, the initial interactions between the pathogen and immune system are pivotal in determining the effectiveness of immune response and subsequent elimination of pathogens. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important regulators of innate and adaptive immune responses to various pathogens and are often involved in initiating and augmenting effective antiviral immunity. Immune-based therapeutic strategies that specifically induce type I interferon responses are associated with functional cure for both chronic HBV and HCV infections. Precisely, TLR7 stimulation mediates an endogenous type I interferon response, which is critical in development of a broad, effective and protective immunity against hepatitis viruses. This review focuses on anti-viral strategies that involve targeting TLR7 that may lead to development of protective immunity and eradication of hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Funk
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Bruce Gilliam
- Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard St. N151, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Rohit Talwani
- Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard St. N151, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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40
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Tseng CY, Gajewski M, Danani A, Tuszynski JA. Homology and Molecular Dynamics Models of Toll-Like Receptor 7 Protein and Its Dimerization. Chem Biol Drug Des 2014; 83:656-65. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Yuan Tseng
- Department of Oncology; University of Alberta; 3-336 Cross Cancer Institute 11560 University Avenue Edmonton AB T6G 1Z2 Canada
| | - Melissa Gajewski
- DTI-Department of Innovative Technologies; PMET-Laboratory of Pharmaceutical and Medical Technologies SUPSI-University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland; Lugano Switzerland
| | - Andrea Danani
- DTI-Department of Innovative Technologies; PMET-Laboratory of Pharmaceutical and Medical Technologies SUPSI-University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland; Lugano Switzerland
| | - Jack A. Tuszynski
- Department of Oncology; University of Alberta; 3-336 Cross Cancer Institute 11560 University Avenue Edmonton AB T6G 1Z2 Canada
- DTI-Department of Innovative Technologies; PMET-Laboratory of Pharmaceutical and Medical Technologies SUPSI-University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland; Lugano Switzerland
- Department of Physics; University of Alberta; Edmonton AB Canada
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41
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Use of PD biomarkers to drive dose selection and early clinical decision making. Bioanalysis 2013; 4:2485-97. [PMID: 23157357 DOI: 10.4155/bio.12.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A major challenge facing the development of new therapies is the high level of compound attrition in late-stage clinical studies. A key factor in reducing these unsustainable levels of attrition is the successful evaluation of the level of drug effect on its target pathway in early development, otherwise known as testing the compound mechanism. Incorporation of PD biomarkers into Phase I/II trials to demonstrate compound binding to its molecular target and the subsequent modulation of downstream pathways enables early testing of compound mechanism and provides a data-driven framework for decisions on compound progression. This review will discuss the identification and validation of such 'fit-for-purpose' PD biomarkers, and case studies illustrating their use and value in dose selection and accelerating the clinical development of small-molecule drugs will be described.
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Weigel BJ, Cooley S, DeFor T, Weisdorf DJ, Panoskaltsis-Mortari A, Chen W, Blazar BR, Miller JS. Prolonged subcutaneous administration of 852A, a novel systemic toll-like receptor 7 agonist, to activate innate immune responses in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies. Am J Hematol 2012; 87:953-6. [PMID: 22718533 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.23280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 agonist 852A, a small-molecule imidazoquinoline, stimulates plasmacytoid dendritic cells to produce multiple cytokines. We conducted a Phase II study of 852A in patients with recurrent hematologic malignancies. The primary objective was assessing the activity of 852A administered subcutaneously twice weekly for 12 weeks. Secondary objectives were assessing the safety of 852A and its ability to activate the immune system with prolonged dosing. Patients with relapsed hematologic malignancies of any age with adequate organ function were eligible. Patients initiated dosing at 0.6 mg/m(2) twice weekly and escalated by 0.2 mg/m(2) after every two doses as tolerated to a target dose of 1.2 mg/m(2) . Patients with responses or stable disease were eligible for additional cycles. Seventeen patients (15 males) entered the study: 6 with AML, 5 ALL, 4 NHL, 1 Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 1 multiple myeloma. The mean age was 41 years (12-71 years). The median number of prior chemotherapy regimens was 5 (range = 1-14). Thirteen patients completed all 24 injections. Grade 3-4 toxicities included nausea, dyspnea, fever, myalgia, malaise, and cough. Responses included one complete response (ALL), one partial response (AML), two stable disease (AML and NHL), and 9 progressive disease. This is the first in-human hematologic malignancy trial of a subcutaneously (SC) delivered TLR7 agonist using a prolonged dosing schedule. 852A was safely administered up to 1.2 mg/m(2) twice weekly with evidence of sustained tolerability and clinical activity in hematologic malignancies. Systemic TLR agonists for the treatment of hematologic malignancies warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda J Weigel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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Engel AL, Holt GE, Lu H. The pharmacokinetics of Toll-like receptor agonists and the impact on the immune system. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2012; 4:275-89. [PMID: 21643519 DOI: 10.1586/ecp.11.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligation activates both the innate and adaptive immune systems, and plays an important role in antiviral and anti-tumor immunity. Therefore, a significant amount of effort has been devoted to exploit the therapeutic potential of TLR agonists. Depending on the therapeutic purpose, either as adjuvants to vaccine, chemotherapy or standalone therapy, TLR agonists have been administered via different routes. Both preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that the route of administration has significant effects on pharmacokinetics, and that understanding these effects is critical to the success of TLR agonist drug development. This article will summarize the pharmacokinetics of TLR agonists with different administration routes, with an emphasis on clinical studies of TLR ligands in oncologic applications.
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Basith S, Manavalan B, Yoo TH, Kim SG, Choi S. Roles of toll-like receptors in cancer: a double-edged sword for defense and offense. Arch Pharm Res 2012; 35:1297-316. [PMID: 22941474 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-012-0802-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) belong to a class of pattern-recognition receptors that play an important role in host defense against pathogens by recognizing a wide variety of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Besides driving inflammatory responses, TLRs also regulate cell proliferation and survival by expanding useful immune cells and integrating inflammatory responses and tissue repair processes. TLR signaling, which is centrally involved in the initiation of both innate and adaptive immune responses, has been thought to be restricted to immune cells. However, recent studies have shown that functional TLRs are expressed not only on immune cells, but also on cancer cells, thus implicating a role of TLRs in tumor biology. Increasing bodies of evidence have suggested that TLRs act as a double-edged sword in cancer cells because uncontrolled TLR signaling provides a microenvironment that is necessary for tumor cells to proliferate and evade the immune response. Alternatively, TLRs can induce an antitumor immune response in order to inhibit tumor progression. In this review, we summarize the dual roles of TLRs in tumor cells and, more importantly, delve into the therapeutic potential of TLRs in the context of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaherin Basith
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 443-749, Korea
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Connolly DJ, O'Neill LAJ. New developments in Toll-like receptor targeted therapeutics. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2012; 12:510-8. [PMID: 22748800 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in host defence and inflammation. Given that a significant amount of evidence implicates TLRs in the pathogenesis of immune diseases and cancer, and their activation occurs early in the inflammatory cascade, they are attractive targets for novel therapeutic agents. Potential therapeutics include TLR-targeted antibodies, small molecules and nucleic acid based drugs. Agonists are being tested in vaccines against hepatitis C and influenza as well as in allergic rhinitis and certain cancers. Antagonists are being tested in ischemia/reperfusion injury, systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis. The prospect of targeting TLRs in multiple pathologies continues to hold much promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dympna J Connolly
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Therapy with TLR7 agonists induces lymphopenia: correlating pharmacology to mechanism in a mouse model. J Clin Immunol 2012; 32:1082-92. [PMID: 22476912 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-012-9687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Synthetic TLR7 agonists have been proposed as oral replacements for interferonα (IFNα) therapy in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. However, adverse effects, such as lymphopenia and cardiovascular irregularities, have been observed in the clinical following treatment with TLR7 agonists. We wished to understand and characterise the relationship between TLR7 agonism and adverse effects. METHODS We compared responses to two prototypic TLR7 agonists (Resiquimod: R-848; and PF-04878691) in a mouse model and compared the responses to treatment with IFNα. We measured clinically relevant adverse effects such as lymphopenia and cardiovascular irregularities and related them to plasma drug levels and clinically relevant efficacy biomarkers such as the pro-inflammatory cytokine IP-10, 2'5'OAS and TLR7 receptor expression. RESULTS By 2 h post dose all agents had induced a dose-dependent transient lymphopenia. IFNα increased heart rate immediately following dosing, persisting for 5 h, whilst PF-04878691 induced significant reductions in blood pressure. Lymphopenia co-incided with maximum plasma drug levels, raised levels of IP-10 and the auto-induction of TLR7 expression in the blood and lymph nodes. Peak levels of 2'5'OAS occurred at 24 h post-dose and only at doses which also induced lymphopenia. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that systemic delivery of TLR7 agonists or IFNα induces similar exaggerated pharmacology, consistent with there being a narrow therapeutic window between efficacy and safety. This clinically validated mouse model will help to investigate whether more potent agonists or optimised dosing schedules, will be successful strategies for targeting TLR7 in patients.
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Jones HM, Chan PLS, van der Graaf PH, Webster R. Use of modelling and simulation techniques to support decision making on the progression of PF-04878691, a TLR7 agonist being developed for hepatitis C. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2012; 73:77-92. [PMID: 21689140 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.04047.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To use non-linear mixed effects modelling and simulation techniques to predict whether PF-04878691, a toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist, would produce sufficient antiviral efficacy while maintaining an acceptable side effect profile in a 'proof of concept' (POC) study in chronic hepatitis C (HCV) patients. METHODS A population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model was developed using available 'proof of pharmacology' (POP) clinical data to describe PF-04878691 pharmacokinetics (PK) and its relationship to 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS; marker of pharmacology) and lymphocyte levels (marker of safety) following multiple doses in healthy subjects. A second model was developed to describe the relationship between change from baseline OAS expressed as fold change and HCV viral RNA concentrations using clinical data available in HCV patients for a separate compound, CPG-10101 (ACTILON™), a TLR9 agonist. Using these models the antiviral efficacy and safety profiles of PF-04878691 were predicted in HCV patients. RESULTS The population PKPD models described well the clinical data as assessed by visual inspection of diagnostic plots, visual predictive checks and precision of the parameter estimates. Using these relationships, PF-04878691 exposure and HCV viral RNA concentration was simulated in HCV patients receiving twice weekly administration for 4 weeks over a range of doses. The simulations indicated that significant reductions in HCV viral RNA concentrations would be expected at doses > 6 mg. However at these doses grade ≥ 3 lymphopenia was also predicted. CONCLUSIONS The model simulations indicate that PF-04878691 is unlikely to achieve POC criteria and support the discontinuation of this compound for the treatment of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Jones
- Pfizer Worldwide R&D, Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9NJ, UK.
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Steinhagen F, Kinjo T, Bode C, Klinman DM. TLR-based immune adjuvants. Vaccine 2011; 29:3341-55. [PMID: 20713100 PMCID: PMC3000864 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 369] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Revised: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 08/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This work describes the nature and strength of the immune response induced by various Toll-like receptor ligands and their ability to act as vaccine adjuvants. It reviews the various ligands capable of triggering individual TLRs, and then focuses on the efficacy and safety of those agents for which clinical results are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folkert Steinhagen
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, United States
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Fidock MD, Souberbielle BE, Laxton C, Rawal J, Delpuech-Adams O, Corey TP, Colman P, Kumar V, Cheng JB, Wright K, Srinivasan S, Rana K, Craig C, Horscroft N, Perros M, Westby M, Webster R, van der Ryst E. The innate immune response, clinical outcomes, and ex vivo HCV antiviral efficacy of a TLR7 agonist (PF-4878691). Clin Pharmacol Ther 2011; 89:821-9. [PMID: 21451504 DOI: 10.1038/clpt.2011.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an issue of global concern, and studies are ongoing to identify new therapies that are both effective and safe. PF-4878691 is a Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist modeled so as to dissociate its antiviral activities from its inflammatory activities. In a proof-of-mechanism study in healthy volunteers who received doses of 3, 6, and 9 mg of PF-4878691 twice a week for 2 weeks, PF-4878691 induced biomarkers of the immune and interferon (IFN) responses in a dose-dependent and dose-frequency-related manner. A novel finding was induction of TLR7 expression in vivo in response to PF-4878691, leading to an amplified biomarker response. A nonresponder at the 9-mg dose had a polymorphism in the IFN-α receptor 1 subunit (Val168Leu). Two subjects who had received 9-mg doses experienced serious adverse events (SAEs), characterized by flu-like symptoms, hypotension, and lymphopenia, leading to early termination of the study. TLR7 stimulation results in a pharmacologic response at levels commensurate with predicted antiviral efficacy, but these doses are associated with SAEs, raising concerns about the therapeutic window of this class of compounds for the treatment of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Fidock
- Sandwich Research Laboratories, Pfizer Ltd, Sandwich, UK.
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Basith S, Manavalan B, Lee G, Kim SG, Choi S. Toll-like receptor modulators: a patent review (2006-2010). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2011; 21:927-44. [PMID: 21406035 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2011.569494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The immune response is mediated via two parallel immune components, innate and adaptive, whose effector functions are highly integrated and coordinated for the protection of the human body against invading pathogens and transformed cells. The discovery of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), most notably toll-like receptors (TLRs), in innate immunity has evoked increased interest in the therapeutic handling of the innate immune system. TLRs are germ line-encoded receptors that play a potent role in the recognition of a diverse variety of ligands ranging from hydrophilic nucleic acids to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or peptidoglycan (PGN) structures in pathogens. AREAS COVERED This review discusses recent updates (2006-2010) in completed, ongoing and planned clinical trials of TLR immunomodulator-based therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders and cancer. EXPERT OPINION Since the discovery of human TLRs, modulating immune responses using TLR agonists or antagonists for therapeutic purposes has provoked intense activity in the pharmaceutical industry. The ability of TLRs to initiate and propagate inflammation makes them attractive therapeutic targets. We are now at the stage of evaluating such molecules in human diseases. Additionally, there is also extensive literature available on TLRs in diseased states. These data provide a basis for the identification of novel immunomodulators (agonists and antagonists) for the therapeutic targeting of TLRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaherin Basith
- Ajou University, Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Suwon 443 749, Korea
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