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Evans ST, Jani Y, Jansen CS, Yildirim A, Kalemoglu E, Bilen MA. Understanding and overcoming resistance to immunotherapy in genitourinary cancers. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2342599. [PMID: 38629578 PMCID: PMC11028033 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2342599] [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: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The introduction of novel immunotherapies has significantly transformed the treatment landscape of genitourinary (GU) cancers, even becoming the standard of care in some settings. One such type of immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like nivolumab, ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab play a pivotal role by disturbing signaling pathways that limit the immune system's ability to fight tumor cells. Despite the profound impact of these treatments, not all tumors are responsive. Recent research efforts have been focused on understanding how cancer cells manage to evade the immune response and identifying the possible mechanisms behind resistance to immunotherapy. In response, ICIs are being combined with other treatments to reduce resistance and attack cancer cells through multiple cellular pathways. Additionally, novel, targeted strategies are currently being investigated to develop innovative methods of overcoming resistance and treatment failure. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance in GU cancers as currently described in the literature. It explores studies that have identified genetic markers, cytokines, and proteins that may predict resistance or response to immunotherapy. Additionally, we review current efforts to overcome this resistance, which include combination ICIs and sequential therapies, novel insights into the host immune profile, and new targeted therapies. Various approaches that combine immunotherapy with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, vaccines, and radiation have been studied in an effort to more effectively overcome resistance to immunotherapy. While each of these combination therapies has shown some efficacy in clinical trials, a deeper understanding of the immune system's role underscores the potential of novel targeted therapies as a particularly promising area of current research. Currently, several targeted agents are in development, along with the identification of key immune mediators involved in immunotherapy resistance. Further research is necessary to identify predictors of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Evans
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yash Jani
- Undergraduate studies, Mercer University, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Caroline S Jansen
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Genitourinary Medical Oncology Program, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ahmet Yildirim
- Genitourinary Medical Oncology Program, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ecem Kalemoglu
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Basic Oncology, Health Institute of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Asim Bilen
- Genitourinary Medical Oncology Program, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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2
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Ryba-Stanisławowska M. Unraveling Th subsets: insights into their role in immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00992-0. [PMID: 39325360 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00992-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
T helper (Th) cell subsets play pivotal roles in regulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment, influencing both tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. Among these subsets, Th1 cells promote cytotoxic responses through the production of IFN-γ, while Th2 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert immunosuppressive effects that support tumor growth. Th9 and Th17 cells have context-dependent roles, contributing to both pro-inflammatory and regulatory processes in tumor immunity. Tumor antigen-specific T cells within the tumor microenvironment often exhibit a dysfunctional phenotype due to increased expression of inhibitory receptors such as CTLA-4 and PD-1, leading to reduced antitumor activity. Monoclonal antibodies that block these inhibitory signals-collectively known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-can reactivate these T cells, enhancing their ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Recent advancements have highlighted the critical role of T helper subsets in modulating responses to ICIs, with their interactions remaining a focus of ongoing research. Both positive and negative effects of ICIs have been reported in relation to Th cell subsets, with some effects depending on the type of tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes the crucial roles of different T helper cell subsets in tumor immunity and their complex relationship with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Ryba-Stanisławowska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, Gdańsk, 80-211, Poland.
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3
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Wang K, Coutifaris P, Brocks D, Wang G, Azar T, Solis S, Nandi A, Anderson S, Han N, Manne S, Kiner E, Sachar C, Lucas M, George S, Yan PK, Kier MW, Laughlin AI, Kothari S, Giles J, Mathew D, Ghinnagow R, Alanio C, Flowers A, Xu W, Tenney DJ, Xu X, Amaravadi RK, Karakousis GC, Schuchter LM, Buggert M, Oldridge D, Minn AJ, Blank C, Weber JS, Mitchell TC, Farwell MD, Herati RS, Huang AC. Combination anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapy generates waves of clonal responses that include progenitor-exhausted CD8 + T cells. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:1582-1597.e10. [PMID: 39214097 PMCID: PMC11387127 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Combination checkpoint blockade with anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies has shown promising efficacy in melanoma. However, the underlying mechanism in humans remains unclear. Here, we perform paired single-cell RNA and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing across time in 36 patients with stage IV melanoma treated with anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA-4, or combination therapy. We develop the algorithm Cyclone to track temporal clonal dynamics and underlying cell states. Checkpoint blockade induces waves of clonal T cell responses that peak at distinct time points. Combination therapy results in greater magnitude of clonal responses at 6 and 9 weeks compared to single-agent therapies, including melanoma-specific CD8+ T cells and exhausted CD8+ T cell (TEX) clones. Focused analyses of TEX identify that anti-CTLA-4 induces robust expansion and proliferation of progenitor TEX, which synergizes with anti-PD-1 to reinvigorate TEX during combination therapy. These next generation immune profiling approaches can guide the selection of drugs, schedule, and dosing for novel combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Wang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Paulina Coutifaris
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Guanning Wang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tarek Azar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sabrina Solis
- Department of Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ajeya Nandi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shaneaka Anderson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nicholas Han
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sasikanth Manne
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Minke Lucas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Sangeeth George
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Patrick K Yan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Melanie W Kier
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Amy I Laughlin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shawn Kothari
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Josephine Giles
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Divij Mathew
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Reem Ghinnagow
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cecile Alanio
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, 75005 Paris, France; Clinical Immunology and Immunomonitoring Laboratory, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Ahron Flowers
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Tara Miller Melanoma Center, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Xiaowei Xu
- Tara Miller Melanoma Center, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ravi K Amaravadi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Tara Miller Melanoma Center, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Giorgos C Karakousis
- Tara Miller Melanoma Center, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lynn M Schuchter
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Tara Miller Melanoma Center, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marcus Buggert
- Institute for Immunology and Immune Health, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Derek Oldridge
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andy J Minn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Immunology and Immune Health, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christian Blank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands; Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Clinic of Regensburg (UKR), 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jeffrey S Weber
- Department of Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tara C Mitchell
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Tara Miller Melanoma Center, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael D Farwell
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ramin S Herati
- Department of Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Alexander C Huang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Tara Miller Melanoma Center, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Immunology and Immune Health, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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4
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Wu MM, Yang YC, Cai YX, Jiang S, Xiao H, Miao C, Jin XY, Sun Y, Bi X, Hong Z, Zhu D, Yu M, Mao JJ, Yu CJ, Liang C, Tang LL, Wang QS, Shao Q, Jiang QH, Pan ZW, Zhang ZR. Anti-CTLA-4 m2a Antibody Exacerbates Cardiac Injury in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis Mice By Promoting Ccl5-Neutrophil Infiltration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400486. [PMID: 38978328 PMCID: PMC11425905 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The risk for suffering immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-associated myocarditis increases in patients with pre-existing conditions and the mechanisms remain to be clarified. Spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and flow cytometry are used to decipher how anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 m2a antibody (anti-CTLA-4 m2a antibody) aggravated cardiac injury in experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) mice. It is found that anti-CTLA-4 m2a antibody increases cardiac fibroblast-derived C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (Cxcl1), which promots neutrophil infiltration to the myocarditic zones (MZs) of EAM mice via enhanced Cxcl1-Cxcr2 chemotaxis. It is identified that the C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (Ccl5)-neutrophil subpopulation is responsible for high activity of cytokine production, adaptive immune response, NF-κB signaling, and cellular response to interferon-gamma and that the Ccl5-neutrophil subpopulation and its-associated proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines promoted macrophage (Mφ) polarization to M1 Mφ. These altered infiltrating landscape and phenotypic switch of immune cells, and proinflammatory factors synergistically aggravated anti-CTLA-4 m2a antibody-induced cardiac injury in EAM mice. Neutralizing neutrophils, Cxcl1, and applying Cxcr2 antagonist dramatically alleviates anti-CTLA-4 m2a antibody-induced leukocyte infiltration, cardiac fibrosis, and dysfunction. It is suggested that Ccl5-neutrophil subpopulation plays a critical role in aggravating anti-CTLA-4 m2a antibody-induced cardiac injury in EAM mice. This data may provide a strategic rational for preventing/curing ICIs-associated myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ming Wu
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
- Departments of Cardiology and Pharmacy, HMU Cancer Hospital, Insitute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang key laboratory for Metabolic disorder and cancer related cardiovascular diseases, Harbin, 150081, China
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), HMU, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yan-Chao Yang
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
- Departments of Cardiology and Pharmacy, HMU Cancer Hospital, Insitute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang key laboratory for Metabolic disorder and cancer related cardiovascular diseases, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yong-Xu Cai
- Departments of Cardiology and Pharmacy, HMU Cancer Hospital, Insitute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang key laboratory for Metabolic disorder and cancer related cardiovascular diseases, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Departments of Cardiology and Pharmacy, HMU Cancer Hospital, Insitute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang key laboratory for Metabolic disorder and cancer related cardiovascular diseases, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Chang Miao
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xi-Yun Jin
- School of Interdisciplinary Medicine and Engineering, HMU, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xin Bi
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Zi Hong
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Di Zhu
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
- Departments of Cardiology and Pharmacy, HMU Cancer Hospital, Insitute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang key laboratory for Metabolic disorder and cancer related cardiovascular diseases, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jian-Jun Mao
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
- Departments of Cardiology and Pharmacy, HMU Cancer Hospital, Insitute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang key laboratory for Metabolic disorder and cancer related cardiovascular diseases, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Chang-Jiang Yu
- Departments of Cardiology and Pharmacy, HMU Cancer Hospital, Insitute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang key laboratory for Metabolic disorder and cancer related cardiovascular diseases, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
- Departments of Cardiology and Pharmacy, HMU Cancer Hospital, Insitute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang key laboratory for Metabolic disorder and cancer related cardiovascular diseases, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Liang-Liang Tang
- Departments of Cardiology and Pharmacy, HMU Cancer Hospital, Insitute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang key laboratory for Metabolic disorder and cancer related cardiovascular diseases, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Qiu-Shi Wang
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Qun Shao
- Departments of Cardiology and Pharmacy, HMU Cancer Hospital, Insitute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang key laboratory for Metabolic disorder and cancer related cardiovascular diseases, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Qing-Hua Jiang
- School of Interdisciplinary Medicine and Engineering, HMU, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhen-Wei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), HMU, Harbin, 150081, China
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), HMU, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhi-Ren Zhang
- Departments of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (HMU), NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, 150001, China
- Departments of Cardiology and Pharmacy, HMU Cancer Hospital, Insitute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang key laboratory for Metabolic disorder and cancer related cardiovascular diseases, Harbin, 150081, China
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), HMU, Harbin, 150081, China
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Zhou R, Lu D, Mi J, Wang C, Lu W, Wang Z, Li X, Wei C, Zhang H, Ji J, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Wang F. Disulfidptosis-related genes serve as potential prognostic biomarkers and indicate tumor microenvironment characteristics and immunotherapy response in prostate cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14107. [PMID: 38898043 PMCID: PMC11187134 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61679-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Disulfidptosis, a newly identified programmed cell death pathway in prostate cancer (PCa), is closely associated with intracellular disulfide stress and glycolysis. This study aims to elucidate the roles of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in the pathogenesis and progression of PCa, with the goal of improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We analyzed PCa datasets and normal tissue transcriptome data from TCGA, GEO, and MSKCC. Using consensus clustering analysis and LASSO regression, we developed a risk scoring model, which was validated in an independent cohort. The model's predictive accuracy was confirmed through Kaplan-Meier curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and nomograms. Additionally, we explored the relationship between the risk score and immune cell infiltration, and examined the tumor microenvironment and somatic mutations across different risk groups. We also investigated responses to immunotherapy and drug sensitivity. Our analysis identified two disulfidosis subtypes with significant differences in survival, immune environments, and treatment responses. According to our risk score, the high-risk group exhibited poorer progression-free survival (PFS) and higher tumor mutational burden (TMB), associated with increased immune suppression. Functional enrichment analysis linked high-risk features to key cancer pathways, including the IL-17 signaling pathway. Moreover, drug sensitivity analysis revealed varied responses to chemotherapy, suggesting the potential for disulfidosis-based personalized treatment strategies. Notably, we identified PROK1 as a crucial prognostic marker in PCa, with its reduced expression correlating with disease progression. In summary, our study comprehensively assessed the clinical implications of DRGs in PCa progression and prognosis, offering vital insights for tailored precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongbin Zhou
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed By the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22, Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dingjin Lu
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Beihai, Beihai, 536000, Guangxi, China
| | - Junhao Mi
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed By the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22, Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Chengbang Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenhao Lu
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed By the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22, Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Zuheng Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiao Li
- School of Life Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunmeng Wei
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Huiyong Zhang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jin Ji
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Urology, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical Univiersiy, 338 Huaihai West Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical Univiersiy, 338 Huaihai West Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Duobing Zhang
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 616 The Third Bianyang Road, Yongqiao District, Suzhou, 234000, Anhui, China.
| | - Fubo Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed By the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22, Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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6
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Ono M, Satou Y. Spectrum of Treg and self-reactive T cells: single cell perspectives from old friend HTLV-1. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 3:kyae006. [PMID: 38863793 PMCID: PMC11165433 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite extensive regulatory T cell (Treg) research, fundamental questions on in vivo dynamics remain to be answered. The current study aims to dissect several interwoven concepts in Treg biology, highlighting the 'self-reactivity' of Treg and their counterparts, namely naturally-arising memory-phenotype T-cells, as a key mechanism to be exploited by a human retroviral infection. We propose the novel key concept, Periodic T cell receptor (TCR)-signalled T-cells, capturing self-reactivity in a quantifiable manner using the Nr4a3-Timer-of-cell-kinetics-and-activity (Tocky) technology. Periodic and brief TCR signals in self-reactive T-cells contrast with acute TCR signals during inflammation. Thus, we propose a new two-axis model for T-cell activation by the two types of TCR signals or antigen recognition, elucidating how Foxp3 expression and acute TCR signals actively regulate Periodic TCR-signalled T-cells. Next, we highlight an underappreciated branch of immunological research on Human T-cell Leukemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) that precedes Treg studies, illuminating the missing link between the viral infection, CD25, and Foxp3. Based on evidence by single-cell analysis, we show how the viral infection exploits the regulatory mechanisms for T-cell activation and suggests a potential role of periodic TCR signalling in infection and malignant transformation. In conclusion, the new perspectives and models in this study provide a working framework for investigating Treg within the self-reactive T-cell spectrum, expected to advance understanding of HTLV-1 infection, cancer, and immunotherapy strategies for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ono
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yorifumi Satou
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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7
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Frijlink E, Bosma DM, Busselaar J, Battaglia TW, Staal MD, Verbrugge I, Borst J. PD-1 or CTLA-4 blockade promotes CD86-driven Treg responses upon radiotherapy of lymphocyte-depleted cancer in mice. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e171154. [PMID: 38349740 PMCID: PMC10940086 DOI: 10.1172/jci171154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is considered immunogenic, but clinical data demonstrating RT-induced T cell priming are scarce. Here, we show in a mouse tumor model representative of human lymphocyte-depleted cancer that RT enhanced spontaneous priming of thymus-derived (FOXP3+Helios+) Tregs by the tumor. These Tregs acquired an effector phenotype, populated the tumor, and impeded tumor control by a simultaneous, RT-induced CD8+ cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response. Combination of RT with CTLA-4 or PD-1 blockade, which enables CD28 costimulation, further increased this Treg response and failed to improve tumor control. We discovered that upon RT, the CD28 ligands CD86 and CD80 differentially affected the Treg response. CD86, but not CD80, blockade prevented the effector Treg response, enriched the tumor-draining lymph node migratory conventional DCs that were positive for PD-L1 and CD80 (PD-L1+CD80+), and promoted CTL priming. Blockade of CD86 alone or in combination with PD-1 enhanced intratumoral CTL accumulation, and the combination significantly increased RT-induced tumor regression and OS. We advise that combining RT with PD-1 and/or CTLA-4 blockade may be counterproductive in lymphocyte-depleted cancers, since these interventions drive Treg responses in this context. However, combining RT with CD86 blockade may promote the control of such tumors by enabling a CTL response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elselien Frijlink
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology and Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Douwe M.T. Bosma
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Julia Busselaar
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Thomas W. Battaglia
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology and Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mo D. Staal
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Inge Verbrugge
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology and Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jannie Borst
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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8
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Attias M, Piccirillo CA. The impact of Foxp3 + regulatory T-cells on CD8 + T-cell dysfunction in tumour microenvironments and responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38325330 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been a breakthrough in cancer therapy, inducing durable remissions in responding patients. However, they are associated with variable outcomes, spanning from disease hyperprogression to complete responses with the onset of immune-related adverse events. The consequences of checkpoint inhibition on Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg ) cells remain unclear but could provide key insights into these variable outcomes. In this review, we first cover the mechanisms that underlie the development of hot and cold tumour microenvironments, which determine the efficacy of immunotherapy. We then outline how differences in tumour-intrinsic immunogenicity, T-cell trafficking, local metabolic environments and inhibitory checkpoint signalling differentially impair CD8+ T-cell function in tumour microenvironments, all the while promoting Treg -cell suppressive activity. Finally, we focus on the mechanisms that enable the induction of polyfunctional CD8+ T-cells upon checkpoint blockade and discuss the role of ICI-induced Treg -cell reactivation in acquired resistance to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhaël Attias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ciriaco A Piccirillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
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9
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Vijayan Y, Sandhu JS, Harikumar KB. Modulatory Role of Phytochemicals/Natural Products in Cancer Immunotherapy. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:5165-5177. [PMID: 38549529 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673274796240116105555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a newly emerging and effective approach to treating cancer. However, there are many challenges associated with using checkpoint inhibitors in this treatment strategy. The component of the tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in antitumor immune response, regulating tumor immune surveillance and immunological evasion. Natural products/phytochemicals can modulate the tumor microenvironment and function as immunomodulatory agents. In clinical settings, there is a strong need to develop synergistic combination regimens using natural products that can effectively enhance the therapeutic benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors relative to their effectiveness as single therapies. The review discusses immunotherapy, its side effects, and a summary of evidence suggesting the use of natural products to modulate immune checkpoint pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadu Vijayan
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Jaskirat Singh Sandhu
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, India
| | - Kuzhuvelil B Harikumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, India
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Yao S, Han Y, Yang M, Jin K, Lan H. Integration of liquid biopsy and immunotherapy: opening a new era in colorectal cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1292861. [PMID: 38077354 PMCID: PMC10702507 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1292861] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the conventional treatment approaches for colorectal cancer (CRC), offering new therapeutic prospects for patients. Liquid biopsy has shown significant potential in early screening, diagnosis, and postoperative monitoring by analyzing circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In the era of immunotherapy, liquid biopsy provides additional possibilities for guiding immune-based treatments. Emerging technologies such as mass spectrometry-based detection of neoantigens and flow cytometry-based T cell sorting offer new tools for liquid biopsy, aiming to optimize immune therapy strategies. The integration of liquid biopsy with immunotherapy holds promise for improving treatment outcomes in colorectal cancer patients, enabling breakthroughs in early diagnosis and treatment, and providing patients with more personalized, precise, and effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiya Yao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuejun Han
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengxiang Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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11
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Shi W, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Kim JJ, Li H, Meng C, Chen F, Zhang J, Mak DH, Van V, Leo J, Croix BS, Aparicio A, Zhao D. Immune checkpoint B7-H3 is a therapeutic vulnerability in prostate cancer harboring PTEN and TP53 deficiencies. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadf6724. [PMID: 37163614 PMCID: PMC10574140 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adf6724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Checkpoint immunotherapy has yielded meaningful responses across many cancers but has shown modest efficacy in advanced prostate cancer. B7 homolog 3 protein (B7-H3/CD276) is an immune checkpoint molecule and has emerged as a promising therapeutic target. However, much remains to be understood regarding B7-H3's role in cancer progression, predictive biomarkers for B7-H3-targeted therapy, and combinatorial strategies. Our multi-omics analyses identified B7-H3 as one of the most abundant immune checkpoints in prostate tumors containing PTEN and TP53 genetic inactivation. Here, we sought in vivo genetic evidence for, and mechanistic understanding of, the role of B7-H3 in PTEN/TP53-deficient prostate cancer. We found that loss of PTEN and TP53 induced B7-H3 expression by activating transcriptional factor Sp1. Prostate-specific deletion of Cd276 resulted in delayed tumor progression and reversed the suppression of tumor-infiltrating T cells and NK cells in Pten/Trp53 genetically engineered mouse models. Furthermore, we tested the efficacy of the B7-H3 inhibitor in preclinical models of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We demonstrated that enriched regulatory T cells and elevated programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in myeloid cells hinder the therapeutic efficacy of B7-H3 inhibition in prostate tumors. Last, we showed that B7-H3 inhibition combined with blockade of PD-L1 or cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) achieved durable antitumor effects and had curative potential in a PTEN/TP53-deficient CRPC model. Given that B7-H3-targeted therapies have been evaluated in early clinical trials, our studies provide insights into the potential of biomarker-driven combinatorial immunotherapy targeting B7-H3 in prostate cancer, among other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yin Wang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yuehui Zhao
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Justin Jimin Kim
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biology, Colby College, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
| | - Haoyan Li
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chenling Meng
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Feiyu Chen
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Duncan H. Mak
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vivien Van
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Javier Leo
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brad St. Croix
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ana Aparicio
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Di Zhao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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12
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Single-Cell RNA sequencing highlights the regulatory role of T cell marker genes Ctla4, Ccl5 and Tcf7 in corneal allograft rejection of mouse model. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109911. [PMID: 37012887 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A mouse corneal allograft model was induced and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of corneal tissues and T cells were analyzed to reveal a T cell-mediated mechanism for corneal allograft rejection in mice. METHODS Corneal tissue samples from a mouse model of corneal allograft were collected for scRNA-seq analysis, followed by quality control, dimensionality reduction, cluster analysis and enrichment analysis. A large number of highly variable genes were identified in mice with corneal allograft. Significant difference existed in immune T cells, especially in CD4 + T cells. RESULTS It was found that T cell marker genes Ctla4, Ccl5, Tcf7, Lgals1, and Itgb1 may play key roles in the corneal allograft rejection. Mice with allograft rejection showed a significant increase in the proportion of CD4 + T cells in the corneal tissues. Besides, Ccl5 and Tcf7 expression was increased in mice with allograft rejection and positively linked to the proportion of CD4 + T cells. Whereas, Ctla4 expression was downregulated and negatively associated with the proportion of CD4 + T cells. CONCLUSION Collectively, Ctla4, Ccl5 and Tcf7 may participate in the rejection of corneal allograft in mice by affecting CD4 + T cell activation.
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13
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Oladejo M, Paulishak W, Wood L. Synergistic potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors and therapeutic cancer vaccines. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:81-95. [PMID: 36526110 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) function at different stages of the cancer immune cycle due to their distinct mechanisms of action. Therapeutic cancer vaccines enhance the activation and infiltration of cytotoxic immune cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME), while ICIs, prevent and/or reverse the dysfunction of these immune cells. The efficacy of both classes of immunotherapy has been evaluated in monotherapy, but they have been met with several challenges. Although therapeutic cancer vaccines can activate anti-tumor immune responses, these responses are susceptible to attenuation by immunoregulatory molecules. Similarly, ICIs are ineffective in the absence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Further, ICIs are often associated with immune-related adverse effects that may limit quality of life and compliance. However, the combination of the improved immunogenicity afforded by cancer vaccines and restrained immunosuppression provided by immune checkpoint inhibitors may provide a suitable platform for therapeutic synergism. In this review, we revisit the history and various classifications of therapeutic cancer vaccines. We also provide a summary of the currently approved ICIs. Finally, we provide mechanistic insights into the synergism between ICIs and cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Oladejo
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Wyatt Paulishak
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Laurence Wood
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA.
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14
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Zhang C, Zhao J, Wang W, Geng H, Wang Y, Gao B. Current advances in the application of nanomedicine in bladder cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:114062. [PMID: 36469969 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary system, however there are several shortcomings in current diagnostic and therapeutic measures. In terms of diagnosis, the diagnostic tools currently available are not sufficiently sensitive and specific, and imaging is poor, leading to misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses, which can delay treatment. In terms of treatment, current treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and other emerging treatments, as well as combination therapies. However, the main reasons for poor efficacy and side effects during treatment are the lack of specificity and targeting, improper dose control of drugs and photosensitizers, damage to normal cells while attacking cancer cells, and difficulty in delivering siRNA to cancer cells. Nanomedicine is an emerging approach. Among the many nanotechnologies applied in the medical field, nanocarrier-assisted drug delivery systems have attracted extensive research interest due to their great translational value. Well-designed nanoparticles can deliver agents or drugs to specific cell types within target organs through active targeting or passive targeting (enhanced permeability and retention), which allows for imaging, diagnosis, as well as treatment of cancer. This paper reviews advances in the application of various nanocarriers and their advantages and drawbacks, with a focus on their use in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jiang Zhao
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Weihao Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Huanhuan Geng
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yinzhe Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Baoshan Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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15
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Blomberg OS, Kos K, Spagnuolo L, Isaeva OI, Garner H, Wellenstein MD, Bakker N, Duits DE, Kersten K, Klarenbeek S, Hau CS, Kaldenbach D, Raeven EA, Vrijland K, Kok M, de Visser KE. Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade triggers persistent and systemic T reg activation which blunts therapeutic efficacy against metastatic spread of breast tumors. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2201147. [PMID: 37089449 PMCID: PMC10114978 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2201147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical successes of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in advanced cancer patients have recently spurred the clinical implementation of ICB in the neoadjuvant and perioperative setting. However, how neoadjuvant ICB therapy affects the systemic immune landscape and metastatic spread remains to be established. Tumors promote both local and systemic expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are key orchestrators of tumor-induced immunosuppression, contributing to immune evasion, tumor progression and metastasis. Tregs express inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules and thus may be unintended targets for ICB therapy counteracting its efficacy. Using ICB-refractory models of spontaneous primary and metastatic breast cancer that recapitulate the poor ICB response of breast cancer patients, we observed that combined anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapy inadvertently promotes proliferation and activation of Tregs in the tumor, tumor-draining lymph node and circulation. Also in breast cancer patients, Treg levels were elevated upon ICB. Depletion of Tregs during neoadjuvant ICB in tumor-bearing mice not only reshaped the intratumoral immune landscape into a state favorable for ICB response but also induced profound and persistent alterations in systemic immunity, characterized by elevated CD8+ T cells and NK cells and durable T cell activation that was maintained after treatment cessation. While depletion of Tregs in combination with neoadjuvant ICB did not inhibit primary tumor growth, it prolonged metastasis-related survival driven predominantly by CD8+ T cells. This study demonstrates that neoadjuvant ICB therapy of breast cancer can be empowered by simultaneous targeting of Tregs, extending metastasis-related survival, independent of a primary tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga S. Blomberg
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin Kos
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Spagnuolo
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olga I. Isaeva
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannah Garner
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Max D. Wellenstein
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Noor Bakker
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Danique E.M. Duits
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kelly Kersten
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Klarenbeek
- Experimental Animal Pathology Facility, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cheei-Sing Hau
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne Kaldenbach
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth A.M. Raeven
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Vrijland
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen Kok
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karin E. de Visser
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- CONTACT Karin E. de Visser Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, Amsterdam1066 CX, The Netherlands
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16
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Wei C, Wang M, Gao Q, Yuan S, Deng W, Bie L, Ma Y, Zhang C, Li S, Luo S, Li N. Dynamic peripheral blood immune cell markers for predicting the response of patients with metastatic cancer to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:23-37. [PMID: 35661905 PMCID: PMC9813029 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03221-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown durable responses in various malignancies. However, the response to ICI therapy is unpredictable, and investigation of predictive biomarkers needs to be improved. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In total, 120 patients receiving ICI therapy and 40 patients receiving non-ICI therapy were enrolled. Peripheral blood immune cell markers (PBIMs), as liquid biopsy biomarkers, were analyzed by flow cytometry before ICI therapy, and before the first evaluation. In the ICI cohort, patients were randomly divided into training (n = 91) and validation (n = 29) cohorts. Machine learning algorithms were applied to construct the prognostic and predictive immune-related models. RESULTS Using the training cohort, a peripheral blood immune cell-based signature (BICS) based on four hub PBIMs was developed. In both the training and the validation cohorts, and the whole cohort, the BICS achieved a high accuracy for predicting overall survival (OS) benefit. The high-BICS group had significantly shorter progression-free survival and OS than the low-BICS group. The BICS demonstrated the predictive ability of patients to achieve durable clinical outcomes. By integrating these PBIMs, we further constructed and validated the support vector machine-recursive and feature elimination classifier model, which robustly predicts patients who will achieve optimal clinical benefit. CONCLUSIONS Dynamic PBIM-based monitoring as a noninvasive, cost-effective, highly specific and sensitive biomarker has broad potential for prognostic and predictive utility in patients receiving ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wei
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Mengyu Wang
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Quanli Gao
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China ,grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Shasha Yuan
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Wenying Deng
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Liangyu Bie
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Yijie Ma
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Chi Zhang
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Shuyi Li
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Suxia Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
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17
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Zhang L, Sun M, He Z, Sun J, Li H, Luo Q. Multi-functional extracellular vesicles: Potentials in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2022; 551:215934. [PMID: 36191678 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215934] [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: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy (CIT) has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, the application of CIT is limited by low response rates and significant individual differences owing to a deficit in 1) immune recognition and 2) immune effector function. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles that mediate intercellular communication. The specific structure and content of EVs allows for multi-functional modulation of tumor immunity. Given their high biocompatibility, homologous targeting, and permeability across biological barriers, EVs have been evaluated as ideal carriers for promoting the efficacy and specificity of CIT. Herein, we first discuss the role of EVs in regulating tumor immunity and focus on the advantages of using EVs as a therapeutic tool for cancer treatment from a clinical perspective. Further, we outline the current progress in the development of biohybrid EVs for CIT and multi-functional EV-based strategies for overcoming the deficits in tumor immunity. Finally, we discuss the challenges associated with EV-based CIT and future perspectives in the context of ongoing clinical trials involving EV-based therapies, thus offering valuable insights into the future of multi-functional EVs in CIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, PR China; Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, PR China
| | - Mengchi Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Zhonggui He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Jin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Heran Li
- Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, PR China.
| | - Qiuhua Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, PR China.
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18
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Abdeladhim M, Karnell JL, Rieder SA. In or out of control: Modulating regulatory T cell homeostasis and function with immune checkpoint pathways. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1033705. [PMID: 36591244 PMCID: PMC9799097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1033705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the master regulators of immunity and they have been implicated in different disease states such as infection, autoimmunity and cancer. Since their discovery, many studies have focused on understanding Treg development, differentiation, and function. While there are many players in the generation and function of truly suppressive Tregs, the role of checkpoint pathways in these processes have been studied extensively. In this paper, we systematically review the role of different checkpoint pathways in Treg homeostasis and function. We describe how co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory pathways modulate Treg homeostasis and function and highlight data from mouse and human studies. Multiple checkpoint pathways are being targeted in cancer and autoimmunity; therefore, we share insights from the clinic and discuss the effect of experimental and approved therapeutics on Treg biology.
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19
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Williams C, Kennedy A, Robinson MA, Lloyd C, Dovedi SJ, Sansom DM. Impact of CTLA-4 checkpoint antibodies on ligand binding and Transendocytosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:871802. [PMID: 36119113 PMCID: PMC9471429 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.871802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies have pioneered the field of tumour immunotherapy. However, despite impressive clinical response data, the mechanism by which anti-CTLA-4 antibodies work is still controversial. Two major checkpoint antibodies (ipilimumab and tremelimumab) have been trialled clinically. Both have high affinity binding to CTLA-4 and occupy the ligand binding site, however recently it has been suggested that in some settings such antibodies may not block ligand-CTLA-4 interactions. Here we evaluated blocking capabilities of these antibodies in a variety of settings using both soluble and cell bound target proteins. We found that when ligands (CD80 or CD86) were expressed on cells, soluble CTLA-4-Ig bound in line with affinity expectations and that this interaction was effectively disrupted by both ipilimumab and tremelimumab antibodies. Similarly, cellular CTLA-4 binding to soluble ligands was comparably prevented. We further tested the ability of these antibodies to block transendocytosis, whereby CTLA-4 captures ligands from target cells during a cognate cell-cell interaction. Once again ipilimumab and tremelimumab were similar in preventing removal of ligand by transendocytosis. Furthermore, even once transendocytosis was ongoing and cell contact was fully established, the addition of these antibodies could prevent further ligand transfer. Together these data indicate that the above checkpoint inhibitors performed in-line with predictions based on affinity and binding site data and are capable of blocking CTLA-4-ligand interactions in a wide range of settings tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cayman Williams
- University College London (UCL) Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Kennedy
- University College London (UCL) Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maximillian A. Robinson
- University College London (UCL) Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - David M. Sansom
- University College London (UCL) Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Aristin Revilla S, Kranenburg O, Coffer PJ. Colorectal Cancer-Infiltrating Regulatory T Cells: Functional Heterogeneity, Metabolic Adaptation, and Therapeutic Targeting. Front Immunol 2022; 13:903564. [PMID: 35874729 PMCID: PMC9304750 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.903564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease with one of the highest rates of incidence and mortality among cancers worldwide. Understanding the CRC tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential to improve diagnosis and treatment. Within the CRC TME, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) consist of a heterogeneous mixture of adaptive immune cells composed of mainly anti-tumor effector T cells (CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations), and suppressive regulatory CD4+ T (Treg) cells. The balance between these two populations is critical in anti-tumor immunity. In general, while tumor antigen-specific T cell responses are observed, tumor clearance frequently does not occur. Treg cells are considered to play an important role in tumor immune escape by hampering effective anti-tumor immune responses. Therefore, CRC-tumors with increased numbers of Treg cells have been associated with promoting tumor development, immunotherapy failure, and a poorer prognosis. Enrichment of Treg cells in CRC can have multiple causes including their differentiation, recruitment, and preferential transcriptional and metabolic adaptation to the TME. Targeting tumor-associated Treg cell may be an effective addition to current immunotherapy approaches. Strategies for depleting Treg cells, such as low-dose cyclophosphamide treatment, or targeting one or more checkpoint receptors such as CTLA-4 with PD-1 with monoclonal antibodies, have been explored. These have resulted in activation of anti-tumor immune responses in CRC-patients. Overall, it seems likely that CRC-associated Treg cells play an important role in determining the success of such therapeutic approaches. Here, we review our understanding of the role of Treg cells in CRC, the possible mechanisms that support their homeostasis in the tumor microenvironment, and current approaches for manipulating Treg cells function in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Aristin Revilla
- Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Onno Kranenburg
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Coffer
- Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Paul J. Coffer,
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21
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Identification of the function of γδ1 T cells in the lung cancer microenvironments. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2022; 24:1365-1371. [PMID: 35091999 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02780-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether γδ1 T cells derived from lung cancer tissues have immunosuppressive function and to verify the mechanism of immunosuppressive effect. METHODS Fresh lung cancer tissue samples were collected, some of them were prepared tissue sections, the others were isolated and amplified into TILs cells, γδ1 T cells were isolated from TILs cells by immunomagnetic beads kits, and then cloned and amplified. The immunomodulatory effects of γδ1 T cells on naive and effector CD4+ T cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, CCK8, ELISA and transwell culture. RESULTS A high proportion of γδ1 T cells was found in lung cancer tissues. The cultural supernatants of γδ1 T cells could inhibit the proliferation of naive CD4+ T cells and decrease the secretion level of IL-2 by effector CD4+ T cells. Further studies showed that the expression levels of IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP-1β and RANTES were higher than that of IFN-γ, GM-CSF and TNF-α, TNF-β, however, their neutralizing antibodies could not block the immunosuppressive activity of the supernatant. CONCLUSION γδ1 T cells play an negative immunoregulation function in lung cancer microenvironments, and have obvious immunosuppressive effects on proliferation and cytokine release of naive CD4+ T cells and effector CD4+ T cells. Preliminary evidence from this study suggests that the mechanism of immunosuppressive effects is mediated by the soluble factors in γδ1 T cell culture supernatants, but its exact molecular mechanism needs to be further explored.
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22
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Chen SY, Mamai O, Akhurst RJ. TGFβ: Signaling Blockade for Cancer Immunotherapy. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2022; 6:123-146. [PMID: 36382146 PMCID: PMC9645596 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-070620-103554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Discovered over four decades ago, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a potent pleiotropic cytokine that has context-dependent effects on most cell types. It acts as a tumor suppressor in some cancers and/or supports tumor progression and metastasis through its effects on the tumor stroma and immune microenvironment. In TGFβ-responsive tumors it can promote invasion and metastasis through epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, the appearance of cancer stem cell features, and resistance to many drug classes, including checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. Here we consider the biological activities of TGFβ action on different cells of relevance toward improving immunotherapy outcomes for patients, with a focus on the adaptive immune system. We discuss recent advances in the development of drugs that target the TGFβ signaling pathway in a tumor-specific or cell type–specific manner to improve the therapeutic window between response rates and adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Ying Chen
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ons Mamai
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rosemary J. Akhurst
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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23
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Hong MMY, Maleki Vareki S. Addressing the Elephant in the Immunotherapy Room: Effector T-Cell Priming versus Depletion of Regulatory T-Cells by Anti-CTLA-4 Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1580. [PMID: 35326731 PMCID: PMC8946681 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4) is an immune checkpoint molecule highly expressed on regulatory T-cells (Tregs) that can inhibit the activation of effector T-cells. Anti-CTLA-4 therapy can confer long-lasting clinical benefits in cancer patients as a single agent or in combination with other immunotherapy agents. However, patient response rates to anti-CTLA-4 are relatively low, and a high percentage of patients experience severe immune-related adverse events. Clinical use of anti-CTLA-4 has regained interest in recent years; however, the mechanism(s) of anti-CTLA-4 is not well understood. Although activating T-cells is regarded as the primary anti-tumor mechanism of anti-CTLA-4 therapies, mounting evidence in the literature suggests targeting intra-tumoral Tregs as the primary mechanism of action of these agents. Tregs in the tumor microenvironment can suppress the host anti-tumor immune responses through several cell contact-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Anti-CTLA-4 therapy can enhance the priming of T-cells by blockading CD80/86-CTLA-4 interactions or depleting Tregs through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis. This review will discuss proposed fundamental mechanisms of anti-CTLA-4 therapy, novel uses of anti-CTLA-4 in cancer treatment and approaches to improve the therapeutic efficacy of anti-CTLA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Y Hong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
| | - Saman Maleki Vareki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
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24
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A decade of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy in melanoma: understanding the molecular basis for immune sensitivity and resistance. Nat Immunol 2022; 23:660-670. [PMID: 35241833 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01141-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 111.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ten years since the immune checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab was approved for advanced melanoma, it is time to reflect on the lessons learned regarding modulation of the immune system to treat cancer and on novel approaches to further extend the efficacy of current and emerging immunotherapies. Here, we review the studies that led to our current understanding of the melanoma immune microenvironment in humans and the mechanistic work supporting these observations. We discuss how this information is guiding more precise analyses of the mechanisms of action of immune checkpoint blockade and novel immunotherapeutic approaches. Lastly, we review emerging evidence supporting the negative impact of melanoma metabolic adaptation on anti-tumor immunity and discuss how to counteract such mechanisms for more successful use of immunotherapy.
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25
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Li D, Zhang X, Chen X, Li W. Research Progress and Prospects for Polymeric Nanovesicles in Anticancer Drug Delivery. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:850366. [PMID: 35223804 PMCID: PMC8874199 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.850366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymeric vesicles served as the most promising candidates of drug delivery nanocarriers are attracting increasing attention in cancer therapy. Significant advantages have been reported, including hydrophilic molecules with high loading capacity, controllable drug release, rapid and smart responses to stimuli and versatile functionalities. In this study, we have made a systematic review of all aspects of nano-vesicles as drug delivery vectors for cancer treatment, mainly including the following aspect: characteristics of polymeric nanovesicles, polymeric nanovesicle synthesis, and recent progress in applying polymeric nanovesicles in antitumor drug delivery. Polymer nanovesicles have the advantages of synergistic photothermal and imaging in improving the anticancer effect. Therefore, we believe that drug carrier of polymer nanovesicles is a key direction for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Li,
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26
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Shen H, Li Y, Feng M, Shen X, Wu D, Zhang C, Yang Y, Yang M, Hu J, Liu J, Wang W, Zhang Q, Song F, Yang J, Chen K, Li X. Miscell: An efficient self-supervised learning approach for dissecting single-cell transcriptome. iScience 2021; 24:103200. [PMID: 34712916 PMCID: PMC8529514 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed Miscell, a self-supervised learning approach with deep neural network as latent feature encoder for mining information from single-cell transcriptomes. We demonstrated the capability of Miscell with canonical single-cell analysis tasks including delineation of single-cell clusters and identification of cluster-specific marker genes. We evaluated Miscell along with three state-of-the-art methods on three heterogeneous datasets. Miscell achieved at least comparable or better performance than the other methods by significant margin on a variety of clustering metrics such as adjusted rand index, normalized mutual information, and V-measure score. Miscell can identify cell-type specific markers by quantifying the influence of genes on cell clusters via deep learning approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Shen
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yang Li
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Mengyao Feng
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xilin Shen
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yichen Yang
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Jiani Hu
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Jilei Liu
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology of Tianjin, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngology Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fangfang Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology of Tianjin, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Jilong Yang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology of Tianjin, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiangchun Li
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Huanhu Xi Road, Tiyuan Bei, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
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27
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Zhou Q, Ding W, Qian Z, Zhu Q, Sun C, Yu Q, Tai Z, Xu K. Immunotherapy Strategy Targeting Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 and CD73 with Macrophage-Derived Mimetic Nanovesicles to Treat Bladder Cancer. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:4015-4028. [PMID: 34648293 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Combination immunotherapy is a promising strategy to remove the inhibitory effect of the tumor microenvironment on immune effector cells, improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in bladder cancer. However, it is challenging to deliver multiple drugs to the tumor tissue effectively and simultaneously to ensure optimal therapeutic effects. Macrophage-derived exosome-mimetic nanovesicles (EMVs) were designed and validated as a nanoplatform for coloading and delivery of the CD73 inhibitor (AB680) and the monoclonal antibody to programmed cell death ligand 1 (aPDL1). The tumor-targeting, biosafety, and therapeutic effects of these nanocomplexes (AB680@EMVs-aPDL1), as a combined immunotherapy strategy for bladder cancer, were assessed in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that the nanodrug system was highly stable, provided adequate biosafety, and enhanced tumor targeting in a mouse model of bladder cancer. Moreover, the CD73 inhibitor reduced extracellular adenosine production, and the combination therapy significantly promoted the activation and infiltration of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, which helped to optimally suppress tumor growth and extend median survival in vivo. Therefore, using EMVs to deliver a combination of aPDL1 and the CD73 inhibitor may be a useful combined immunotherapy strategy for treating bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qidong Zhou
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Weihong Ding
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zhiyu Qian
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Chuanyu Sun
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Qin Yu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.,Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
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28
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Morad G, Helmink BA, Sharma P, Wargo JA. Hallmarks of response, resistance, and toxicity to immune checkpoint blockade. Cell 2021; 184:5309-5337. [PMID: 34624224 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 710] [Impact Index Per Article: 236.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Unprecedented advances have been made in cancer treatment with the use of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, responses are limited to a subset of patients, and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) can be problematic, requiring treatment discontinuation. Iterative insights into factors intrinsic and extrinsic to the host that impact ICB response and toxicity are critically needed. Our understanding of the impact of host-intrinsic factors (such as the host genome, epigenome, and immunity) has evolved substantially over the past decade, with greater insights on these factors and on tumor and immune co-evolution. Additionally, we are beginning to understand the impact of acute and cumulative exposures-both internal and external to the host (i.e., the exposome)-on host physiology and response to treatment. Together these represent the current day hallmarks of response, resistance, and toxicity to ICB. Opportunities built on these hallmarks are duly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnaz Morad
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Beth A Helmink
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Padmanee Sharma
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Stultz J, Fong L. How to turn up the heat on the cold immune microenvironment of metastatic prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2021; 24:697-717. [PMID: 33820953 PMCID: PMC8384622 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-021-00340-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced prostate cancer remains one of the most common and deadly cancers, despite advances in treatment options. Immunotherapy has provided little benefit to a majority of patients, largely due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that gives rise to inherently "cold tumors". In this review, we discuss the immunopathology of the prostate tumor microenvironment, strategies for treating prostate cancer with immunotherapies, and a perspective on potential approaches to enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapies. METHODS Databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane, were searched for articles relevant to the immunology of prostate cancer. We discuss the impact of different types of treatments on the immune system, and potential mechanisms through which prostate cancer evades the immune system. RESULTS The tumor microenvironment associated with prostate cancer is highly immunosuppressive due to (1) the function of regulatory T cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), (2) the cytokine milieu secreted by tumor stromal cells and fibroblasts, and (3) the production of adenosine via prostatic acid phosphatase. Both adenosine and tumor growth factor beta (TGF-beta) serve as potent immunosuppressive molecules that could also represent potential therapeutic targets. While there have been many immunotherapy trials in prostate cancer, the majority of these trials have targeted a single immunosuppressive mechanism resulting in limited clinical efficacy. Future approaches will require the integration of improved patient selection as well as use of combination therapies to address multiple mechanisms of resistance. CONCLUSION Prostate cancer inherently gives rise to multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms that have been difficult to overcome with any one immunotherapeutic approach. Enhancing the clinical activity of immunotherapies will require strategic combinations of multiple therapies to address the emerging mechanisms of tumor immune resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Stultz
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lawrence Fong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Huppert LA, Daud AI. Pembrolizumab and Ipilimumab as Second-Line Therapy for Advanced Melanoma. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:2637-2639. [PMID: 34138634 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.00943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Huppert
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Adil I Daud
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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31
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Witt K, Evans-Axelsson S, Lundqvist A, Johansson M, Bjartell A, Hellsten R. Inhibition of STAT3 augments antitumor efficacy of anti-CTLA-4 treatment against prostate cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:3155-3166. [PMID: 33786638 PMCID: PMC8505385 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02915-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for new treatment options in metastatic drug-resistant prostate cancer. Combining immunotherapy with other targeted therapies may be an effective strategy for advanced prostate cancer. In the present study, we sought to investigate to enhance the efficacy of anti-CTLA-4 therapy against prostate cancer by the combination with STAT3 inhibition. Male C57BL6 mice were subcutaneously inoculated with the murine prostate cancer cell line RM-1. Tumor progression was monitored following treatment with vehicle, the small molecule STAT3 inhibitor GPB730, anti-CTLA-4 or GPB730 + anti-CTLA-4. Treatment with anti-CTLA-4 or anti-CTLA-4 + GPB730 significantly inhibited tumor growth and enhanced survival compared to vehicle. Combining anti-CTLA-4 treatment with GPB730 resulted in a significantly prolonged survival compared to anti-CTLA-4 alone. GPB730 significantly increased infiltration of CD45 + cells in tumors of anti-CTLA-4-treated mice compared to anti-CTLA-4 alone. The levels of tumor-infiltrating Tregs were significantly decreased and the CD8:Treg ratio significantly increased by GPB730 treatment in combination with anti-CTLA-4 compared to anti-CTLA-4 alone. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant increase in CD45-positive cells in anti-CTLA-4 and anti-CTLA-4 + GPB730-treated tumors compared to vehicle or GPB730 monotherapy. Plasma levels of IL10 were significantly increased by anti-CTLA-4 compared to vehicle but no increase was observed when combining anti-CTLA-4 with GPB730. In conclusion, STAT3 inhibition by GPB730 enhances the antitumoral activity of anti-CTLA-4 and decreases the intratumoral Treg frequency in a prostate cancer mouse model. These results support the combination of STAT3 inhibition with anti-CTLA-4 therapy to increase clinical responses in patients with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Witt
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susan Evans-Axelsson
- Division of Urological Cancers, Institution of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Anders Bjartell
- Division of Urological Cancers, Institution of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Rebecka Hellsten
- Division of Urological Cancers, Institution of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
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Cunha Pereira T, Rodrigues-Santos P, Almeida JS, Rêgo Salgueiro F, Monteiro AR, Macedo F, Soares RF, Domingues I, Jacinto P, Sousa G. Immunotherapy and predictive immunologic profile: the tip of the iceberg. Med Oncol 2021; 38:51. [PMID: 33788049 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The interplay between cancer and the immune system has been under investigation for more than a century. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have changed the outcome of several tumors; however, there is a significant percentage of patients presenting resistance to immunotherapy. Besides the action mechanism, it is essential to unravel this complex interplay between host immune system and tumorigenesis to determine an immune profile as a predictive factor to immune checkpoint blockade agents. Tumor expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), tumor mutational burden, or mismatch repair deficiency are recognized predictive biomarkers to immunotherapy but are insufficient to explain the response rates and heterogeneity across tumor sites. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the role of the tumor microenvironment in the diversity and clonality of tumor-infiltrating immune cells since different checkpoint molecules play an influential role in cytotoxic T cell activation. Moreover, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors regulated by epigenetic factors play a complex part. Peripheral immune cells expressing PD-1/PD-L1 and the biologic roles of soluble immune checkpoint molecules are the subject of new lines of investigation. This article addresses some of the new molecules and mechanisms studied as possible predictive biomarkers to immunotherapy, linked with the concept of immune dynamics monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Cunha Pereira
- Medical Oncology Department, Portuguese Oncolology Institute of Coimbra Francisco Gentil, Avenida Bissaya Barreto, 98, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Immunology Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jani Sofia Almeida
- Immunology Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fábio Rêgo Salgueiro
- Medical Oncology Department, Portuguese Oncolology Institute of Coimbra Francisco Gentil, Avenida Bissaya Barreto, 98, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Monteiro
- Medical Oncology Department, Portuguese Oncolology Institute of Coimbra Francisco Gentil, Avenida Bissaya Barreto, 98, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa Macedo
- Medical Oncology Department, Portuguese Oncolology Institute of Coimbra Francisco Gentil, Avenida Bissaya Barreto, 98, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Félix Soares
- Medical Oncology Department, Portuguese Oncolology Institute of Coimbra Francisco Gentil, Avenida Bissaya Barreto, 98, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Domingues
- Medical Oncology Department, Portuguese Oncolology Institute of Coimbra Francisco Gentil, Avenida Bissaya Barreto, 98, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Jacinto
- Medical Oncology Department, Portuguese Oncolology Institute of Coimbra Francisco Gentil, Avenida Bissaya Barreto, 98, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Sousa
- Medical Oncology Department, Portuguese Oncolology Institute of Coimbra Francisco Gentil, Avenida Bissaya Barreto, 98, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
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Campbell JR, McDonald BR, Mesko PB, Siemers NO, Singh PB, Selby M, Sproul TW, Korman AJ, Vlach LM, Houser J, Sambanthamoorthy S, Lu K, Hatcher SV, Lohre J, Jain R, Lan RY. Fc-Optimized Anti-CCR8 Antibody Depletes Regulatory T Cells in Human Tumor Models. Cancer Res 2021; 81:2983-2994. [PMID: 33757978 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) play a critical role in mediating tolerance to self-antigens and can repress antitumor immunity through multiple mechanisms. Therefore, targeted depletion of tumor-resident Tregs is warranted to promote effective antitumor immunity while preserving peripheral homeostasis. Here, we propose the chemokine receptor CCR8 as one such optimal tumor Treg target. CCR8 was expressed by Tregs in both murine and human tumors, and unlike CCR4, a Treg depletion target in the clinic, CCR8 was selectively expressed on suppressive tumor Tregs and minimally expressed on proinflammatory effector T cells (Teff). Preclinical mouse tumor modeling showed that depletion of CCR8+ Tregs through an FcyR-engaging anti-CCR8 antibody, but not blockade, enabled dose-dependent, effective, and long-lasting antitumor immunity that synergized with PD-1 blockade. This depletion was tumor Treg-restricted, sparing CCR8+ T cells in the spleen, thymus, and skin of mice. Importantly, Fc-optimized, nonfucosylated (nf) anti-human CCR8 antibodies specifically depleted Tregs and not Teffs in ex vivo tumor cultures from primary human specimens. These findings suggest that anti-CCR8-nf antibodies may deliver optimal tumor-targeted Treg depletion in the clinic, providing long-term antitumor memory responses while limiting peripheral toxicities. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings show that selective depletion of regulatory T cells with an anti-CCR8 antibody can improve antitumor immune responses as a monotherapy or in combination with other immunotherapies. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/81/11/2983/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mark Selby
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California
| | | | | | | | - Jeff Houser
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California
| | | | - Kai Lu
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California
| | | | - Jack Lohre
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California
| | - Renu Jain
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California.
| | - Ruth Y Lan
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California.
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34
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Sobhani N, Tardiel-Cyril DR, Davtyan A, Generali D, Roudi R, Li Y. CTLA-4 in Regulatory T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1440. [PMID: 33809974 PMCID: PMC8005092 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have obtained durable responses in many cancers, making it possible to foresee their potential in improving the health of cancer patients. However, immunotherapies are currently limited to a minority of patients and there is a need to develop a better understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms and functions of pivotal immune regulatory molecules. Immune checkpoint cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and regulatory T (Treg) cells play pivotal roles in hindering the anticancer immunity. Treg cells suppress antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by depleting immune stimulating cytokines, producing immunosuppressive cytokines and constitutively expressing CTLA-4. CTLA-4 molecules bind to CD80 and CD86 with a higher affinity than CD28 and act as competitive inhibitors of CD28 in APCs. The purpose of this review is to summarize state-of-the-art understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlining CTLA-4 immune regulation and the correlation of the ICI response with CTLA-4 expression in Treg cells from preclinical and clinical studies for possibly improving CTLA-4-based immunotherapies, while highlighting the knowledge gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Sobhani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Dana Rae Tardiel-Cyril
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Aram Davtyan
- Atomwise, 717 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA;
| | - Daniele Generali
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Raheleh Roudi
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
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Wiese T, Dennstädt F, Hollmann C, Stonawski S, Wurst C, Fink J, Gorte E, Mandasari P, Domschke K, Hommers L, Vanhove B, Schumacher F, Kleuser B, Seibel J, Rohr J, Buttmann M, Menke A, Schneider-Schaulies J, Beyersdorf N. Inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase increases regulatory T cells in humans. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab020. [PMID: 33898989 PMCID: PMC8054263 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic deficiency for acid sphingomyelinase or its pharmacological inhibition has been shown to increase Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell frequencies among CD4+ T cells in mice. We now investigated whether pharmacological targeting of the acid sphingomyelinase, which catalyzes the cleavage of sphingomyelin to ceramide and phosphorylcholine, also allows to manipulate relative CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell frequencies in humans. Pharmacological acid sphingomyelinase inhibition with antidepressants like sertraline, but not those without an inhibitory effect on acid sphingomyelinase activity like citalopram, increased the frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cell among human CD4+ T cells in vitro. In an observational prospective clinical study with patients suffering from major depression, we observed that acid sphingomyelinase-inhibiting antidepressants induced a stronger relative increase in the frequency of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in peripheral blood than acid sphingomyelinase-non- or weakly inhibiting antidepressants. This was particularly true for CD45RA− CD25high effector CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Mechanistically, our data indicate that the positive effect of acid sphingomyelinase inhibition on CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells required CD28 co-stimulation, suggesting that enhanced CD28 co-stimulation was the driver of the observed increase in the frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells among human CD4+ T cells. In summary, the widely induced pharmacological inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase activity in patients leads to an increase in Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell frequencies among CD4+ T cells in humans both in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Wiese
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97078, Germany
| | - Fabio Dennstädt
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97078, Germany
| | - Claudia Hollmann
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97078, Germany
| | - Saskia Stonawski
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Catherina Wurst
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Julian Fink
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Erika Gorte
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97078, Germany
| | - Putri Mandasari
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97078, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Leif Hommers
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany.,Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Bernard Vanhove
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR 1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), CHU Nantes, Nantes, France.,OSE Immunotherapeutics S.A., Nantes, France
| | - Fabian Schumacher
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal D-14558, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal D-14558, Germany
| | - Jürgen Seibel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Jan Rohr
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Mathias Buttmann
- Department of Neurology, Caritas Hospital, Bad Mergentheim 97980, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Andreas Menke
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany.,Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany.,Medical Park Chiemseeblick, Bernau-Felden 83233, Germany
| | | | - Niklas Beyersdorf
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97078, Germany
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Relecom A, Merhi M, Inchakalody V, Uddin S, Rinchai D, Bedognetti D, Dermime S. Emerging dynamics pathways of response and resistance to PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade: tackling uncertainty by confronting complexity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:74. [PMID: 33602280 PMCID: PMC7893879 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01872-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors provide considerable therapeutic benefit in a range of solid cancers as well as in a subgroup of hematological malignancies. Response rates are however suboptimal, and despite considerable efforts, predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors ahead of their administration in a given patient remains elusive. The study of the dynamics of the immune system and of the tumor under immune checkpoint blockade brought insight into the mechanisms of action of these therapeutic agents. Equally relevant are the mechanisms of adaptive resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors that have been uncovered through this approach. In this review, we discuss the dynamics of the immune system and of the tumor under immune checkpoint blockade emanating from recent studies on animal models and humans. We will focus on mechanisms of action and of resistance conveying information predictive of therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Relecom
- Department of Medical Oncology, Translational Research Institute, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Translational Research Institute, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Department of Medical Oncology, Translational Research Institute, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute & Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Darawan Rinchai
- Cancer Research Program, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Davide Bedognetti
- Cancer Research Program, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar. .,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. .,College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Said Dermime
- Department of Medical Oncology, Translational Research Institute, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. .,College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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Nandi D, Pathak S, Verma T, Singh M, Chattopadhyay A, Thakur S, Raghavan A, Gokhroo A, Vijayamahantesh. T cell costimulation, checkpoint inhibitors and anti-tumor therapy. J Biosci 2021. [PMID: 32345776 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-020-0020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The hallmarks of the adaptive immune response are specificity and memory. The cellular response is mediated by T cells which express cell surface T cell receptors (TCRs) that recognize peptide antigens in complex with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on antigen presenting cells (APCs). However, binding of cognate TCRs with MHC-peptide complexes alone (signal 1) does not trigger optimal T cell activation. In addition to signal 1, the binding of positive and negative costimulatory receptors to their ligands modulates T cell activation. This complex signaling network prevents aberrant activation of T cells. CD28 is the main positive costimulatory receptor on naı¨ve T cells; upon activation, CTLA4 is induced but reduces T cell activation. Further studies led to the identification of additional negative costimulatory receptors known as checkpoints, e.g. PD1. This review chronicles the basic studies in T cell costimulation that led to the discovery of checkpoint inhibitors, i.e. antibodies to negative costimulatory receptors (e.g. CTLA4 and PD1) which reduce tumor growth. This discovery has been recognized with the award of the 2018 Nobel prize in Physiology/Medicine. This review highlights the structural and functional roles of costimulatory receptors, the mechanisms by which checkpoint inhibitors work, the challenges encountered and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipankar Nandi
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, India
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De Silva P, Aiello M, Gu-Trantien C, Migliori E, Willard-Gallo K, Solinas C. Targeting CTLA-4 in cancer: Is it the ideal companion for PD-1 blockade immunotherapy combinations? Int J Cancer 2020; 149:31-41. [PMID: 33252786 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy approaches boosting spontaneous and durable antitumor immune responses through immune checkpoint blockade are revolutionizing treatment and patient outcomes in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Among the various inhibitory molecules employed by the immune system to regulate the adaptive immune responses, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is the first successfully targeted immune checkpoint molecule in the clinic, giving rise to significant but selective benefit either when targeted alone or in combination with anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) antibodies (Abs). However, the use of anti-CTLA-4 Abs was associated with the incidence of autoimmune-like adverse events (AEs), which were particularly frequent and severe with the use of combinational strategies. Nevertheless, the higher incidence of AEs is associated with an improved clinical benefit indicating treatment response. A prompt recognition of AEs followed by early and adequate treatment with immunosuppressive agents allows the management of these potentially serious AEs. This narrative review aims to summarize CTLA-4 biology, the rationale for the use as a companion for anti-PD-1 Abs in humans with results from the most relevant Phase III clinical trials including anti-CTLA-4 Abs in combination with anti-PD-1 Abs in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpamali De Silva
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marco Aiello
- Medical Oncology Unit A.O.U. Policlinico, Vittorio Emanuele di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chunyan Gu-Trantien
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Edoardo Migliori
- Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Cinzia Solinas
- Regional Hospital of Valle d'Aosta, Azienda U.S.L. Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy
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39
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Immune Checkpoints and CAR-T Cells: The Pioneers in Future Cancer Therapies? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218305. [PMID: 33167514 PMCID: PMC7663909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the ever-increasing number of cancer patients pose substantial challenges worldwide, finding a treatment with the highest response rate and the lowest number of side effects is still undergoing research. Compared to chemotherapy, the relatively low side effects of cancer immunotherapy have provided ample opportunity for immunotherapy to become a promising approach for patients with malignancy. However, the clinical translation of immune-based therapies requires robust anti-tumoral immune responses. Immune checkpoints have substantial roles in the induction of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and tolerance against tumor antigens. Identifying and targeting these inhibitory axes, which can be established between tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, can facilitate the development of anti-tumoral immune responses. Bispecific T-cell engagers, which can attract lymphocytes to the tumor microenvironment, have also paved the road for immunological-based tumor elimination. The development of CAR-T cells and their gene editing have brought ample opportunity to recognize tumor antigens, independent from immune checkpoints and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Indeed, there have been remarkable advances in developing various CAR-T cells to target tumoral cells. Knockout of immune checkpoints via gene editing in CAR-T cells might be designated for a breakthrough for patients with malignancy. In the midst of this fast progress in cancer immunotherapies, there is a need to provide up-to-date information regarding immune checkpoints, bispecific T-cell engagers, and CAR-T cells. Therefore, this review aims to provide recent findings of immune checkpoints, bispecific T-cell engagers, and CAR-T cells in cancer immunotherapy and discuss the pertained clinical trials.
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40
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Zeng G, Jin L, Ying Q, Chen H, Thembinkosi MC, Yang C, Zhao J, Ji H, Lin S, Peng R, Zhang M, Sun D. Regulatory T Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy: Basic Research Outcomes and Clinical Directions. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:10411-10421. [PMID: 33116895 PMCID: PMC7586057 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s265828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a promising approach that has recently gained its importance in treating cancer. Despite various approaches of immunotherapies being used to target cancer cells, they are either not effective against all types of cancer or for all patients. Although efforts are being made to improve the cancer immunotherapy in all possible ways, one important hindrance that lowers the immune response to kill cancer cells is the infiltration of Regulatory T (Treg) cells into the tumor cells, favoring tumor progression, on one hand, and inhibiting the activation of T cells to respond to cancer cells, on the other hand. Therefore, new anti-cancer drugs and vaccines fail to show promising results against cancer. This is due to the infiltration of Treg cells into the tumor region and suppression of anti-cancer activity. Thus, regardless of various types of immunotherapies being practiced, understanding the mechanisms of how Treg cells favor tumor progression and inhibition of anti-cancer activity is worthwhile. Therefore, the review highlights the importance of Tregs cells and how depletion of Treg cells can pave the way to an effective immunotherapy by activating the immune responses against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoming Zeng
- Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, People's Republic of China.,China Metallurgical Construction Engineering Group Co., Ltd., Chongqing 400044, People's Republic of China
| | - Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China.,Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province & Engineering Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Pharmaceutical Development of Growth Factors, Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinsi Ying
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojie Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Chunguang Yang
- Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinlong Zhao
- Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Ji
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Sue Lin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Renyi Peng
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Maolan Zhang
- Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Sun
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China
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Li L, Liu S, Yu J. Autoimmune thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus: same pathogenesis; new perspective? Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2020; 11:2042018820958329. [PMID: 32973994 PMCID: PMC7493255 DOI: 10.1177/2042018820958329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are two common autoimmune diseases that can occur concomitantly. In general, patients with diabetes have a high risk of AITD. It has been proposed that a complex genetic basis together with multiple nongenetic factors make a variable contribution to the pathogenesis of T1DM and AITD. In this paper, we summarize current knowledge in the field regarding potential pathogenic factors of T1DM and AITD, including human leukocyte antigen, autoimmune regulator, lymphoid protein tyrosine phosphatase, forkhead box protein P3, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen, infection, vitamin D deficiency, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand. These findings offer an insight into future immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, First People’s Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shudong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Rongjun General Hospital, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junxia Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Tengzhou Central People’s Hospital, 181 Xingtan Road, Tengzhou, Shandong Province, 277500, People’s Republic of China
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Kang S, Lee S, Park S. iRGD Peptide as a Tumor-Penetrating Enhancer for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1906. [PMID: 32847045 PMCID: PMC7563641 DOI: 10.3390/polym12091906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The unique structure and physiology of a tumor microenvironment impede intra-tumoral penetration of chemotherapeutic agents. A novel iRGD peptide that exploits the tumor microenvironment can activate integrin-dependent binding to tumor vasculatures and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1)-dependent transport to tumor tissues. Recent studies have focused on its dual-targeting ability to achieve enhanced penetration of chemotherapeutics for the efficient eradication of cancer cells. Both the covalent conjugation and the co-administration of iRGD with chemotherapeutic agents and engineered delivery vehicles have been explored. Interestingly, the iRGD-mediated drug delivery also enhances penetration through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Recent studies have shown its synergistic effect with BBB disruptive techniques. The efficacy of immunotherapy involving immune checkpoint blockades has also been amplified by using iRGD as a targeting moiety. In this review, we presented the recent advances in iRGD technology, focusing on cancer treatment modalities, including the current clinical trials using iRGD. The iRGD-mediated nano-carrier system could serve as a promising strategy in drug delivery to the deeper tumor regions, and be combined with various therapeutic interventions due to its novel targeting ability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Soyeun Park
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Korea; (S.K.); (S.L.)
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D'Arrigo P, Tufano M, Rea A, Vigorito V, Novizio N, Russo S, Romano MF, Romano S. Manipulation of the Immune System for Cancer Defeat: A Focus on the T Cell Inhibitory Checkpoint Molecules. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:2402-2448. [PMID: 30398102 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181106114421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The immune system actively counteracts the tumorigenesis process; a breakout of the immune system function, or its ability to recognize transformed cells, can favor cancer development. Cancer becomes able to escape from immune system control by using multiple mechanisms, which are only in part known at a cellular and molecular level. Among these mechanisms, in the last decade, the role played by the so-called "inhibitory immune checkpoints" is emerging as pivotal in preventing the tumor attack by the immune system. Physiologically, the inhibitory immune checkpoints work to maintain the self-tolerance and attenuate the tissue injury caused by pathogenic infections. Cancer cell exploits such immune-inhibitory molecules to contrast the immune intervention and induce tumor tolerance. Molecular agents that target these checkpoints represent the new frontier for cancer treatment. Despite the heterogeneity and multiplicity of molecular alterations among the tumors, the immune checkpoint targeted therapy has been shown to be helpful in selected and even histologically different types of cancer, and are currently being adopted against an increasing variety of tumors. The most frequently used is the moAb-based immunotherapy that targets the Programmed Cell Death 1 protein (PD-1), the PD-1 Ligand (PD-L1) or the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4). However, new therapeutic approaches are currently in development, along with the discovery of new immune checkpoints exploited by the cancer cell. This article aims to review the inhibitory checkpoints, which are known up to now, along with the mechanisms of cancer immunoediting. An outline of the immune checkpoint targeting approaches, also including combined immunotherapies and the existing trials, is also provided. Notwithstanding the great efforts devoted by researchers in the field of biomarkers of response, to date, no validated FDA-approved immunological biomarkers exist for cancer patients. We highlight relevant studies on predictive biomarkers and attempt to discuss the challenges in this field, due to the complex and largely unknown dynamic mechanisms that drive the tumor immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo D'Arrigo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Tufano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Rea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Vigorito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Novizio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Russo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Fiammetta Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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FoxP3 + T regulatory cells in cancer: Prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Cancer Lett 2020; 490:174-185. [PMID: 32721551 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
T Regulatory cells (Tregs) can have both protective and pathological roles. They maintain immune homeostasis and inhibit immune responses in various diseases, including cancer. Proportions of Tregs in the peripheral blood of some cancer patients increase by approximately two-fold, compared to those in healthy individuals. Tregs contribute to cancer development and progression by suppressing T effector cell functions, thereby compromising tumor killing and promoting tumor growth. Highly immunosuppressive Tregs express upregulated levels of the transcription factor, Forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3). Elevated levels of FoxP3+ Tregs within the tumor microenvironment (TME) showed a positive correlation with poor prognosis in various cancer patients. Despite the success of immunotherapy, including the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, a significant proportion of patients show low response rates as a result of primary or acquired resistance against therapy. Some of the mechanisms which underlie the development of therapy resistance are associated with Treg suppressive function. In this review, we describe Treg contribution to cancer development/progression, and the mechanisms of Treg-mediated immunosuppression. We discuss the prognostic significance of FoxP3+ Tregs in different cancers and their potential use as prognostic biomarkers. We also describe potential therapeutic strategies to target Tregs in combination with other types of immunotherapies aiming to overcome tumor resistance and improve clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Overall, understanding the prognostic significance of FoxP3+ Tregs in various cancers and their contribution to therapy resistance could help in the development of more effective targeted therapeutic strategies to enhance the clinical outcomes in cancer patients.
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p110δ PI3K as a therapeutic target of solid tumours. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:1377-1397. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20190772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AbstractFrom the time of first characterization of PI3K as a heterodimer made up of a p110 catalytic subunit and a regulatory subunit, a wealth of evidence have placed the class IA PI3Ks at the forefront of drug development for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. The p110α isoform was quickly brought at the centre of attention in the field of cancer research by the discovery of cancer-specific gain-of-function mutations in PIK3CA gene in a range of human solid tumours. In contrast, p110δ PI3K was placed into the spotlight of immunity, inflammation and haematologic malignancies because of the preferential expression of this isoform in leucocytes and the rare mutations in PIK3CD gene. The last decade, however, several studies have provided evidence showing that the correlation between the PIK3CA mutations and the response to PI3K inhibition is less clear than originally considered, whereas concurrently an unexpected role of p110δ PI3K in solid tumours has being emerging. While PIK3CD is mostly non-mutated in cancer, the expression levels of p110δ protein seem to act as an intrinsic cancer-causing driver in various solid tumours including breast, prostate, colorectal and liver cancer, Merkel-Cell carcinoma, glioblastoma and neurobalstoma. Furthermore, p110δ selective inhibitors are being studied as potential single agent treatments or as combination partners in attempt to improve cancer immunotherapy, with both strategies to shown great promise for the treatment of several solid tumours. In this review, we discuss the evidence implicating the p110δ PI3K in human solid tumours, their impact on the current state of the field and the potential of using p110δ-selective inhibitors as monotherapy or combined therapy in different cancer contexts.
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Cervantes-Villagrana RD, Albores-García D, Cervantes-Villagrana AR, García-Acevez SJ. Tumor-induced neurogenesis and immune evasion as targets of innovative anti-cancer therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:99. [PMID: 32555170 PMCID: PMC7303203 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0205-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal cells are hijacked by cancer cells forming together heterogeneous tumor masses immersed in aberrant communication circuits that facilitate tumor growth and dissemination. Besides the well characterized angiogenic effect of some tumor-derived factors; others, such as BDNF, recruit peripheral nerves and leukocytes. The neurogenic switch, activated by tumor-derived neurotrophins and extracellular vesicles, attracts adjacent peripheral fibers (autonomic/sensorial) and neural progenitor cells. Strikingly, tumor-associated nerve fibers can guide cancer cell dissemination. Moreover, IL-1β, CCL2, PGE2, among other chemotactic factors, attract natural immunosuppressive cells, including T regulatory (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and M2 macrophages, to the tumor microenvironment. These leukocytes further exacerbate the aberrant communication circuit releasing factors with neurogenic effect. Furthermore, cancer cells directly evade immune surveillance and the antitumoral actions of natural killer cells by activating immunosuppressive mechanisms elicited by heterophilic complexes, joining cancer and immune cells, formed by PD-L1/PD1 and CD80/CTLA-4 plasma membrane proteins. Altogether, nervous and immune cells, together with fibroblasts, endothelial, and bone-marrow-derived cells, promote tumor growth and enhance the metastatic properties of cancer cells. Inspired by the demonstrated, but restricted, power of anti-angiogenic and immune cell-based therapies, preclinical studies are focusing on strategies aimed to inhibit tumor-induced neurogenesis. Here we discuss the potential of anti-neurogenesis and, considering the interplay between nervous and immune systems, we also focus on anti-immunosuppression-based therapies. Small molecules, antibodies and immune cells are being considered as therapeutic agents, aimed to prevent cancer cell communication with neurons and leukocytes, targeting chemotactic and neurotransmitter signaling pathways linked to perineural invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Daniel Cervantes-Villagrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), 07360, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Damaris Albores-García
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University (FIU), Miami, Florida, 33199, USA
| | - Alberto Rafael Cervantes-Villagrana
- Laboratorio de investigación en Terapéutica Experimental, Unidad Académica de Ciencias Químicas, Área de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas (UAZ), Zacatecas, México
| | - Sara Judit García-Acevez
- Dirección de Proyectos e Investigación, Grupo Diagnóstico Médico Proa, 06400 CDMX, Cuauhtémoc, México
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Chew HY, Dolcetti R, Simpson F. Scientifically based combination therapies with immuno-oncology checkpoint inhibitors. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 86:1711-1725. [PMID: 32372470 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoints and their role in modulating immune response have revolutionised cancer treatment in recent years. The immune checkpoints, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand, programmed cell death-ligand 1, have been extensively studied. Currently 7 monoclonal antibodies targeting these immune checkpoints are approved for treatment of various cancers. Inhibiting immune checkpoints has shown some success in clinic, however, a proportion of patients do not benefit from this treatment. Several other inhibitory molecules, in addition to lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and programmed cell death protein 1, are known to be involved in regulating immune response. To further improve patient outcomes, studies have examined targeting these inhibitory molecules through combination therapies. This review discusses the current landscape of combination therapies of checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yi Chew
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fiona Simpson
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Lozano E, Mena MP, Díaz T, Martin-Antonio B, León S, Rodríguez-Lobato LG, Oliver-Caldés A, Cibeira MT, Bladé J, Prat A, Rosiñol L, Fernández de Larrea C. Nectin-2 Expression on Malignant Plasma Cells Is Associated with Better Response to TIGIT Blockade in Multiple Myeloma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:4688-4698. [PMID: 32513837 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domain (TIGIT) blockade could represent an alternative therapeutic option to release the immune response in patients with multiple myeloma. Here we analyzed the expression of TIGIT and its ligands poliovirus receptor (PVR) and nectin-2 in the bone marrow (BM) of patients with monoclonal gammopathies and the efficacy of TIGIT blockade activating antimyeloma immunity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Expression levels of TIGIT and its ligands were characterized by flow cytometry and ELISA. TIGIT blockade was analyzed in in vitro functional assays with peripheral T cells. BM cells were studied with NanoString technology, real-time PCR, and ex vivo patient BM cell models. RESULTS TIGIT and its ligands are highly expressed in the BM of patients with multiple myeloma, suggesting that may play a role in restraining immune activation. TIGIT blockade depleted FoxP3+ Tregs while increasing proliferation of IFNγ-producing CD4+ T cells from patients with multiple myeloma. PVR ligation inhibited CD8+ T-cell signaling and cell proliferation which could be overcome with anti-TIGIT mAb. However, BM cells showed a remarkable heterogeneity in immune signature. Accordingly, functional ex vivo BM assays revealed that only some patients respond to checkpoint blockade. Thus, response to TIGIT blockade correlated with low frequency of TIGIT+ cells and high nectin-2 expression on malignant plasma cells. CONCLUSIONS TIGIT blockade efficiently reinvigorated peripheral T cells from patients with multiple myeloma. However, in the BM, the efficacy of blocking anti-TIGIT mAb to achieve tumor cell death may depend on the expression of TIGIT and nectin-2, becoming potential predictive biomarkers for identifying patients who may benefit from TIGIT blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Lozano
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain. .,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, and Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mari-Pau Mena
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tania Díaz
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martin-Antonio
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sheila León
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis-Gerardo Rodríguez-Lobato
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aina Oliver-Caldés
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Cibeira
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Bladé
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aleix Prat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Rosiñol
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Fernández de Larrea
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
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Oh DY, Kwek SS, Raju SS, Li T, McCarthy E, Chow E, Aran D, Ilano A, Pai CCS, Rancan C, Allaire K, Burra A, Sun Y, Spitzer MH, Mangul S, Porten S, Meng MV, Friedlander TW, Ye CJ, Fong L. Intratumoral CD4 + T Cells Mediate Anti-tumor Cytotoxicity in Human Bladder Cancer. Cell 2020; 181:1612-1625.e13. [PMID: 32497499 PMCID: PMC7321885 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 403] [Impact Index Per Article: 100.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Responses to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy occur but are infrequent in bladder cancer. The specific T cells that mediate tumor rejection are unknown. T cells from human bladder tumors and non-malignant tissue were assessed with single-cell RNA and paired T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing of 30,604 T cells from 7 patients. We find that the states and repertoires of CD8+ T cells are not distinct in tumors compared with non-malignant tissues. In contrast, single-cell analysis of CD4+ T cells demonstrates several tumor-specific states, including multiple distinct states of regulatory T cells. Surprisingly, we also find multiple cytotoxic CD4+ T cell states that are clonally expanded. These CD4+ T cells can kill autologous tumors in an MHC class II-dependent fashion and are suppressed by regulatory T cells. Further, a gene signature of cytotoxic CD4+ T cells in tumors predicts a clinical response in 244 metastatic bladder cancer patients treated with anti-PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Y Oh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Serena S Kwek
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Siddharth S Raju
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Tony Li
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Elizabeth McCarthy
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Eric Chow
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for Advanced Technologies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Dvir Aran
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Arielle Ilano
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Chien-Chun Steven Pai
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Chiara Rancan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Kathryn Allaire
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Arun Burra
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Matthew H Spitzer
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Serghei Mangul
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sima Porten
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Maxwell V Meng
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Terence W Friedlander
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Chun Jimmie Ye
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Lawrence Fong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Modulation of regulatory T cell function and stability by co-inhibitory receptors. Nat Rev Immunol 2020; 20:680-693. [PMID: 32269380 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-0296-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells constitute a dynamic population that is essential for controlling immune responses in health and disease. Defects in Treg cell function and decreases in Treg cell numbers have been observed in patients with autoimmunity and the opposite effects on Treg cells occur in cancer settings. Current research on new therapies for these diseases is focused on modulating Treg cell function to increase or decrease suppressive activity in autoimmunity and cancer, respectively. In this regard, several co-inhibitory receptors that are preferentially expressed by Treg cells under homeostatic conditions have recently been shown to control Treg cell function and stability in different disease settings. These receptors could be amenable to therapeutic targeting aimed at modulating Treg cell function and plasticity. This Review summarizes recent data regarding the role of co-inhibitory molecules in the control of Treg cell function and stability, with a focus on their roles and potential therapeutic use in autoimmunity and cancer.
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