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Ma Y, Zheng K, Zhao C, Chen J, Chen L, Zhang Y, Chen T, Yao X, Cai Y, Wu J. Microglia LILRB4 upregulation reduces brain damage after acute ischemic stroke by limiting CD8 + T cell recruitment. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:214. [PMID: 39217343 PMCID: PMC11366150 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03206-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (LILRB4) plays a significant role in regulating immune responses. LILRB4 in microglia might influence the infiltration of peripheral T cells. However, whether and how LILRB4 expression aggravates brain damage after acute ischemic stroke remains unclear. This study investigates the role of LILRB4 in modulating the immune response and its potential protective effects against ischemic brain injury in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS Microglia-specific LILRB4 conditional knockout (LILRB4-KO) and overexpression transgenic (LILRB4-TG) mice were constructed by a Cre-loxP system. Then, they were used to investigate the role of LILRB4 after ischemic stroke using a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model. Spatial transcriptomics analysis revealed increased LILRB4 expression in the ischemic hemisphere. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) identified microglia-cluster3, an ischemia-associated microglia subcluster with elevated LILRB4 expression in the ischemic brain. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining showed increased CD8+ T cell infiltration into the brain in LILRB4-KO-tMCAO mice. Behavioral tests, cortical perfusion maps, and infarct size measurements indicated that LILRB4-KO-tMCAO mice had more severe functional deficits and larger infarct sizes compared to Control-tMCAO and LILRB4-TG-tMCAO mice. T cell migration assays demonstrated that LILRB4-KD microglia promoted CD8+ T cell recruitment and activation in vitro, which was mitigated by CCL2 inhibition and recombinant arginase-1 addition. The scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics identified CCL2 was predominantly secreted from activated microglia/macrophage and increased CCL2 expression in LILRB4-KD microglia, suggesting a chemokine-mediated mechanism of LILRB4. CONCLUSION LILRB4 in microglia plays a crucial role in modulating the post-stroke immune response by regulating CD8+ T cell infiltration and activation. Knockout of LILRB4 exacerbates ischemic brain injury by promoting CD8+ T cell recruitment. Overexpression of LILRB4, conversely, offers neuroprotection. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting LILRB4 and its downstream pathways to mitigate immune-mediated damage in ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Ma
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhao
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jieli Chen
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiuhua Yao
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Cai
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| | - Jialing Wu
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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WANG ZHENGYI, ZHOU LIANG, WU XIAOYING. Influencing factors and solution strategies of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) cell immunotherapy. Oncol Res 2024; 32:1479-1516. [PMID: 39220130 PMCID: PMC11361912 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.048564] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cesll therapy (CAR-T) has achieved groundbreaking advancements in clinical application, ushering in a new era for innovative cancer treatment. However, the challenges associated with implementing this novel targeted cell therapy are increasingly significant. Particularly in the clinical management of solid tumors, obstacles such as the immunosuppressive effects of the tumor microenvironment, limited local tumor infiltration capability of CAR-T cells, heterogeneity of tumor targeting antigens, uncertainties surrounding CAR-T quality, control, and clinical adverse reactions have contributed to increased drug resistance and decreased compliance in tumor therapy. These factors have significantly impeded the widespread adoption and utilization of this therapeutic approach. In this paper, we comprehensively analyze recent preclinical and clinical reports on CAR-T therapy while summarizing crucial factors influencing its efficacy. Furthermore, we aim to identify existing solution strategies and explore their current research status. Through this review article, our objective is to broaden perspectives for further exploration into CAR-T therapy strategies and their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZHENGYI WANG
- Department of Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - LIANG ZHOU
- Department of Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - XIAOYING WU
- Ministry of Education and Training, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
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3
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Soto CA, Lesch ML, Becker JL, Sharipol A, Khan A, Schafer XL, Becker MW, Munger JC, Frisch BJ. The Lactate Receptor GPR81 is a Mechanism of Leukemia-Associated Macrophage Polarization in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.13.566874. [PMID: 39185193 PMCID: PMC11343108 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.13.566874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Interactions between acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the bone marrow microenvironment (BMME) are critical to leukemia progression and chemoresistance. Altered metabolite levels in the tumor microenvironment contribute to immunosuppression in solid tumors, while this has not been studied yet in the leukemic BMME. Metabolomics of AML patient bone marrow serum detected elevated metabolites, including lactate, compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Excess lactate has been implicated in solid tumors for inducing suppressive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and correlates with poor prognosis. We describe the role of lactate in the polarization of leukemia-associated macrophages (LAMs) using a murine model of blast crisis chronic myelogenous leukemia (bcCML) and mice genetically lacking the lactate receptor GPR81. LAMs were CD206hi and suppressive in transcriptomics and cytokine profiling. Yet, LAMs had a largely unique expression profile from other types of TAMs. We demonstrate GPR81 signaling as a mechanism of both LAM polarization and the direct support of leukemia cell growth and self-repopulation. Furthermore, LAMs and elevated lactate diminished the function of hematopoietic progenitors and stromal support, while knockout of GPR81 had modest protective effects on the hematopoietic system. We report microenvironmental lactate as a critical driver of AML-induced immunosuppression and leukemic progression, thus identifying GPR81 signaling as an exciting and novel therapeutic target for treating this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia A. Soto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Maggie L. Lesch
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Becker
- Genomics Research Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Azmeer Sharipol
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Amal Khan
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Xenia L. Schafer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Michael W. Becker
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Joshua C. Munger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Frisch
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
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4
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Grobben Y. Targeting amino acid-metabolizing enzymes for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1440269. [PMID: 39211039 PMCID: PMC11359565 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1440269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the immune system's role in the detection and eradication of abnormal cells, cancer cells often evade elimination by exploitation of various immune escape mechanisms. Among these mechanisms is the ability of cancer cells to upregulate amino acid-metabolizing enzymes, or to induce these enzymes in tumor-infiltrating immunosuppressive cells. Amino acids are fundamental cellular nutrients required for a variety of physiological processes, and their inadequacy can severely impact immune cell function. Amino acid-derived metabolites can additionally dampen the anti-tumor immune response by means of their immunosuppressive activities, whilst some can also promote tumor growth directly. Based on their evident role in tumor immune escape, the amino acid-metabolizing enzymes glutaminase 1 (GLS1), arginase 1 (ARG1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and interleukin 4 induced 1 (IL4I1) each serve as a promising target for immunotherapeutic intervention. This review summarizes and discusses the involvement of these enzymes in cancer, their effect on the anti-tumor immune response and the recent progress made in the preclinical and clinical evaluation of inhibitors targeting these enzymes.
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5
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Urs AP, Goda C, Kulkarni R. Remodeling of the bone marrow microenvironment during acute myeloid leukemia progression. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2024; 12:63. [PMID: 39118939 PMCID: PMC11304419 DOI: 10.21037/atm-23-1824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Hematopoiesis requires a complex interplay between the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and the cells of the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). The BMM is heterogeneous, with different regions having distinct cellular, molecular, and metabolic composition and function. Studies have shown that this niche is disrupted in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which plays a crucial role in disease progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the components of vascular and endosteal niches and the molecular mechanisms by which they regulate normal hematopoiesis. We also discuss how these niches are modified in the context of AML, into a disease-promoting niche and how the modified niches in turn regulate AML blast survival and proliferation. We focus on mechanisms of modifications in structural and cellular components of the bone marrow (BM) niche by the AML cells and its impact on leukemic progression and patient outcome. Finally, we also discuss mechanisms by which the altered BM niche protects AML blasts from treatment agents, thereby causing therapy resistance in AML patients. We also summarize ongoing clinical trials that target various BM niche components in the treatment of AML patients. Hence, the BM niche represents a promising target to treat AML and promote normal hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amog P. Urs
- The Division of Hematology and Hematological Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Chinmayee Goda
- The Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rohan Kulkarni
- The Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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6
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Zha C, Song J, Wan M, Lin X, He X, Wu M, Huang R. Recent advances in CAR-T therapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Ther Adv Hematol 2024; 15:20406207241263489. [PMID: 39050113 PMCID: PMC11268017 DOI: 10.1177/20406207241263489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, which has demonstrated notable efficacy against B-cell malignancies and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for clinical use in this context, represents a significant milestone in cancer immunotherapy. However, the efficacy of CAR-T therapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is poor. The challenges associated with the application of CAR-T therapy for the clinical treatment of AML include, but are not limited to, nonspecific distribution of AML therapeutic targets, difficulties in the production of CAR-T cells, AML blast cell heterogeneity, the immunosuppressive microenvironment in AML, and treatment-related adverse events. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding various therapeutic targets for AML (CD33, CD123, CLL1, CD7, etc.) and the results of the latest clinical studies on these targets. Thereafter, we also discuss the challenges related to CAR-T therapy for AML and some promising strategies for overcoming these challenges, including novel approaches such as gene editing and advances in CAR design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Zha
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jialu Song
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Wan
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, No. 253 Gongyedadaozhong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaolin He
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Wu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, No. 253 Gongyedadaozhong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
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7
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Chandra DJ, Alber B, Saultz JN. The Immune Resistance Signature of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Current Immunotherapy Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2615. [PMID: 39123343 PMCID: PMC11311077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152615] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex hematopoietic clonal disorder with limited curative options beyond stem cell transplantation. The success of transplant is intimately linked with the graft versus leukemia effect from the alloreactive donor immune cells including, T and NK cells. The immune system plays a dynamic role in leukemia survival and resistance. Despite our growing understanding of the immune microenvironment, responses to immune-based therapies differ greatly between patients. Herein, we review the biology of immune evasion mechanisms in AML, discuss the current landscape of immunotherapeutic strategies, and discuss the implications of therapeutic targets. This review focuses on T and NK cell-based therapy, including modified and non-modified NK cells, CAR-T and CAR-NK cells, antibodies, and checkpoint blockades. Understanding the complex interchange between immune tolerance and the emergence of tumor resistance will improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Chandra
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Bernhard Alber
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Jennifer N. Saultz
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
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8
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Cai X, Liu Y, Li H, Que Y, Xiao M, Wang Y, Wang X, Li D. XPO1 inhibition displays anti-leukemia efficacy against DNMT3A-mutant acute myeloid leukemia via downregulating glutathione pathway. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:2311-2322. [PMID: 38519605 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05706-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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) mutation display poor prognosis, and targeted therapy is not available currently. Our previous study identified increased expression of Exportin1 (XPO1) in DNMT3AR882H AML patients. Therefore, we further investigated the therapeutic effect of XPO1 inhibition on DNMT3AR882H AML. Three types of DNMT3AR882H AML cell lines were generated, and XPO1 was significantly upregulated in all DNMT3AR882H cells compared with the wild-type (WT) cells. The XPO1 inhibitor selinexor displayed higher potential in the inhibition of proliferation, promotion of apoptosis, and blockage of the cell cycle in DNMT3AR882H cells than WT cells. Selinexor also significantly inhibited the proliferation of subcutaneous tumors in DNMT3AR882H AML model mice. Primary cells with DNMT3A mutations were more sensitive to selinexor in chemotherapy-naive AML patients. RNA sequencing of selinexor treated AML cells revealed that the majority of metabolic pathways were downregulated after selinexor treatment, with the most significant change in the glutathione metabolic pathway. Glutathione inhibitor L-Buthionine-(S, R)-sulfoximine (BSO) significantly enhanced the apoptosis-inducing effect of selinexor in DNMT3AWT/DNMT3AR882H AML cells. In conclusion, our work reveals that selinexor displays anti-leukemia efficacy against DNMT3AR882H AML via downregulating glutathione pathway. Combination of selinexor and BSO provides novel therapeutic strategy for AML treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Cai
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huimin Li
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yimei Que
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Dengju Li
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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9
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Tameni A, Toffalori C, Vago L. Tricking the trickster: precision medicine approaches to counteract leukemia immune escape after transplant. Blood 2024; 143:2710-2721. [PMID: 38728431 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023019962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Over the last decades, significant improvements in reducing the toxicities of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) have widened its use as consolidation or salvage therapy for high-risk hematological malignancies. Nevertheless, relapse of the original malignant disease remains an open issue with unsatisfactory salvage options and limited rationales to select among them. In the last years, several studies have highlighted that relapse is often associated with specific genomic and nongenomic mechanisms of immune escape. In this review we summarize the current knowledge about these modalities of immune evasion, focusing on the mechanisms that leverage antigen presentation and pathologic rewiring of the bone marrow microenvironment. We present examples of how this biologic information can be translated into specific approaches to treat relapse, discuss the status of the clinical trials for patients who relapsed after a transplant, and show how dissecting the complex immunobiology of allo-HCT represents a crucial step toward developing new personalized approaches to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Tameni
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Toffalori
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Vago
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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10
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Bruserud Ø, Selheim F, Hernandez-Valladares M, Reikvam H. Monocytic Differentiation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells: Diagnostic Criteria, Biological Heterogeneity, Mitochondrial Metabolism, Resistance to and Induction by Targeted Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6356. [PMID: 38928061 PMCID: PMC11203697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126356] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We review the importance of monocytic differentiation and differentiation induction in non-APL (acute promyelocytic leukemia) variants of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a malignancy characterized by proliferation of immature myeloid cells. Even though the cellular differentiation block is a fundamental characteristic, the AML cells can show limited signs of differentiation. According to the French-American-British (FAB-M4/M5 subset) and the World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 classifications, monocytic differentiation is characterized by morphological signs and the expression of specific molecular markers involved in cellular communication and adhesion. Furthermore, monocytic FAB-M4/M5 patients are heterogeneous with regards to cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities, and monocytic differentiation does not have any major prognostic impact for these patients when receiving conventional intensive cytotoxic therapy. In contrast, FAB-M4/M5 patients have decreased susceptibility to the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax, and this seems to be due to common molecular characteristics involving mitochondrial regulation of the cellular metabolism and survival, including decreased dependency on Bcl-2 compared to other AML patients. Thus, the susceptibility to Bcl-2 inhibition does not only depend on general resistance/susceptibility mechanisms known from conventional AML therapy but also specific mechanisms involving the molecular target itself or the molecular context of the target. AML cell differentiation status is also associated with susceptibility to other targeted therapies (e.g., CDK2/4/6 and bromodomain inhibition), and differentiation induction seems to be a part of the antileukemic effect for several targeted anti-AML therapies. Differentiation-associated molecular mechanisms may thus become important in the future implementation of targeted therapies in human AML.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Cell Differentiation
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Monocytes/metabolism
- Monocytes/pathology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Øystein Bruserud
- Acute Leukemia Research Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (M.H.-V.); (H.R.)
- Section for Hematology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Frode Selheim
- Proteomics Unit of University of Bergen (PROBE), University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Maria Hernandez-Valladares
- Acute Leukemia Research Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (M.H.-V.); (H.R.)
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Granada, Avenida de la Fuente Nueva S/N, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Håkon Reikvam
- Acute Leukemia Research Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (M.H.-V.); (H.R.)
- Section for Hematology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5009 Bergen, Norway
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11
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Perzolli A, Koedijk JB, Zwaan CM, Heidenreich O. Targeting the innate immune system in pediatric and adult AML. Leukemia 2024; 38:1191-1201. [PMID: 38459166 PMCID: PMC11147779 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02217-7] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
While the introduction of T cell-based immunotherapies has improved outcomes in many cancer types, the development of immunotherapies for both adult and pediatric AML has been relatively slow and limited. In addition to the need to identify suitable target antigens, a better understanding of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is necessary for the design of novel immunotherapy approaches. To date, most immune characterization studies in AML have focused on T cells, while innate immune lineages such as monocytes, granulocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, received less attention. In solid cancers, studies have shown that innate immune cells, such as macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and neutrophils are highly plastic and may differentiate into immunosuppressive cells depending on signals received in their microenvironment, while NK cells appear to be functionally impaired. Hence, an in-depth characterization of the innate immune compartment in the TME is urgently needed to guide the development of immunotherapeutic interventions for AML. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the innate immune compartment in AML, and we discuss how targeting its components may enhance T cell-based- and other immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Perzolli
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost B Koedijk
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Michel Zwaan
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
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12
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Zhu G, Lang W, Fu W, Xu L, Cai J, Zhong H. Single-cell sequencing unveils T-cell characteristic in acute myeloid leukemia. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111927. [PMID: 38555820 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111927] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents as a remarkably heterogeneous disease, and the intricate role of various T cell subtypes, including T helper (Th) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells, in immune dysregulation and the promotion of leukemia cell proliferation and survival is not yet fully understood. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of transcriptome profiles in T cells derived from bone marrow samples of three leukemia patients, both before and after treatment, as well as from a relapse sample. This analysis was facilitated through the utilization of single-cell RNA sequencing. The T cell population was subcategorized into CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells. Intriguingly, the composition of CD8 + T cells exhibited a relatively stable pattern before and after treatment, while a substantial difference in composition was observed in CD4 + T cells, notably in Th17 and Treg cell populations. Pseudotime trajectory analysis of CD4 + T cell clusters provided further insights into the augmented transition between Th17-like and Treg cells in AML. This transition was characterized by changes in the expression of key genes, including STAT3, CCR6, IL23R, FOXP3, and CTLA4, along their developmental path. An increased cell-to-cell interaction between AML blast cells and all types of T cells appeared to contribute to the restoration of normal T cell proportions. Notably, the LGALS9-CD45 and LGALS9-CD44 pathways emerged as pivotal interactions between blast cells and Treg cells. Our findings unveil an imbalanced differentiation pattern in CD4 + T cells and elucidate the immunosuppressive profiles linked to leukemia cells, thereby enhancing our understanding of CD4 + T cell functionality in the context of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelan Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wenjing Lang
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wanbin Fu
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lan Xu
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jiayi Cai
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Hua Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China.
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13
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Li K, Nie H, Jin R, Wu X. Mesenchymal stem cells-macrophages crosstalk and myeloid malignancy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1397005. [PMID: 38779660 PMCID: PMC11109455 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1397005] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
As major components of the tumor microenvironment, both mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and macrophages can be remodelled and exhibit different phenotypes and functions during tumor initiation and progression. In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a crucial role in the growth, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance of hematological malignancies, and are associated with poor prognosis. Consequently, TAMs have emerged as promising therapeutic targets. Notably, MSCs exert a profound influence on modulating immune cell functions such as macrophages and granulocytes, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment surrounding tumors. However, in hematological malignancies, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between MSCs and macrophages have not been clearly elucidated. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of TAMs in various common hematological malignancies, and discuss the latest advances in understanding the interaction between MSCs and macrophages in disease progression. Additionally, potential therapeutic approaches targeting this relationship are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyan Nie
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Runming Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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14
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Ma S, Ming Y, Wu J, Cui G. Cellular metabolism regulates the differentiation and function of T-cell subsets. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:419-435. [PMID: 38565887 PMCID: PMC11061161 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01148-8] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells are an important component of adaptive immunity and protect the host from infectious diseases and cancers. However, uncontrolled T cell immunity may cause autoimmune disorders. In both situations, antigen-specific T cells undergo clonal expansion upon the engagement and activation of antigens. Cellular metabolism is reprogrammed to meet the increase in bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands associated with effector T cell expansion. Metabolites not only serve as building blocks or energy sources to fuel cell growth and expansion but also regulate a broad spectrum of cellular signals that instruct the differentiation of multiple T cell subsets. The realm of immunometabolism research is undergoing swift advancements. Encapsulating all the recent progress within this concise review in not possible. Instead, our objective is to provide a succinct introduction to this swiftly progressing research, concentrating on the metabolic intricacies of three pivotal nutrient classes-lipids, glucose, and amino acids-in T cells. We shed light on recent investigations elucidating the roles of these three groups of metabolites in mediating the metabolic and immune functions of T cells. Moreover, we delve into the prospect of "editing" metabolic pathways within T cells using pharmacological or genetic approaches, with the aim of synergizing this approach with existing immunotherapies and enhancing the efficacy of antitumor and antiinfection immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Yanan Ming
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Jingxia Wu
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - Guoliang Cui
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230601, China.
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15
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Zou Z, Cheng Q, Zhou J, Guo C, Hadjinicolaou AV, Salio M, Liang X, Yang C, Du Y, Yao W, Wang D, Cerundolo V, Wang Q, Xia M. ATF4-SLC7A11-GSH axis mediates the acquisition of immunosuppressive properties by activated CD4 + T cells in low arginine condition. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113995. [PMID: 38527061 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113995] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is restricted in metabolic nutrients including the semi-essential amino acid arginine. While complete arginine deprivation causes T cell dysfunction, it remains unclear how arginine levels fluctuate in the TME to shape T cell fates. Here, we find that the 20-μM low arginine condition, representing the levels found in the plasma of patients with cancers, confers Treg-like immunosuppressive capacities upon activated T cells. In vivo mouse tumor models and human single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets reveal positive correlations between low arginine condition and intratumoral Treg accumulation. Mechanistically, low arginine-activated T cells engage in metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming, using the ATF4-SLC7A11-GSH axis, to preserve their suppressive function. These findings improve our understanding of the role of arginine in human T cell biology with potential applications for immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Zou
- Institute of Immunology, and Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qian Cheng
- MRC Centre for Computational Biology, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 9DS Oxford, UK
| | - Jiajie Zhou
- Institute of Immunology, and Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chenyao Guo
- Institute of Immunology, and Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Andreas V Hadjinicolaou
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 9DS Oxford, UK; Early Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Hutchison Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0XZ Cambridge, UK
| | - Mariolina Salio
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 9DS Oxford, UK
| | - Xinghua Liang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Cuiyu Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yue Du
- Institute of Immunology, and Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weiran Yao
- Institute of Immunology, and Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dongrui Wang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Vincenzo Cerundolo
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 9DS Oxford, UK
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Institute of Immunology, and Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 311121, China.
| | - Meng Xia
- Institute of Immunology, and Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 9DS Oxford, UK.
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16
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Lester C, Li JM, Passang T, Wang Y, Waller EK, Blakey SB. Chemical Modifications to Enhance the Drug Properties of a VIP Receptor Antagonist (ANT) Peptide. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4391. [PMID: 38673976 PMCID: PMC11050070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084391] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antagonist peptides (ANTs) of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptors (VIP-Rs) are shown to enhance T cell activation and proliferation in vitro, as well as improving T cell-dependent anti-tumor response in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) murine models. However, peptide therapeutics often suffer from poor metabolic stability and exhibit a short half-life/fast elimination in vivo. In this study, we describe efforts to enhance the drug properties of ANTs via chemical modifications. The lead antagonist (ANT308) is derivatized with the following modifications: N-terminus acetylation, peptide stapling, and PEGylation. Acetylated ANT308 exhibits diminished T cell activation in vitro, indicating that N-terminus conservation is critical for antagonist activity. The replacement of residues 13 and 17 with cysteine to accommodate a chemical staple results in diminished survival using the modified peptide to treat mice with AML. However, the incorporation of the constraint increases survival and reduces tumor burden relative to its unstapled counterpart. Notably, PEGylation has a significant positive effect, with fewer doses of PEGylated ANT308 needed to achieve comparable overall survival and tumor burden in leukemic mice dosed with the parenteral ANT308 peptide, suggesting that polyethylene glycol (PEG) incorporation enhances longevity, and thus the antagonist activity of ANT308.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lester
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Jian-Ming Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (J.-M.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Tenzin Passang
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Yuou Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (J.-M.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Edmund K. Waller
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (J.-M.L.); (Y.W.)
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Simon B. Blakey
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
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17
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Cheng C, Liang S, Yue K, Wu N, Li Z, Dong T, Dong X, Ling M, Jiang Q, Liu J, Huang XJ. STAT5 is essential for inducing the suppressive subset and attenuate cytotoxicity of Vδ2 + T cells in acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216730. [PMID: 38360140 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216730] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Under the sustained exposure to tumor microenvironment, effector lymphocytes may transform into the suppressive populations. γδ T cells are recognized as a crucial mediator and effector of immune surveillance and thereby a promising candidate for anti-tumor immunotherapy. Emerging clinical studies implicate that some γδ T subsets play an important role in promoting tumor progression. Our previous study identified an abnormal Vδ2+ T cells subset with regulatory features (Reg-Vδ2) in the patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and demonstrated that Reg-Vδ2 cells significantly suppressed the anti-AML effects of effector Vδ2 cells (Eff-Vδ2). The molecular mechanism underlying the subset transformation of Vδ2 cells remains unclear. Here, we found that the expression and activity of STAT5 were significantly induced in Reg-Vδ2 cells compared with Eff-Vδ2 cells, which was consistent with the differences found in primary Vδ2 cells between AML patients and healthy donors. In-vitro experiments further indicated that STAT5 was required for the induction of Reg-Vδ2 cells. The combined immunophenotypical and functional assays showed that blockage of STAT5 alleviated the immunosuppressive effect of Reg-Vδ2 cells on Eff-Vδ2 cells and enhanced the anti-AML capacity of Vδ2 cells from health donors and AML patients. Collectively, these results suggest that STAT5 acts as a critical regulator in the transformation of effector Vδ2 cells into a subset with immunosuppressive characteristics, providing a potential target for the improvement the efficacy of γδ T cells-based immunotherapy to treat AML and other hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Cheng
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China; Research Unit of Key Technique for Diagnosis and Treatments of Hematologic Malignancies, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (2019RU029), Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Keli Yue
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Wu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Zongru Li
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Tianhui Dong
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Dong
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Min Ling
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangying Liu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China; Research Unit of Key Technique for Diagnosis and Treatments of Hematologic Malignancies, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (2019RU029), Beijing, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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18
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Liu W, Zhu M, Li G, Xi Y. The KIR2DL family serves as prognostic biomarkers and correlates with immune infiltrates in acute myeloid leukaemia. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18256. [PMID: 38527290 PMCID: PMC10963068 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18256] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a prevalent haematological malignancy in which various immune and stromal cells in the bone marrow microenvironment have instrumental roles and substantially influence its progression. KIR2DL is a member of the immunoglobulin-like receptor family and a natural killer (NK) cell surface-specific receptor. However, its impact on immune infiltration regarding AML has not been addressed. We aimed to explore molecular markers associated with the immune microenvironment and prognosis of AML with a particular focus on KIR2DL family members. Analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression databases revealed that KIR2DL1, KIR2DL3 and KIR2DL4 expression were significantly upregulated in AML and associated with decreased overall survival (OS). Moreover, univariate Cox analysis implicated KIR2DL genes as independent prognostic markers of OS. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that KIR2DL genes were associated with immune cells, the immune microenvironment and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Additionally, immune infiltration analyses revealed that KIR2DL upregulation was associated with stronger immune infiltration. Finally, we performed drug sensitivity profiling of KIR2DL genes using the Cellminer database. Collectively, our findings suggest that KIR2DL1, KIR2DL3 and KIR2DL4 have critical roles in AML and may represent novel biomarker genes for disease prognosis and immune infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenling Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Mingming Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai UniversityXiningChina
| | - Ganggang Li
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Qinghai ProvinceXiningChina
| | - Yaming Xi
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Department of HematologyThe First Hospital of Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
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19
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Hajaj E, Pozzi S, Erez A. From the Inside Out: Exposing the Roles of Urea Cycle Enzymes in Tumors and Their Micro and Macro Environments. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041538. [PMID: 37696657 PMCID: PMC10982720 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Catabolic pathways change in anabolic diseases such as cancer to maintain metabolic homeostasis. The liver urea cycle (UC) is the main catabolic pathway for disposing excess nitrogen. Outside the liver, the UC enzymes are differentially expressed based on each tissue's needs for UC intermediates. In tumors, there are changes in the expression of UC enzymes selected for promoting tumorigenesis by increasing the availability of essential UC substrates and products. Consequently, there are compensatory changes in the expression of UC enzymes in the cells that compose the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, extrahepatic tumors induce changes in the expression of the liver UC, which contribute to the systemic manifestations of cancer, such as weight loss. Here, we review the multilayer changes in the expression of UC enzymes throughout carcinogenesis. Understanding the changes in UC expression in the tumor and its micro and macro environment can help identify biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis and vulnerabilities that can be targeted for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hajaj
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sabina Pozzi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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20
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Burk AC, Apostolova P. Metabolic instruction of the graft-versus-leukemia immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1347492. [PMID: 38500877 PMCID: PMC10944922 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1347492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is frequently performed to cure hematological malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), through the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. In this immunological process, donor immune cells eliminate residual cancer cells in the patient and exert tumor control through immunosurveillance. However, GVL failure and subsequent leukemia relapse are frequent and associated with a dismal prognosis. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying AML immune evasion is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies to boost the GVL effect. Cellular metabolism has emerged as an essential regulator of survival and cell fate for both cancer and immune cells. Leukemia and T cells utilize specific metabolic programs, including the orchestrated use of glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, to support their growth and function. Besides regulating cell-intrinsic processes, metabolism shapes the extracellular environment and plays an important role in cell-cell communication. This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of how metabolism might affect the anti-leukemia immune response. First, we provide a general overview of the mechanisms of immune escape after allo-HCT and an introduction to leukemia and T cell metabolism. Further, we discuss how leukemia and myeloid cell metabolism contribute to an altered microenvironment that impairs T cell function. Next, we review the literature linking metabolic processes in AML cells with their inhibitory checkpoint ligand expression. Finally, we focus on recent findings concerning the role of systemic metabolism in sustained GVL efficacy. While the majority of evidence in the field still stems from basic and preclinical studies, we discuss translational findings and propose further avenues for bridging the gap between bench and bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Cathrin Burk
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Petya Apostolova
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Hematology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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21
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Shang J, Hu S, Wang X. Targeting natural killer cells: from basic biology to clinical application in hematologic malignancies. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:21. [PMID: 38396050 PMCID: PMC10885621 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell belongs to innate lymphoid cell family that contributes to host immunosurveillance and defense without pre-immunization. Emerging studies have sought to understand the underlying mechanism behind NK cell dysfunction in tumor environments, and provide numerous novel therapeutic targets for tumor treatment. Strategies to enhance functional activities of NK cell have exhibited promising efficacy and favorable tolerance in clinical treatment of tumor patients, such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), chimeric antigen receptor NK (CAR-NK) cell, and bi/trispecific killer cell engager (BiKE/TriKE). Immunotherapy targeting NK cell provides remarkable advantages compared to T cell therapy, including a decreased rate of graft versus-host disease (GvHD) and neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, advanced details on how to support the maintenance and function of NK cell to obtain better response rate and longer duration still remain to be elucidated. This review systematically summarizes the profound role of NK cells in tumor development, highlights up-to-date advances and current challenges of therapy targeting NK cell in the clinical treatment of hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Shang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Shunfeng Hu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 251006, China.
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22
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Gzik A, Borek B, Chrzanowski J, Jedrzejczak K, Dziegielewski M, Brzezinska J, Nowicka J, Grzybowski MM, Rejczak T, Niedzialek D, Wieczorek G, Olczak J, Golebiowski A, Zaslona Z, Blaszczyk R. Novel orally bioavailable piperidine derivatives as extracellular arginase inhibitors developed by a ring expansion. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116033. [PMID: 38096651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116033] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Arginase is a multifaced enzyme that plays an important role in health and disease being regarded as a therapeutic target for the treatment of various pathological states such as malignancies, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. The discovery of boronic acid-based arginase inhibitors in 1997 revolutionized attempts of medicinal chemistry focused on development of drugs targeting arginase. Unfortunately, these very polar compounds had limitations such as analysis and purification without chromophores, synthetically challenging space, and poor oral bioavailability. Herein, we present a novel class of boronic acid-based arginase inhibitors which are piperidine derivatives exhibiting a different pharmacological profile compared to our drug candidate in cancer immunotherapy -OATD-02 - dual ARG1/2 inhibitor with high intracellular activity. Compounds from this new series show low intracellular activity, hence they can inhibit mainly extracellular arginase, providing different therapeutic space compared to a dual intracellular ARG1/2 inhibitor. The disclosed series showed good inhibitory potential towards arginase enzyme in vitro (IC50 up to 160 nM), favorable pharmacokinetics in animal models, and encouraging preliminary in vitro and in vivo tolerability. Compounds from the new series have moderate-to-high oral bioavailability (up to 66 %) and moderate clearance in vivo. Herein we describe the development and optimization of the synthesis of the new class of boronic acid-based arginase inhibitors via a ring expansion approach starting from the inexpensive chirality source (d-hydroxyproline). This upgraded methodology facilitated a gram-scale delivery of the final compound and eliminated the need for costly and time-consuming chiral resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gzik
- Molecure S.A., Zwirki i Wigury 101, Warsaw, 02-089, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Julita Nowicka
- Molecure S.A., Zwirki i Wigury 101, Warsaw, 02-089, Poland
| | | | - Tomasz Rejczak
- Molecure S.A., Zwirki i Wigury 101, Warsaw, 02-089, Poland
| | | | | | - Jacek Olczak
- Molecure S.A., Zwirki i Wigury 101, Warsaw, 02-089, Poland
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23
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Jürgens DC, Winkeljann B, Kolog Gulko M, Jin Y, Möller J, Winkeljann J, Sheshachala S, Anger A, Hörner A, Adams NBP, Urbanetz N, Merkel OM. Efficient and Targeted siRNA Delivery to M2 Macrophages by Smart Polymer Blends for M1 Macrophage Repolarization as a Promising Strategy for Future Cancer Treatment. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:166-177. [PMID: 37978912 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01595] [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: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains an issue on a global scale. It is estimated that nearly 10 million people succumbed to cancer worldwide in 2020. New treatment options are urgently needed. A promising approach is a conversion of tumor-promoting M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) as part of the tumor microenvironment to tumor-suppressive M1 TAMs by small interfering RNA (siRNA). In this work, we present a well-characterized polymeric nanocarrier system capable of targeting M2 TAMs by a ligand-receptor interaction. Therefore, we developed a blended PEI-based polymeric nanoparticle system conjugated with mannose, which is internalized after interaction with macrophage mannose receptors (MMRs), showing low cytotoxicity and negligible IL-6 activation. The PEI-PCL-PEI (5 kDa-5 kDa-5 kDa) and Man-PEG-PCL (2 kDa-2 kDa) blended siRNA delivery system was optimized for maximum targeting capability and efficient endosomal escape by evaluation of different polymer and N/P ratios. The nanoparticles were formulated by surface acoustic wave-assisted microfluidics, achieving a size of ∼80 nm and a zeta potential of approximately +10 mV. Special attention was given to the endosomal escape as the so-called bottleneck of RNA drug delivery. To estimate the endosomal escape capability of the nanocarrier system, we developed a prediction method by evaluating the particle stability via the inflection temperature. Our predictions were then verified in an in vitro setting by applying confocal microscopy. For cellular experiments, however, human THP-1 cells were polarized to M2 macrophages by cytokine treatment and validated through MMR expression. To show the efficiency of the nanoparticle system, GAPDH and IκBα knockdown was performed in the presence or absence of an MMR blocking excess of mannan. Cellular uptake, GAPDH knockdown, and NF-κB western blot confirmed efficient mannose targeting. Herein, we presented a well-characterized nanoparticle delivery system and a promising approach for targeting M2 macrophages by a mannose-MMR interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Jürgens
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Benjamin Winkeljann
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, Munich 81377, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich 80799, Germany
| | | | - Yao Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Judith Möller
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Joshua Winkeljann
- Department of Experimental Physics, University of Augsburg, Universitätsstraße 1, Augsburg 86159, Germany
| | | | - Alina Anger
- Nanotemper Technologies GmbH, Flößergasse 4, Munich 81369, Germany
| | - Andreas Hörner
- Department of Experimental Physics, University of Augsburg, Universitätsstraße 1, Augsburg 86159, Germany
| | - Nathan B P Adams
- Nanotemper Technologies GmbH, Flößergasse 4, Munich 81369, Germany
| | - Nora Urbanetz
- Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH, Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm 85276, Germany
| | - Olivia M Merkel
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, Munich 81377, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich 80799, Germany
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24
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Gao X. Integrated Analysis of Single-Cell RNA-Seq and Bulk RNA-Seq Unravels the Molecular Feature of Tumor-Associated Macrophage of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Genet Res (Camb) 2024; 2024:5539065. [PMID: 38205232 PMCID: PMC10776189 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5539065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The association between acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and macrophage remains to be deeply explored. Methods Gene expression profiles and clinical variable characteristics of AML patients were collected from TCGA, GEO, and TARGET databases. Consensus clustering was employed to construct the macrophage-related clusters. The macrophage-related index (MRI) was constructed using the LASSO and multivariate Cox analysis. The GSE71014 and TARGET datasets were utilized as external validation sets. Single-cell sequencing data for AML (GSE116256) was adopted to analyze modeled gene expression levels in cells. Results Two macrophage-related clusters with different prognostic and immune infiltration characteristics were constructed in AML. Cluster B had a poorer prognosis, more cancer-promoting pathway enrichment, and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Relied on the MRI, patients of different groups showed different levels of immune infiltration, different mutations, and prognoses. LGALS1 and BCL2A1 may play roles in promoting cancer in AML, while ELANE may have a significant effect on suppressing cancer. Conclusion Macrophage-related genes (MRGs) had significant impacts on the occurrence and progression of AML. MRI may better evaluate the prognosis and immune features of AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- Anhui Medical College, Hefei, China
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25
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Fetsch V, Zeiser R. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells for acute myeloid leukemia. Eur J Haematol 2024; 112:28-35. [PMID: 37455578 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can target and eliminate cancer cells has revolutionized the treatment of B-cell malignancies. In contrast, CAR T cells have not yet become a routine treatment for myeloid malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). For these disease entities, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) relying on polyclonal allo-reactive T cells is still the major cellular immunotherapy used in clinical routine. Here, we discuss major hurdles of CAR T-cell therapy for myeloid malignancies and novel approaches to enhance their efficacy and reduce toxicity. Heterogeneity of the malignant myeloid clone, CAR T-cell induced toxicity against normal hematopoietic cells, lack of long-term CAR T-cell persistence, and loss or downregulation of targetable antigens on myeloid cells are obstacles for successful CAR T cells therapy against AML and MPNs. Strategies to overcome these hurdles include pharmacological interventions, for example, demethylating therapy to increase target antigen expression, multi-targeted CAR T cells, and gene-therapy based approaches that delete the CAR target antigen in the hematopoietic cells of the recipient to protect them from CAR-induced myelotoxicity. Most of these approaches are still in preclinical testing but may reach the clinic in the coming years. In summary, we report on barriers to CAR T-cell use against AML and novel therapeutic strategies to overcome these challenges, with the goal of clinical treatment of myeloid malignancies with CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Fetsch
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS) and Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies (CIBSS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Freiburg (CCCF), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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26
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Sakai Y, Ikawa Y, Takenaka M, Noguchi K, Fujiki T, Ikeda H, Wada T. Histopathological maturation in juvenile xanthogranuloma: a blueberry muffin infant mimicking aleukemic leukemia cutis. Int J Hematol 2024; 119:93-98. [PMID: 37989992 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-023-03675-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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is usually identified by Touton giant cells, so their absence can complicate diagnosis. We encountered a case of non-typical neonatal JXG lacking Touton giant cells, which was difficult to differentiate from aleukemic leukemia cutis because of overlapping histopathological characteristics. A 1 month-old girl presented with a blueberry muffin rash and multiple 1-2 cm nodules within the subcutaneous and deeper soft tissues. Blood tests revealed pancytopenia. The initial nodule biopsy showed mononuclear cell infiltration, suggestive of mature monocytes or histiocytes, but no Touton giant cells. Bone marrow examination showed no evidence of leukemia. Despite worsening of the rash, pancytopenia, and weight gain over the following month, the results of the second biopsy remained consistent with the initial findings. Consequently, we provisionally diagnosed aleukemic leukemia cutis and initiated chemotherapy. After two courses of chemotherapy, the pancytopenia improved, but the nodules only partially regressed. A third biopsy of the nodule was performed to evaluate the histological response, and revealed Touton giant cells, confirming the diagnosis of JXG. In conclusion, distinguishing non-typical JXG from aleukemic leukemia cutis is challenging. This case highlights the importance of multiple biopsies and the potential for histopathological maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Sakai
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ikawa
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan.
| | - Mika Takenaka
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Noguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Fujiki
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ikeda
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Taizo Wada
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
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27
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Kelesoglu N, Kori M, Yilmaz BK, Duru OA, Arga KY. Differential co-expression network analysis elucidated genes associated with sensitivity to farnesyltransferase inhibitor and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Med 2023; 12:22420-22436. [PMID: 38069522 PMCID: PMC10757125 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease and the most common form of acute leukemia with a poor prognosis. Due to its complexity, the disease requires the identification of biomarkers for reliable prognosis. To identify potential disease genes that regulate patient prognosis, we used differential co-expression network analysis and transcriptomics data from relapsed, refractory, and previously untreated AML patients based on their response to treatment in the present study. In addition, we combined functional genomics and transcriptomics data to identify novel and therapeutically potential systems biomarkers for patients who do or do not respond to treatment. As a result, we constructed co-expression networks for response and non-response cases and identified a highly interconnected group of genes consisting of SECISBP2L, MAN1A2, PRPF31, VASP, and SNAPC1 in the response network and a group consisting of PHTF2, SLC11A2, PDLIM5, OTUB1, and KLRD1 in the non-response network, both of which showed high prognostic performance with hazard ratios of 4.12 and 3.66, respectively. Remarkably, ETS1, GATA2, AR, YBX1, and FOXP3 were found to be important transcription factors in both networks. The prognostic indicators reported here could be considered as a resource for identifying tumorigenesis and chemoresistance to farnesyltransferase inhibitor. They could help identify important research directions for the development of new prognostic and therapeutic techniques for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Medi Kori
- Department of BioengineeringMarmara UniversityIstanbulTürkiye
| | - Betul Karademir Yilmaz
- Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation CenterMarmara UniversityIstanbulTürkiye
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of MedicineMarmara UniversityIstanbulTürkiye
| | - Ozlem Ates Duru
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health SciencesNişantaşı UniversityIstanbulTürkiye
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of EngineeringBolu Abant İzzet Baysal UniversityBoluTürkiye
| | - Kazim Yalcin Arga
- Department of BioengineeringMarmara UniversityIstanbulTürkiye
- Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation CenterMarmara UniversityIstanbulTürkiye
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28
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Sauerer T, Velázquez GF, Schmid C. Relapse of acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: immune escape mechanisms and current implications for therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:180. [PMID: 37951964 PMCID: PMC10640763 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01889-6] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the expansion of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) resulting in failure of normal hematopoiesis and life-threating cytopenia. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is an established therapy with curative potential. Nevertheless, post-transplant relapse is common and associated with poor prognosis, representing the major cause of death after allo-HCT. The occurrence of relapse after initially successful allo-HCT indicates that the donor immune system is first able to control the leukemia, which at a later stage develops evasion strategies to escape from immune surveillance. In this review we first provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding immune escape in AML after allo-HCT, including dysregulated HLA, alterations in immune checkpoints and changes leading to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In the second part, we draw the line from bench to bedside and elucidate to what extend immune escape mechanisms of relapsed AML are yet exploited in treatment strategies. Finally, we give an outlook how new emerging technologies could help to improve the therapy for these patients, and elucidate potential new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Sauerer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Augsburg University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) and Comprehensive Cancer Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Giuliano Filippini Velázquez
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Augsburg University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) and Comprehensive Cancer Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmid
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Augsburg University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) and Comprehensive Cancer Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
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29
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Mansour AG, Teng KY, Li Z, Zhu Z, Chen H, Tian L, Ali A, Zhang J, Lu T, Ma S, Lin CM, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. Off-the-shelf CAR-engineered natural killer cells targeting FLT3 enhance killing of acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Adv 2023; 7:6225-6239. [PMID: 37379267 PMCID: PMC10582841 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) succumb to the disease or its complications, especially among older patients. Natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to have antileukemic activity in patients with AML; however, to our knowledge, primary NK cells armed with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting antigens associated with AML as an "off-the-shelf" product for disease control have not been explored. We developed frozen, off-the-shelf allogeneic human NK cells engineered with a CAR recognizing FLT3 and secreting soluble interleukin-15 (IL-15) (FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK) to improve in vivo NK cell persistence and T-cell activation. FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells had higher cytotoxicity and interferon gamma secretion against FLT3+ AML cell lines when compared with activated NK cells lacking an FLT3 CAR or soluble IL-15. Frozen and thawed allogeneic FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells prolonged survival of both the MOLM-13 AML model as well as an orthotopic patient-derived xenograft AML model when compared with control NK cells. FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells showed no cytotoxicity against healthy blood mononuclear cells or hematopoietic stem cells. Collectively, our data suggest that FLT3 is an AML-associated antigen that can be targeted by frozen, allogeneic, off-the-shelf FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells that may provide a novel approach for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony G. Mansour
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kun-Yu Teng
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zhiyao Li
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zheng Zhu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Hanyu Chen
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Aliya Ali
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Chih-Min Lin
- Department of Cellular Immunotherapy GMP Manufacturing, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Michael A. Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- President, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
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30
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Bakhtiyari M, Liaghat M, Aziziyan F, Shapourian H, Yahyazadeh S, Alipour M, Shahveh S, Maleki-Sheikhabadi F, Halimi H, Forghaniesfidvajani R, Zalpoor H, Nabi-Afjadi M, Pornour M. The role of bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression: immune checkpoints, metabolic checkpoints, and signaling pathways. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:252. [PMID: 37735675 PMCID: PMC10512514 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises a multifarious and heterogeneous array of illnesses characterized by the anomalous proliferation of myeloid cells in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). The BMM plays a pivotal role in promoting AML progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The immune checkpoints (ICs) and metabolic processes are the key players in this process. In this review, we delineate the metabolic and immune checkpoint characteristics of the AML BMM, with a focus on the roles of BMM cells e.g. tumor-associated macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, metabolic profiles and related signaling pathways. We also discuss the signaling pathways stimulated in AML cells by BMM factors that lead to AML progression. We then delve into the roles of immune checkpoints in AML angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell proliferation, including co-stimulatory and inhibitory ICs. Lastly, we discuss the potential therapeutic approaches and future directions for AML treatment, emphasizing the potential of targeting metabolic and immune checkpoints in AML BMM as prognostic and therapeutic targets. In conclusion, the modulation of these processes through the use of directed drugs opens up new promising avenues in combating AML. Thereby, a comprehensive elucidation of the significance of these AML BMM cells' metabolic and immune checkpoints and signaling pathways on leukemic cells can be undertaken in the future investigations. Additionally, these checkpoints and cells should be considered plausible multi-targeted therapies for AML in combination with other conventional treatments in AML. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bakhtiyari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Liaghat
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hooriyeh Shapourian
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sheida Yahyazadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maedeh Alipour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Shahveh
- American Association of Naturopath Physician (AANP), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fahimeh Maleki-Sheikhabadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Halimi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Razieh Forghaniesfidvajani
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Pornour
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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31
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Vanhooren J, Dobbelaere R, Derpoorter C, Deneweth L, Van Camp L, Uyttebroeck A, De Moerloose B, Lammens T. CAR-T in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Barriers and How to Overcome Them. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e937. [PMID: 37674860 PMCID: PMC10479376 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are characterized by high rates of relapse, severe toxicities, and poor overall survival rates. Thus, the development of new therapeutic strategies is crucial for improving the survival and quality of life of AML patients. CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy has been extremely successful in the treatment of B-cell acute lymphoid leukemia and several mature B-cell lymphomas. However, the use of CAR T-cell therapy for AML is currently prevented due to the lack of a myeloid equivalent to CD19, as currently known cell surface targets on leukemic blasts are also expressed on healthy hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells as well as their progeny. In addition, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment has a dampening effect on the antitumor activity of CAR-T cells. Here, we review the therapeutic challenges limiting the use of CAR T-cell therapy for AML and discuss promising novel strategies to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Vanhooren
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rani Dobbelaere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Derpoorter
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Larissa Deneweth
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurens Van Camp
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Uyttebroeck
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim Lammens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
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32
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Maffeo B, Panuzzo C, Moraca A, Cilloni D. A Leukemic Target with a Thousand Faces: The Mitochondria. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13069. [PMID: 37685874 PMCID: PMC10487524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In the era of personalized medicine greatly improved by molecular diagnosis and tailor-made therapies, the survival rate of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at 5 years remains unfortunately low. Indeed, the high heterogeneity of AML clones with distinct metabolic and molecular profiles allows them to survive the chemotherapy-induced changes, thus leading to resistance, clonal evolution, and relapse. Moreover, leukemic stem cells (LSCs), the quiescent reservoir of residual disease, can persist for a long time and activate the recurrence of disease, supported by significant metabolic differences compared to AML blasts. All these points highlight the relevance to develop combination therapies, including metabolism inhibitors to improve treatment efficacy. In this review, we summarized the metabolic differences in AML blasts and LSCs, the molecular pathways related to mitochondria and metabolism are druggable and targeted in leukemia therapies, with a distinct interest for Venetoclax, which has revolutionized the therapeutic paradigms of several leukemia subtype, unfit for intensive treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Panuzzo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (B.M.); (A.M.); (D.C.)
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Mahé M, Rios-Fuller TJ, Karolin A, Schneider RJ. Genetics of enzymatic dysfunctions in metabolic disorders and cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1230934. [PMID: 37601653 PMCID: PMC10433910 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1230934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited metabolic disorders arise from mutations in genes involved in the biogenesis, assembly, or activity of metabolic enzymes, leading to enzymatic deficiency and severe metabolic impairments. Metabolic enzymes are essential for the normal functioning of cells and are involved in the production of amino acids, fatty acids and nucleotides, which are essential for cell growth, division and survival. When the activity of metabolic enzymes is disrupted due to mutations or changes in expression levels, it can result in various metabolic disorders that have also been linked to cancer development. However, there remains much to learn regarding the relationship between the dysregulation of metabolic enzymes and metabolic adaptations in cancer cells. In this review, we explore how dysregulated metabolism due to the alteration or change of metabolic enzymes in cancer cells plays a crucial role in tumor development, progression, metastasis and drug resistance. In addition, these changes in metabolism provide cancer cells with a number of advantages, including increased proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and the ability to evade the immune system. The tumor microenvironment, genetic context, and different signaling pathways further influence this interplay between cancer and metabolism. This review aims to explore how the dysregulation of metabolic enzymes in specific pathways, including the urea cycle, glycogen storage, lysosome storage, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration, contributes to the development of metabolic disorders and cancer. Additionally, the review seeks to shed light on why these enzymes represent crucial potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers in various cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert J. Schneider
- Department of Microbiology, Grossman NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Spillane DR, Assouline S. Immunotherapy for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia: where do we stand? Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:819-834. [PMID: 37819154 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2268273] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are generally characterized by a poor prognosis with currently available therapies. Immunotherapies have already seen success in treating a variety of malignant disorders, and their role in managing myeloid cancers is evolving rapidly. AREAS COVERED This is a review of the immunotherapies tested in MDS and AML, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, and cell therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, T cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, with a focus on clinical trials conducted to date and future directions. EXPERT OPINION Initial clinical trials exploring checkpoint inhibitors in MDS and AML have demonstrated high toxicity and disappointing efficacy. However, ongoing trials adding novel checkpoint inhibitors to standard therapy are more promising. Technological advances are improving the outlook for bispecific antibodies, and cellular therapies like adoptive NK cell infusion have favorable efficacy and tolerability in early trials. As our understanding of the immune microenvironment in MDS and AML improves, the role for immunotherapy in the treatment of these diseases will become clearer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Spillane
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarit Assouline
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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35
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Damiani D, Tiribelli M. Checkpoint Inhibitors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1724. [PMID: 37371818 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061724] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unsatisfactory. Among the reasons for the poor response to therapy and high incidence of relapse, there is tumor cell immune escape, as AML blasts can negatively influence various components of the immune system, mostly weakening T-cells. Since leukemic cells can dysregulate immune checkpoints (ICs), receptor-based signal transductors that lead to the negative regulation of T-cells and, eventually, to immune surveillance escape, the inhibition of ICs is a promising therapeutic strategy and has led to the development of so-called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs, in combination with conventional chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents or targeted therapies, are being increasingly tested in cases of AML, but the results reported are often conflicting. Here, we review the main issues concerning the immune system in AML, the main pathways leading to immune escape and the results obtained from clinical trials of ICIs, alone or in combination, in newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Damiani
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Udine Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Udine University, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Mario Tiribelli
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Udine Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Udine University, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Mu X, Chen C, Dong L, Kang Z, Sun Z, Chen X, Zheng J, Zhang Y. Immunotherapy in leukaemia. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:974-987. [PMID: 37272727 PMCID: PMC10326417 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukaemia is the common name for a group of malignant diseases of the haematopoietic system with complex classifications and characteristics. Remarkable progress has been made in basic research and preclinical studies for acute leukaemia compared to that of the many other types/subtypes of leukaemia, especially the exploration of the biological basis and application of immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL). In this review, we summarize the basic approaches to immunotherapy for leukaemia and focus on the research progress made in immunotherapy development for AML and ALL. Importantly, despite the advances made to date, big challenges still exist in the effectiveness of leukaemia immunotherapy, especially in AML. Therefore, we use AML as an example and summarize the mechanisms of tumour cell immune evasion, describe recently reported data and known therapeutic targets, and discuss the obstacles in finding suitable treatment targets and the results obtained in recent clinical trials for several types of single and combination immunotherapies, such as bispecific antibodies, cell therapies (CAR-T-cell treatment), and checkpoint blockade. Finally, we summarize novel immunotherapy strategies for treating lymphocytic leukaemia and clinical trial results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingmei Mu
- Hongqiao International Institute of MedicineShanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic MedicineKey Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Chumao Chen
- Hongqiao International Institute of MedicineShanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic MedicineKey Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Loujie Dong
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Zhaowei Kang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Zhixian Sun
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Xijie Chen
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Junke Zheng
- Hongqiao International Institute of MedicineShanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic MedicineKey Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Yaping Zhang
- Hongqiao International Institute of MedicineShanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic MedicineKey Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
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Premnath N, Madanat YF. Novel Investigational Agents and Pathways That May Influence the Future Management of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2958. [PMID: 37296920 PMCID: PMC10252053 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112958] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clinically heterogeneous disease with a 5-year overall survival of 32% between 2012 to 2018. The above number severely dwindles with age and adverse risk of disease, presenting opportunities for new drug development and is an area of dire unmet need. Basic science and clinical investigators across the world have been working on many new and old molecule formulations and combination strategies to improve outcomes in this disease. In this review, we discuss select promising novel agents in various stages of clinical development for patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Premnath
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA;
| | - Yazan F. Madanat
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA;
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
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Rattigan KM, Zarou MM, Helgason GV. Metabolism in stem cell-driven leukemia: parallels between hematopoiesis and immunity. Blood 2023; 141:2553-2565. [PMID: 36634302 PMCID: PMC10646800 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022018258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of cancer metabolism spans from its role in cellular energetics and supplying the building blocks necessary for proliferation, to maintaining cellular redox and regulating the cellular epigenome and transcriptome. Cancer metabolism, once thought to be solely driven by upregulated glycolysis, is now known to comprise multiple pathways with great plasticity in response to extrinsic challenges. Furthermore, cancer cells can modify their surrounding niche during disease initiation, maintenance, and metastasis, thereby contributing to therapy resistance. Leukemia is a paradigm model of stem cell-driven cancer. In this study, we review how leukemia remodels the niche and rewires its metabolism, with particular attention paid to therapy-resistant stem cells. Specifically, we aim to give a global, nonexhaustive overview of key metabolic pathways. By contrasting the metabolic rewiring required by myeloid-leukemic stem cells with that required for hematopoiesis and immune cell function, we highlight the metabolic features they share. This is a critical consideration when contemplating anticancer metabolic inhibitor options, especially in the context of anticancer immune therapies. Finally, we examine pathways that have not been studied in leukemia but are critical in solid cancers in the context of metastasis and interaction with new niches. These studies also offer detailed mechanisms that are yet to be investigated in leukemia. Given that cancer (and normal) cells can meet their energy requirements by not only upregulating metabolic pathways but also utilizing systemically available substrates, we aim to inform how interlinked these metabolic pathways are, both within leukemic cells and between cancer cells and their niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M. Rattigan
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Martha M. Zarou
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - G. Vignir Helgason
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Cao X, Huang X, Zhao X. Immune-related genetic prognostic index to predict prognosis and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy efficiency in acute myeloid leukemia. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:1253-1255. [PMID: 37075766 PMCID: PMC10278691 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiangyu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing 100044, China
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40
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Atilla E, Benabdellah K. The Black Hole: CAR T Cell Therapy in AML. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2713. [PMID: 37345050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite exhaustive studies, researchers have made little progress in the field of adoptive cellular therapies for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), unlike the notable uptake for B cell malignancies. Various single antigen-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell Phase I trials have been established worldwide and have recruited approximately 100 patients. The high heterogeneity at the genetic and molecular levels within and between AML patients resembles a black hole: a great gravitational field that sucks in everything. One must consider the fact that only around 30% of patients show a response; there are, however, consequential off-tumor effects. It is obvious that a new point of view is needed to achieve more promising results. This review first introduces the unique therapeutic challenges of not only CAR T cells but also other adoptive cellular therapies in AML. Next, recent single-cell sequencing data for AML to assess somatically acquired alterations at the DNA, epigenetic, RNA, and protein levels are discussed to give a perspective on cellular heterogeneity, intercellular hierarchies, and the cellular ecosystem. Finally, promising novel strategies are summarized, including more sophisticated next-generation CAR T, TCR-T, and CAR NK therapies; the approaches with which to tailor the microenvironment and target neoantigens; and allogeneic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erden Atilla
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, 18016 Granada, Spain
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Panetti S, McJannett N, Fultang L, Booth S, Gneo L, Scarpa U, Smith C, Vardon A, Vettore L, Whalley C, Pan Y, Várnai C, Endou H, Barlow J, Tennant D, Beggs A, Mussai F, De Santo C. Engineering amino acid uptake or catabolism promotes CAR T-cell adaption to the tumor environment. Blood Adv 2023; 7:1754-1761. [PMID: 36521029 PMCID: PMC10182289 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells take up amino acids from the extracellular space to drive cell proliferation and viability. Similar mechanisms are applied by immune cells, resulting in the competition between conventional T cells, or indeed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and tumor cells, for the limited availability of amino acids within the environment. We demonstrate that T cells can be re-engineered to express SLC7A5 or SLC7A11 transmembrane amino acid transporters alongside CARs. Transporter modifications increase CAR T-cell proliferation under low tryptophan or cystine conditions with no loss of CAR cytotoxicity or increased exhaustion. Transcriptomic and phenotypic analysis reveals that downstream, SLC7A5/SLC7A11-modified CAR T cells upregulate intracellular arginase expression and activity. In turn, we engineer and phenotype a further generation of CAR T cells that express functional arginase 1/arginase 2 enzymes and have enhanced CAR T-cell proliferation and antitumor activity. Thus, CAR T cells can be adapted to the amino acid metabolic microenvironment of cancer, a hitherto recognized but unaddressed barrier for successful CAR T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Panetti
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola McJannett
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Livingstone Fultang
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Booth
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Luciana Gneo
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ugo Scarpa
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Smith
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Vardon
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Vettore
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Celina Whalley
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Pan
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Csilla Várnai
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jonathan Barlow
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Tennant
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Beggs
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Francis Mussai
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Carmela De Santo
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Starikova EA, Rubinstein AA, Mammedova JT, Isakov DV, Kudryavtsev IV. Regulated Arginine Metabolism in Immunopathogenesis of a Wide Range of Diseases: Is There a Way to Pass between Scylla and Charybdis? Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3525-3551. [PMID: 37185755 PMCID: PMC10137093 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
More than a century has passed since arginine was discovered, but the metabolism of the amino acid never ceases to amaze researchers. Being a conditionally essential amino acid, arginine performs many important homeostatic functions in the body; it is involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system and regeneration processes. In recent years, more and more facts have been accumulating that demonstrate a close relationship between arginine metabolic pathways and immune responses. This opens new opportunities for the development of original ways to treat diseases associated with suppressed or increased activity of the immune system. In this review, we analyze the literature describing the role of arginine metabolism in the immunopathogenesis of a wide range of diseases, and discuss arginine-dependent processes as a possible target for therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora A Starikova
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Akademika Pavlova 12, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Medical Faculty, First Saint Petersburg State I. Pavlov Medical University, L'va Tolstogo St. 6-8, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Artem A Rubinstein
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Akademika Pavlova 12, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Jennet T Mammedova
- Laboratory of General Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Akademika Pavlova 12, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Isakov
- Medical Faculty, First Saint Petersburg State I. Pavlov Medical University, L'va Tolstogo St. 6-8, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor V Kudryavtsev
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Akademika Pavlova 12, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, FEFU Campus, 10 Ajax Bay, Russky Island, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia
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Weinhäuser I, Pereira-Martins DA, Almeida LY, Hilberink JR, Silveira DRA, Quek L, Ortiz C, Araujo CL, Bianco TM, Lucena-Araujo A, Mota JM, Hogeling SM, Sternadt D, Visser N, Diepstra A, Ammatuna E, Huls G, Rego EM, Schuringa JJ. M2 macrophages drive leukemic transformation by imposing resistance to phagocytosis and improving mitochondrial metabolism. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf8522. [PMID: 37058562 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf8522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
It is increasingly becoming clear that cancers are a symbiosis of diverse cell types and tumor clones. Combined single-cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry studies of the innate immune compartment in the bone marrow of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) reveal a shift toward a tumor-supportive M2-polarized macrophage landscape with an altered transcriptional program, with enhanced fatty acid oxidation and NAD+ generation. Functionally, these AML-associated macrophages display decreased phagocytic activity and intra-bone marrow coinjection of M2 macrophages together with leukemic blasts strongly enhances in vivo transformation potential. A 2-day in vitro exposure to M2 macrophages results in the accumulation of CALRlow leukemic blast cells, which are now protected against phagocytosis. Moreover, M2-exposed "trained" leukemic blasts display increased mitochondrial metabolism, in part mediated via mitochondrial transfer. Our study provides insight into the mechanisms by which the immune landscape contributes to aggressive leukemia development and provides alternatives for targeting strategies aimed at the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Weinhäuser
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
- Center for Cell Based Therapy, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Diego A Pereira-Martins
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
- Center for Cell Based Therapy, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Luciana Y Almeida
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Jacobien R Hilberink
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Douglas R A Silveira
- Myeloid Leukaemia Genomics and Biology Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Lynn Quek
- Myeloid Leukaemia Genomics and Biology Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Cesar Ortiz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
- Center for Cell Based Therapy, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Cleide L Araujo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Thiago M Bianco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Jose Mauricio Mota
- Medical Oncology Service, Sao Paulo State Cancer Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Shanna M Hogeling
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Dominique Sternadt
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Nienke Visser
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Arjan Diepstra
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Emanuele Ammatuna
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Gerwin Huls
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Eduardo M Rego
- Center for Cell Based Therapy, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Jan Jacob Schuringa
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Mishra SK, Millman SE, Zhang L. Metabolism in acute myeloid leukemia: mechanistic insights and therapeutic targets. Blood 2023; 141:1119-1135. [PMID: 36548959 PMCID: PMC10375271 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022018092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic rewiring and cellular reprogramming are trademarks of neoplastic initiation and progression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Metabolic alteration in leukemic cells is often genotype specific, with associated changes in epigenetic and functional factors resulting in the downstream upregulation or facilitation of oncogenic pathways. Targeting abnormal or disease-sustaining metabolic activities in AML provides a wide range of therapeutic opportunities, ideally with enhanced therapeutic windows and robust clinical efficacy. This review highlights the dysregulation of amino acid, nucleotide, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism in AML; explores the role of key vitamins and enzymes that regulate these processes; and provides an overview of metabolism-directed therapies currently in use or development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott E. Millman
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Lingbo Zhang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
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Stavrou V, Fultang L, Booth S, De Simone D, Bartnik A, Scarpa U, Gneo L, Panetti S, Potluri S, Almowaled M, Barlow J, Jankevics A, Lloyd G, Southam A, Priestman DA, Cheng P, Dunn W, Platt F, Endou H, Craddock C, Keeshan K, Mussai F, De Santo C. Invariant NKT cells metabolically adapt to the acute myeloid leukaemia environment. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:543-560. [PMID: 35962843 PMCID: PMC9947083 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03268-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) creates an immunosuppressive environment to conventional T cells through Arginase 2 (ARG2)-induced arginine depletion. We identify that AML blasts release the acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA), which acts in an autocrine manner to upregulate ARG2 expression and activity, and promote AML blast viability. Following in vitro cross-talk invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells become activated, upregulate mitochondrial capacity, and release IFN-γ. iNKT retain their ability to proliferate and be activated despite the low arginine AML environment, due to the upregulation of Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter-1 (LAT-1) and Argininosuccinate Synthetase 1 (ASS)-dependent amino acid pathways, resulting in AML cell death. T cell proliferation is restored in vitro and in vivo. The capacity of iNKT cells to restore antigen-specific T cell immunity was similarly demonstrated against myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in wild-type and Jα18-/- syngeneic lymphoma-bearing models in vivo. Thus, stimulation of iNKT cell activity has the potential as an immunotherapy against AML or as an adjunct to boost antigen-specific T cell immunotherapies in haematological or solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Stavrou
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Livingstone Fultang
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sarah Booth
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Daniele De Simone
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Arekdiusz Bartnik
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ugo Scarpa
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Luciana Gneo
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Silvia Panetti
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sandeep Potluri
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Meaad Almowaled
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0YN, UK
| | - Jonathan Barlow
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andris Jankevics
- School of Biosciences and Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Gavin Lloyd
- School of Biosciences and Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andrew Southam
- School of Biosciences and Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - David A Priestman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Paul Cheng
- Bio-Cancer Treatment International, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Warwick Dunn
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.,Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Frances Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Hitoshi Endou
- J-Pharma Co. Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0046, Japan
| | - Charles Craddock
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Karen Keeshan
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0YN, UK
| | - Francis Mussai
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Carmela De Santo
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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Caligiuri M, Li Z, Ma R, Tang H, Zhang J, Marcucci G, Yu J. Human ILC1s target leukemia stem cells and control development of AML. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2319959. [PMID: 36711868 PMCID: PMC9882609 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2319959/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Innate lymphocytes can mediate cancer immunosurveillance and protect against disease. We have demonstrated that mouse type I innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) can contribute to controlling the growth of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the functional roles of human ILC1s in AML remain largely undefined. Here, we found that the ILC1s in patients with AML are impaired while a high expression of the ILC1 gene signature is associated with better overall survival in AML. By directly interacting with leukemia stem cells (LSCs), human ILC1s can eliminate LSCs via production of IFNγ and block LSC differentiation into M2 macrophage-like, leukemia-supporting cells through TNF. Collectively, these effects converge to limit leukemogenesis in vivo. We also identified Lin-CD127+CD161-CRTH2-CD117- cells as the human ILC1 subset. The use of umbilical cord blood (UCB) CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells to generate CD161- ILC1s could allow for a readily available supply of ILC1s to be produced for human adoptive transfer studies. Together, our findings provide evidence that targeting human ILC1s may be a promising therapeutic approach for prolongation of disease-free survival in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rui Ma
- City of Hope National Medical Center
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Aubeux D, Tessier S, Pérez F, Geoffroy V, Gaudin A. In vitro phenotypic effects of Lipoxin A4 on M1 and M2 polarized macrophages derived from THP-1. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:339-348. [PMID: 36331745 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08041-5] [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: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is a specialized pro-resolving mediator involved in the resolution phase of inflammation that is crucial for the return of tissues to homeostasis, healing, and regenerative processes. LXA4 can modify the microenvironment via its receptor, formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) and thus modulate the inflammatory response. However, the effect of exogeneous LXA4 application on polarized macrophages remains unstudied. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of LXA4 on macrophage activity and on the phenotype modulation of polarized M1 and M2 macrophages derived from THP-1 monocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS Once differentiated, human macrophages were incubated with interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13 to obtain M2-polarized macrophages or with interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharide for classical macrophage activation. The mRNA and protein expression of M1 and M2 markers confirmed the polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages. LXA4 (0-100 nM) did not affect the viability of M1 and M2 macrophages or the phagocytic activity of these cells. Gene expression of FPR2, referred as a receptor for the LXA4, was higher in M1 compared with M2, and was not modified by the LXA4 at the doses used. Moreover, LXA4 exhibited anti-inflammatory properties illustrated by the decreasing in the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1β) in M1 and by the increase in the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) in M2 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS These results provide new insights regarding the potential of LXA4 to regulate the polarization state of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davy Aubeux
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Solène Tessier
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Fabienne Pérez
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Valérie Geoffroy
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Alexis Gaudin
- Nantes Université, Oniris, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, 44000, Nantes, France.
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Chen Y, Wang J, Zhang F, Liu P. A perspective of immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia: Current advances and challenges. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1151032. [PMID: 37153761 PMCID: PMC10154606 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1151032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been the subject of extensive study which has considerably increased our understanding of the disease. However, both resistance to chemotherapy and disease relapse remain the principal obstacles to successful treatment. Because of acute and chronic undesirable effects frequently associated with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, consolidation chemotherapy is not feasible, especially for elderly patients, which has attracted a growing body of research to attempt to tackle this problem. Immunotherapies for acute myeloid leukemia, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, together with T-cell therapy based on engineered antigen receptor have been developed recently. Our review presents the recent progress in immunotherapy for the treatment of AML and discusses effective therapies that have the most potential and major challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Province Institute of Hematology, Guizhou Province Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centre, Guiyang, China
| | - Jishi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Province Institute of Hematology, Guizhou Province Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centre, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Jishi Wang,
| | - Fengqi Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Province Institute of Hematology, Guizhou Province Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centre, Guiyang, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Province Institute of Hematology, Guizhou Province Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centre, Guiyang, China
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Zaki MEA, Al-Hussain SA, Al-Mutairi AA, Samad A, Ghosh A, Chaudhari S, Khatale PN, Ajmire P, Jawarkar RD. In-silico studies to recognize repurposing therapeutics toward arginase-I inhibitors as a potential onco-immunomodulators. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1129997. [PMID: 37144217 PMCID: PMC10151555 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1129997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rudolf Virchow was the first person to point out the important link between immune function and cancer. He did this by noticing that leukocytes were often found in tumors. Overexpression of arginase 1 (ARG1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) depletes both intracellular and extracellular arginine. TCR signalling is slowed as a result, and the same types of cells produce reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), which aggravates the situation. Human arginase I is a double-stranded manganese metalloenzyme that helps L-arginine break down into L-ornithine and urea. Thus, a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis was performed to unearth the unrecognised structural aspects crucial for arginase-I inhibition. In this work, a balanced QSAR model with good prediction performance and clear mechanistic interpretation was developed using a dataset of 149 molecules encompassing a broad range of structural scaffolds and compositions. The model was made to meet OECD standards, and all of its validation parameters have values that are higher than the minimum requirements (R2 tr = 0.89, Q2 LMO = 0.86, and R2 ex = 0.85). The present QSAR study linked structural factors to arginase-I inhibitory action, including the proximity of lipophilic atoms to the molecule's centre of mass (within 3A), the position of the donor to the ring nitrogen (exactly 3 bonds away), and the surface area ratio. As OAT-1746 and two others are the only arginase-I inhibitors in development at the time, we have performed a QSAR-based virtual screening with 1650 FDA compounds taken from the zinc database. In this screening, 112 potential hit compounds were found to have a PIC50 value of less than 10 nm against the arginase-I receptor. The created QSAR model's application domain was evaluated in relation to the most active hit molecules identified using QSAR-based virtual screening, utilising a training set of 149 compounds and a prediction set of 112 hit molecules. As shown in the Williams plot, the top hit molecule, ZINC000252286875, has a low leverage value of HAT i/i h* = 0.140, placing it towards the boundary of the usable range. Furthermore, one of 112 hit molecules with a docking score of -10.891 kcal/mol (PIC50 = 10.023 M) was isolated from a study of arginase-I using molecular docking. Protonated ZINC000252286875-linked arginase-1 showed 2.9 RMSD, whereas non-protonated had 1.8. RMSD plots illustrate protein stability in protonated and non-protonated ZINC000252286875-bound states. Protonated-ZINC000252286875-bound proteins contain 25 Rg. The non-protonated protein-ligand combination exhibits a 25.2-Rg, indicating compactness. Protonated and non-protonated ZINC000252286875 stabilised protein targets in binding cavities posthumously. Significant root mean square fluctuations (RMSF) were seen in the arginase-1 protein at a small number of residues for a time function of 500 ns in both the protonated and unprotonated states. Protonated and non-protonated ligands interacted with proteins throughout the simulation. ZINC000252286875 bound Lys64, Asp124, Ala171, Arg222, Asp232, and Gly250. Aspartic acid residue 232 exhibited 200% ionic contact. 500-ns simulations-maintained ions. Salt bridges for ZINC000252286875 aided docking. ZINC000252286875 created six ionic bonds with Lys68, Asp117, His126, Ala171, Lys224, and Asp232 residues. Asp117, His126, and Lys224 showed 200% ionic interactions. In protonated and deprotonated states, GbindvdW, GbindLipo, and GbindCoulomb energies played crucial role. Moreover, ZINC000252286875 meets all of the ADMET standards to serve as a drug. As a result, the current analyses were successful in locating a novel and potent hit molecule that inhibits arginase-I effectively at nanomolar concentrations. The results of this investigation can be used to develop brand-new arginase I inhibitors as an alternative immune-modulating cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdi E. A. Zaki
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Magdi E. A. Zaki, ; Rahul D. Jawarkar,
| | - Sami A. Al-Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aamal A. Al-Mutairi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Samad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishk International University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Arabinda Ghosh
- Microbiology Division, Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati, India
| | - Somdatta Chaudhari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Progressive Education Society’s Modern College of Pharmacy, Pune, India
| | - Pravin N. Khatale
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Dr Rajendra Gode Institute of Pharmacy, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prashant Ajmire
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Dr Rajendra Gode Institute of Pharmacy, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rahul D. Jawarkar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Dr Rajendra Gode Institute of Pharmacy, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
- *Correspondence: Magdi E. A. Zaki, ; Rahul D. Jawarkar,
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Skelding KA, Barry DL, Theron DZ, Lincz LF. Bone Marrow Microenvironment as a Source of New Drug Targets for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:563. [PMID: 36614005 PMCID: PMC9820412 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with one of the worst survival rates of all cancers. The bone marrow microenvironment is increasingly being recognised as an important mediator of AML chemoresistance and relapse, supporting leukaemia stem cell survival through interactions among stromal, haematopoietic progenitor and leukaemic cells. Traditional therapies targeting leukaemic cells have failed to improve long term survival rates, and as such, the bone marrow niche has become a promising new source of potential therapeutic targets, particularly for relapsed and refractory AML. This review briefly discusses the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in AML development and progression, and as a source of novel therapeutic targets for AML. The main focus of this review is on drugs that modulate/target this bone marrow microenvironment and have been examined in in vivo models or clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A. Skelding
- Cancer Cell Biology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Daniel L. Barry
- Cancer Cell Biology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Danielle Z. Theron
- Cancer Cell Biology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Lisa F. Lincz
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Hunter Hematology Research Group, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia
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