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Giuliano A, Pimentel PAB, Horta RS. Checkpoint Inhibitors in Dogs: Are We There Yet? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2003. [PMID: 38893123 PMCID: PMC11171034 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionised cancer treatment in people. Immune checkpoints are important regulators of the body's reaction to immunological stimuli. The most studied immune checkpoint molecules are programmed death (PD-1) with its ligand (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) with its ligands CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2). Certain tumours can evade immunosurveillance by activating these immunological checkpoint targets. These proteins are often upregulated in cancer cells and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, allowing cancer cells to evade immune surveillance and promote tumour growth. By blocking inhibitory checkpoints, ICI can help restore the immune system to effectively fight cancer. Several studies have investigated the expression of these and other immune checkpoints in human cancers and have shown their potential as therapeutic targets. In recent years, there has been growing interest in studying the expression of immune checkpoints in dogs with cancer, and a few small clinical trials with ICI have already been performed on these species. Emerging studies in veterinary oncology are centred around developing and validating canine-targeted antibodies. Among ICIs, anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 treatments stand out as the most promising, mirroring the success in human medicine over the past decade. Nevertheless, the efficacy of caninized antibodies remains suboptimal, especially for canine oral melanoma. To enhance the utilisation of ICIs, the identification of predictive biomarkers for treatment response and the thorough screening of individual tumours are crucial. Such endeavours hold promise for advancing personalised medicine within veterinary practice, thereby improving treatment outcomes. This article aims to review the current research literature about the expression of immune checkpoints in canine cancer and the current results of ICI treatment in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giuliano
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Veterinary Medical Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pedro A. B. Pimentel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
| | - Rodrigo S. Horta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
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2
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Bergman PJ. Cancer Immunotherapy. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2024; 54:441-468. [PMID: 38158304 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The enhanced understanding of immunology experienced over the last 5 decades afforded through the tools of molecular biology has recently translated into cancer immunotherapy becoming one of the most exciting and rapidly expanding fields. Human cancer immunotherapy is now recognized as one of the pillars of treatment alongside surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The field of veterinary cancer immunotherapy has also rapidly advanced in the last decade with a handful of commercially available products and a plethora of investigational cancer immunotherapies, which will hopefully expand our veterinary oncology treatment toolkit over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Bergman
- Clinical Studies, VCA; Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center, Bedford Hills, NY, USA; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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3
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Pimenta J, Prada J, Pires I, Cotovio M. Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Immunohistochemical Expression in Equine Melanocytic Tumors. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:48. [PMID: 38200779 PMCID: PMC10778310 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently available treatments for equine melanocytic tumors have limitations, mainly due to mass localization and dimension, or the presence of metastases. Therefore, a search for new therapies is necessary. Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is expressed by several tumors, blocking T cell-mediated elimination of the tumor cells by binding to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). A novel therapeutic approach using PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in human melanoma resulted in tumor regression and prolonged tumor-free survival. This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 in equine melanocytic tumors. A total of 77 melanocytic tumors were classified as benign or malignant and evaluated by extension of labeling. A total of 59.7% of the tumors showed >50% of immunolabeled cells. Regarding malignant tumors, 24/38 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, 13 tumors presented between 25-50% and one tumor presented <10%. Regarding benign tumors, 22/39 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, nine tumors presented 25-50%, three tumors presented 10-25%, two tumors presented <10% and three tumors did not present expression. Our results suggest that PD-L1 blockade may be a potential target for immunotherapy in equine melanocytic tumors and that future clinical research trials into the clinical efficacy of the anti-PD-L1 antibody are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pimenta
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG—Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Justina Prada
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Mário Cotovio
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
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4
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Stevenson VB, Gudenschwager-Basso EK, Klahn S, LeRoith T, Huckle WR. Inhibitory checkpoint molecule mRNA expression in canine soft tissue sarcoma. Vet Comp Oncol 2023; 21:709-716. [PMID: 37680007 PMCID: PMC10841275 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12934] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Canine soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are common neoplasms and considered immune deserts. Tumour infiltrating lymphocytes are sparse in STS and, when present, tend to organize around blood vessels or at the periphery of the neoplasm. This pattern is associated with an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment linked to overexpression of molecules of the PD-axis. PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression correlates with malignancy and poor prognosis in other neoplasms in humans and dogs, but little is known about their role in canine STS, their relationship to tumour grade, and how different therapies affect expression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of checkpoint molecules across STS tumour grades and after tumour ablation treatment. Gene expression analysis was performed by reverse-transcriptase real-time quantitative PCR in soft tissue sarcomas that underwent histotripsy and from histologic specimens of STS from the Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services archives. The expression of PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 was detected in untreated STS tissue representing grades 1, 2, and 3. Numerically decreased expression of all markers was observed in tissue sampled from the treatment interface relative to untreated areas of the tumour. The relatively lower expression of these checkpoint molecules at the periphery of the treated area may be related to liquefactive necrosis induced by the histotripsy treatment, and would potentially allow TILs to infiltrate the tumour. Relative increases of these checkpoint molecules in tumours of a higher grade and alongside immune cell infiltration are consistent with previous reports that associate their expression with malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Beatriz Stevenson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Erwin Kristobal Gudenschwager-Basso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Shawna Klahn
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Tanya LeRoith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - William R. Huckle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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5
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Sirivisoot S, Boonkrai C, Wongtangprasert T, Phakham T, Muanwein P, Pisitkun T, Sawangmake C, Radtanakatikanon A, Rungsipipat A. Development and characterization of mouse anti-canine PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies and their expression in canine tumors by immunohistochemistry in vitro. Vet Q 2023; 43:1-9. [PMID: 37477617 PMCID: PMC10388796 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2240380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune escape is the hallmark of carcinogenesis. This widely known mechanism is the overexpression of immune checkpoint ligands, such as programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1), leading to T cell anergy. Therefore, cancer immunotherapy with specific binding to these receptors has been developed to treat human cancers. Due to the lack of cross-reactivity of these antibodies in dogs, a specific canine PD-1/PD-L1 antibody is required. The aim of this study is to develop mouse anti-canine PD-L1 (cPD-L1) monoclonal antibodies and characterize their in vitro properties. Six mice were immunized with recombinant cPD-L1 with a fusion of human Fc tag. The hybridoma clones that successfully generated anti-cPD-L1 antibodies and had neutralizing activity were selected for monoclonal antibody production. Antibody properties were tested by immunosorbent assay, surface plasmon resonance, and immunohistochemistry. Four hybridomas were effectively bound and blocked to recombinant cPD-L1 and cPD-1-His-protein, respectively. Candidate mouse monoclonal antibodies worked efficiently on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of canine cancers, including cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, mammary carcinomas, soft tissue sarcomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and malignant melanomas. However, functional assays of these anti-cPD-L1 antibodies need further investigation to prove their abilities as therapeutic drugs in dogs as well as their applications as prognostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirintra Sirivisoot
- Center of Excellence for Companion Animal Cancer, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chatikorn Boonkrai
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tossapon Wongtangprasert
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- The Excellence Chulalongkorn Comprehensive Cancer Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tanapati Phakham
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phijitra Muanwein
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chenphop Sawangmake
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Araya Radtanakatikanon
- Center of Excellence for Companion Animal Cancer, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anudep Rungsipipat
- Center of Excellence for Companion Animal Cancer, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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6
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Hounye AH, Hu B, Wang Z, Wang J, Cao C, Zhang J, Hou M, Qi M. Evaluation of drug sensitivity, immunological characteristics, and prognosis in melanoma patients using an endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated signature based on bioinformatics and pan-cancer analysis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:1267-1287. [PMID: 37653150 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02365-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to develop endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related risk signature to predict the prognosis of melanoma and elucidate the immune characteristics and benefit of immunotherapy in ER-related risk score-defined subgroups of melanoma based on a machine learning algorithm. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) melanoma dataset (n = 471) and GTEx database (n = 813), 365 differentially expressed ER-associated genes were selected using the univariate Cox model and LASSO penalty Cox model. Ten genes impacting OS were identified to construct an ER-related signature by using the multivariate Cox regression method and validated with the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. Thereafter, the immune features, CNV, methylation, drug sensitivity, and the clinical benefit of anticancer immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in risk score subgroups, were analyzed. We further validated the gene signature using pan-cancer analysis by comparing it to other tumor types. The ER-related risk score was constructed based on the ARNTL, AGO1, TXN, SORL1, CHD7, EGFR, KIT, HLA-DRB1 KCNA2, and EDNRB genes. The high ER stress-related risk score group patients had a poorer overall survival (OS) than the low-risk score group patients, consistent with the results in the GEO cohort. The combined results suggested that a high ER stress-related risk score was associated with cell adhesion, gamma phagocytosis, cation transport, cell surface cell adhesion, KRAS signalling, CD4 T cells, M1 macrophages, naive B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and eosinophils and less benefitted from ICI therapy. Based on the expression patterns of ER stress-related genes, we created an appropriate predictive model, which can also help distinguish the immune characteristics, CNV, methylation, and the clinical benefit of ICI therapy. KEY MESSAGES: Melanoma is the cutaneous tumor with a high degree of malignancy, the highest fatality rate, and extremely poor prognosis. Model usefulness should be considered when using models that contained more features. We constructed the Endoplasmic Reticulum stress-associated signature using TCGA and GEO database based on machine learning algorithm. ER stress-associated signature has excellent ability for predicting prognosis for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bingqian Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- School of Computer Science, Hunan First Normal University, Changsha, 410205, China
| | - Jiaoju Wang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Cong Cao
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Jianglin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Shenzhen People's Hospital Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
| | - Muzhou Hou
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
| | - Min Qi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
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7
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Hambly JN, Ruby CE, Mourich DV, Bracha S, Dolan BP. Potential Promises and Perils of Human Biological Treatments for Immunotherapy in Veterinary Oncology. Vet Sci 2023; 10:336. [PMID: 37235419 PMCID: PMC10224056 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immunotherapy for the treatment of human cancers has heralded a new era in oncology, one that is making its way into the veterinary clinic. As the immune system of many animal species commonly seen by veterinarians is similar to humans, there is great hope for the translation of human therapies into veterinary oncology. The simplest approach for veterinarians would be to adopt existing reagents that have been developed for human medicine, due to the potential of reduced cost and the time it takes to develop a new drug. However, this strategy may not always prove to be effective and safe with regard to certain drug platforms. Here, we review current therapeutic strategies that could exploit human reagents in veterinary medicine and also those therapies which may prove detrimental when human-specific biological molecules are used in veterinary oncology. In keeping with a One Health framework, we also discuss the potential use of single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) derived from camelid species (also known as Nanobodies™) for therapies targeting multiple veterinary animal patients without the need for species-specific reformulation. Such reagents would not only benefit the health of our veterinary species but could also guide human medicine by studying the effects of outbred animals that develop spontaneous tumors, a more relevant model of human diseases compared to traditional laboratory rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeilene N. Hambly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Carl E. Ruby
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Biotesserae Inc., Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Dan V. Mourich
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Biotesserae Inc., Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Shay Bracha
- Biotesserae Inc., Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Brian P. Dolan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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8
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Liu S, Sun Q, Ren X. Novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy: counter-immunoediting therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:38. [PMID: 37055849 PMCID: PMC10099030 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of immunotherapy has made an indelible mark on the field of cancer therapy, especially the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical practice. Although immunotherapy has proven its efficacy and safety in some tumors, many patients still have innate or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. The emergence of this phenomenon is closely related to the highly heterogeneous immune microenvironment formed by tumor cells after undergoing cancer immunoediting. The process of cancer immunoediting refers to the cooperative interaction between tumor cells and the immune system that involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape. During these phases, conflicting interactions between the immune system and tumor cells result in the formation of a complex immune microenvironment, which contributes to the acquisition of different levels of immunotherapy resistance in tumor cells. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of different phases of cancer immunoediting and the corresponding therapeutic tools, and we propose normalized therapeutic strategies based on immunophenotyping. The process of cancer immunoediting is retrograded through targeted interventions in different phases of cancer immunoediting, making immunotherapy in the context of precision therapy the most promising therapy to cure cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochuan Liu
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
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9
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Oh JH, Cho JY. Comparative oncology: overcoming human cancer through companion animal studies. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:725-734. [PMID: 37009802 PMCID: PMC10167357 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00977-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Comparative oncology is a field of study that has been recently adopted for studying cancer and developing cancer therapies. Companion animals such as dogs can be used to evaluate novel biomarkers or anticancer targets before clinical translation. Thus, the value of canine models is increasing, and numerous studies have been conducted to analyze similarities and differences between many types of spontaneously occurring cancers in canines and humans. A growing number of canine cancer models as well as research-grade reagents for these models are becoming available, leading to substantial growth in comparative oncology research spanning from basic science to clinical trials. In this review, we summarize comparative oncology studies that have been conducted on the molecular landscape of various canine cancers and highlight the importance of the integration of comparative biology into cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hoon Oh
- Department of Biochemistry, Brain Korea 21 Project and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Comparative Medicine Disease Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Yoel Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, Brain Korea 21 Project and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Comparative Medicine Disease Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Stevenson VB, Klahn S, LeRoith T, Huckle WR. Canine melanoma: A review of diagnostics and comparative mechanisms of disease and immunotolerance in the era of the immunotherapies. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1046636. [PMID: 36686160 PMCID: PMC9853198 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1046636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanomas in humans and dogs are highly malignant and resistant to therapy. Since the first development of immunotherapies, interest in how the immune system interacts within the tumor microenvironment and plays a role in tumor development, progression, or remission has increased. Of major importance are tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) where distribution and cell frequencies correlate with survival and therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, efforts have been made to identify subsets of TILs populations that can contribute to a tumor-promoting or tumor-inhibiting environment, such as the case with T regulatory cells versus CD8 T cells. Furthermore, cancerous cells have the capacity to express certain inhibitory checkpoint molecules, including CTLA-4, PD-L1, PD-L2, that can suppress the immune system, a property associated with poor prognosis, a high rate of recurrence, and metastasis. Comparative oncology brings insights to comprehend the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and immunotolerance in humans and dogs, contributing to the development of new therapeutic agents that can modulate the immune response against the tumor. Therapies that target signaling pathways such as mTOR and MEK/ERK that are upregulated in cancer, or immunotherapies with different approaches such as CAR-T cells engineered for specific tumor-associated antigens, DNA vaccines using human tyrosinase or CGSP-4 antigen, anti-PD-1 or -PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies that intercept their binding inhibiting the suppression of the T cells, and lymphokine-activated killer cells are already in development for treating canine tumors. This review provides concise and recent information about diagnosis, comparative mechanisms of tumor development and progression, and the current status of immunotherapies directed toward canine melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina B. Stevenson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Shawna Klahn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States,Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Tanya LeRoith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - William R. Huckle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States,*Correspondence: William R. Huckle ✉
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11
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Tarone L, Mareschi K, Tirtei E, Giacobino D, Camerino M, Buracco P, Morello E, Cavallo F, Riccardo F. Improving Osteosarcoma Treatment: Comparative Oncology in Action. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12122099. [PMID: 36556464 PMCID: PMC9783386 DOI: 10.3390/life12122099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common pediatric malignant bone tumor. Although surgery together with neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy has improved survival for localized OSA, most patients develop recurrent/metastatic disease with a dismally poor outcome. Therapeutic options have not improved for these OSA patients in recent decades. As OSA is a rare and "orphan" tumor, with no distinct targetable driver antigens, the development of new efficient therapies is still an unmet and challenging clinical need. Appropriate animal models are therefore critical for advancement in the field. Despite the undoubted relevance of pre-clinical mouse models in cancer research, they present some intrinsic limitations that may be responsible for the low translational success of novel therapies from the pre-clinical setting to the clinic. From this context emerges the concept of comparative oncology, which has spurred the study of pet dogs as a uniquely valuable model of spontaneous OSA that develops in an immune-competent system with high biological and clinical similarities to corresponding human tumors, including in its metastatic behavior and resistance to conventional therapies. For these reasons, the translational power of studies conducted on OSA-bearing dogs has seen increasing recognition. The most recent and relevant veterinary investigations of novel combinatorial approaches, with a focus on immune-based strategies, that can most likely benefit both canine and human OSA patients have been summarized in this commentary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Tarone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center “Guido Tarone”, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Katia Mareschi
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Paediatric Onco-Haematology Department, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, City of Health and Science of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Tirtei
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Paediatric Onco-Haematology Department, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, City of Health and Science of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Davide Giacobino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Camerino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Buracco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy
| | - Emanuela Morello
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center “Guido Tarone”, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (F.R.)
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center “Guido Tarone”, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (F.R.)
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12
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Comparative Evaluation of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Companion Animals: Immuno-Oncology as a Relevant Translational Model for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205008. [PMID: 36291791 PMCID: PMC9599753 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Laboratory experiments studying solid tumors are limited by the inability to adequately model the tumor microenvironment and important immune interactions. Immune cells that infiltrate the tumor bed or periphery have been documented as reliable biomarkers in human studies. Veterinary oncology provides a naturally occurring cancer model that could complement biomarker discovery, clinical trials, and drug development. Abstract Despite the important role of preclinical experiments to characterize tumor biology and molecular pathways, there are ongoing challenges to model the tumor microenvironment, specifically the dynamic interactions between tumor cells and immune infiltrates. Comprehensive models of host-tumor immune interactions will enhance the development of emerging treatment strategies, such as immunotherapies. Although in vitro and murine models are important for the early modelling of cancer and treatment-response mechanisms, comparative research studies involving veterinary oncology may bridge the translational pathway to human studies. The natural progression of several malignancies in animals exhibits similar pathogenesis to human cancers, and previous studies have shown a relevant and evaluable immune system. Veterinary oncologists working alongside oncologists and cancer researchers have the potential to advance discovery. Understanding the host-tumor-immune interactions can accelerate drug and biomarker discovery in a clinically relevant setting. This review presents discoveries in comparative immuno-oncology and implications to cancer therapy.
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Lin J, Qiu Y, Zheng X, Dai Y, Xu T. The miR-199a-5p/PD-L1 axis regulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion in follicular thyroid carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:756. [PMID: 35818041 PMCID: PMC9275143 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09838-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is the second most common cancer of the thyroid and easily develops into distant metastasis. PD-L1 is known to be associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of thyroid carcinoma. Our study aimed to investigate the biological functions of PD-L1 and to identify miRNAs that were responsible for modulating the activity of PD-L1. Methods A total of 72 patients with FTC at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were enrolled in this retrospective study. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was used to measure PD-L1 expression in FTC. The association between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics was evaluated. Bioinformatics analysis, RT–qPCR and western blotting were used to examine the relationships between miR-199a-5p, PD-L1 and Claudin-1. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated by using CCK8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays. Target prediction and luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify the binding between miR-199a-5p and PD-L1. Rescue assay was performed to confirm whether PD-L1 downregulation abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-199a-5p. Results Among 72 pairs of tumor and normal specimens, the proportion of PD-L1 positive samples was higher in FTC tissues than in normal tissues. The results of ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT illustrated that there was a positive correlation between PD-L1 expression and immune infiltration, especially regulatory T cells and M1 macrophages. Prediction of immunotherapy revealed that patients with high PD-L1 expression might benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Transwell migration and invasion assays showed that PD-L1 downregulation in FTC cells could significantly inhibit cell migration and invasion. The bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity results indicated that PD-L1 was a potential target of miR-199a-5p. Knockdown of PD-L1 reversed the miR-199a-5p inhibitor mediated promotion effect. In addition, we found that PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with Claudin-1 expression and that miR-199a-5p affected the progression of FTC cells through the negative regulation of PD-L1 and Claudin-1. Conclusions Our study revealed that PD-L1 expression was elevated in FTC and was closely associated with tumor aggressiveness and progression. MiR-199a-5p has a functional role in the progression and metastasis of FTC by regulating PD-L1 and Claudin-1 expression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09838-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguang Lin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China
| | - Yanru Qiu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China
| | - Xueqin Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China
| | - Yijun Dai
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China.
| | - Tianwen Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China.
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14
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Zhou L, Wu Z, Jiang C, Dai S. Efficacy, Safety, and Impact on Patient Survival of PDL1/PD-1 Inhibitors versus FOLFIRINOX Regimens for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5430720. [PMID: 35761841 PMCID: PMC9233580 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5430720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Over the last few years, the role of PDL1/PD-1 in pancreatic cancer development has received increasing attention, and this article is aimed at opening up new ideas for the medicine-based treatment of pancreatic cancer. Aims To investigate the efficacy and safety of PDL1/PD-1 inhibitors versus FOLFIRINOX regimen in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer and its impact on patient survival and to provide a reference basis for clinical treatment of pancreatic cancer. Materials and Methods The 116 pancreatic cancer patients treated in our hospital from September 2019 to September 2021 were selected and divided into 58 cases each in the (instance of watching, noticing, or making a statement) group and the comparison group according to the method based on random number table. The comparison group was treated with FOLFIRINOX, and the group was treated with PDL1/PD-1 stopper. The effectiveness, safety, and hit/effect on survival of the patients in the two groups were compared. Results The median chemotherapy cycle for all patients was 4 (1-6), and the combined objective remission rate (0RR) was 36% and the disease control rate (DCR) was 80% after no chemotherapy in 116 patients, with 37.5% 0RR and 81.3% DCR in the observation group and 33.3% 0RR and 77.8% DCR in the comparison group. The greatest number of all patients reached SD, 44%; in the observation group, 43.8%; and in the comparison group, 44.5%. The rate of adverse reactions such as hematological toxicity, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, nonhematological toxicity, vomiting, fatigue, infection, diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, and peripheral neuropathy was lower in 10.3% of patients in the observation group than in 25.8% of patients in the comparison group, which was significantly different by χ 2 test (P < 0.05). The median progression-free survival curve of the two groups was 19 months in the comparison group and 22 months in the observation group. The progression-free survival in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the comparison group, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion PDL1/PD-1 inhibitors in combination with FOLFIRINOX regimens have shown longer survival than treatment with FOLFIRINOX regimens for pancreatic cancer patients, with reliable clinical efficacy, tolerable adverse effects, and a high safety profile for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Zhou
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Nanjing, 210012 Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhaoshu Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Nanjing, 210012 Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chunping Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008 Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shiming Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Nanjing, 210012 Jiangsu Province, China
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15
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Giuliano A. Companion Animal Model in Translational Oncology; Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Canine Oral Melanoma. BIOLOGY 2021; 11:biology11010054. [PMID: 35053051 PMCID: PMC8773126 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Laboratory rodents are the most common animal models used in preclinical cancer research. Companion animals with naturally occurring cancers are an under-utilized natural model for the development of new anti-cancer drugs. Dogs and cats develop several types of cancers that resemble those arising in humans with similar clinical and histopathological features and often with similar molecular and genetic backgrounds. Exposure to environmental carcinogens, including air, food and water are also common between people and their pets. Dogs and cats are a unique model that could be integrated between the preclinical laboratory animal model and human clinical trials. Abstract Companion animals with naturally occurring cancers can provide an advantageous model for cancer research and in particular anticancer drug development. Compared to commonly utilized mouse models, companion animals, specifically dogs and cats, share a closer phylogenetical distance, body size, and genome organization. Most importantly, pets develop spontaneous, rather than artificially induced, cancers. The incidence of cancer in people and companion animals is quite similar and cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years of age. Many cancer types in dogs and cats have similar pathological, molecular, and clinical features to their human counterparts. Drug toxicity and response to anti-cancer treatment in dogs and cats are also similar to those in people. Companion animals share their lives with their owners, including the environmental and socioeconomic cancer-risk factors. In contrast to humans, pets have a shorter life span and cancer progression is often more rapid. Clinical trials in companion animals are cheaper and less time consuming compared to human trials. Dogs and cats with naturally occurring cancers are an ideal and unique model for human cancer research. Model selection for the specific type of cancer is of pivotal importance. Although companion animal models for translational research have been reviewed previously, this review will try to summarize the most important advantages and disadvantages of this model. Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma as a model for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and canine oral melanoma as a model for mucosal melanoma and immunotherapy in people will be discussed as examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giuliano
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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16
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Von Rueden SK, Fan TM. Cancer-Immunity Cycle and Therapeutic Interventions- Opportunities for Including Pet Dogs With Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:773420. [PMID: 34869014 PMCID: PMC8639699 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.773420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor-immune interplay represents a dynamic series of events executed by cellular and soluble participants that either promote or inhibit successful tumor formation and growth. Throughout a tumor’s development and progression, the host organism’s immune system reacts by generating anti-cancer defenses through various incremental and combinatorial mechanisms, and this reactive orchestration is termed the cancer-immunity cycle. Success or failure of the cancer-immunity cycle dictates the fate of both host and tumor as winner or loser. Insights into how the tumor and host immune system continuously adapt to each other throughout the lifecycle of the tumor is necessary to rationally develop new effective immunotherapies. Additionally, the evolving nature of the cancer-immunity cycle necessitates therapeutic agility, requiring real-time serial assessment of immunobiologic markers that permits tailoring of therapies to the everchanging tumor immune microenvironment. In order to accelerate advances in the field of immuno-oncology, this review summarizes the steps comprising the cancer-immunity cycle, and underscores key breakpoints in the cycle that either favor cancer regression or progression, as well as shaping of the tumor microenvironment and associated immune phenotypes. Furthermore, specific large animal models of spontaneous cancers that are deemed immunogenic will be reviewed and proposed as unique resources for validating investigational immunotherapeutic protocols that are informed by the cancer-immunity cycle. Collectively, this review will provide a progressive look into the dynamic interplay between tumor and host immune responses and raise awareness for how large animal models can be included for developing combinatorial and sequenced immunotherapies to maximizing favorable treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha K Von Rueden
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Timothy M Fan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States.,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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A Comparative View on Molecular Alterations and Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Canine Oral Melanoma. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8110286. [PMID: 34822659 PMCID: PMC8619620 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8110286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine oral melanoma (COM) is a highly aggressive tumour associated with poor prognosis due to metastasis and resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapies. As with human mucosal melanoma, the mutational landscape is predominated by copy number aberrations and chromosomal structural variants, but differences in study cohorts and/or tumour heterogeneity can lead to discordant results regarding the nature of specific genes affected. This review discusses somatic molecular alterations in COM that result from single nucleotide variations, copy number changes, chromosomal rearrangements, and/or dysregulation of small non-coding RNAs. A cross-species comparison highlights notable recurrent aberrations, and functionally grouping dysregulated proteins reveals unifying biological pathways that may be critical for oncogenesis and metastasis. Finally, potential therapeutic strategies are considered to target these pathways in canine patients, and the benefits of collaboration between science, medical, and veterinary communities are emphasised.
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