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Lahera A, Vela-Martín L, Fernández-Navarro P, Llamas P, López-Lorenzo JL, Cornago J, Santos J, Fernández-Piqueras J, Villa-Morales M. PIM1 is a potential therapeutic target for the leukemogenic effects mediated by JAK/STAT pathway mutations in T-ALL/LBL. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:152. [PMID: 39033228 PMCID: PMC11271448 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00638-2] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Precursor T-cell neoplasms (T-ALL/LBL) are aggressive hematological malignancies that arise from the malignant transformation of immature thymocytes. Despite the JAK/STAT pathway is recurrently altered in these neoplasms, there are not pharmacological inhibitors officially approved for the treatment of T-ALL/LBL patients that present oncogenic JAK/STAT pathway mutations. In the effort to identify potential therapeutic targets for those patients, we followed an alternative approach and focused on their transcriptional profile. We combined the analysis of molecular data from T-ALL/LBL patients with the generation of hematopoietic cellular models to reveal that JAK/STAT pathway mutations are associated with an aberrant transcriptional profile. Specifically, we demonstrate that JAK/STAT pathway mutations induce the overexpression of the PIM1 gene. Moreover, we show that the pan-PIM inhibitor, PIM447, significantly reduces the leukemogenesis, as well as the aberrant activation of c-MYC and mTOR pathways in cells expressing different JAK/STAT pathway mutations, becoming a potential therapeutic opportunity for a relevant subset of T-ALL/LBL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Lahera
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Department of Genome dynamics and function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Area of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Laura Vela-Martín
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Department of Genome dynamics and function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Area of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Pablo Fernández-Navarro
- Unit of Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology, Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Pilar Llamas
- Division of Hematology and Hemotherapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - José L López-Lorenzo
- Division of Hematology and Hemotherapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Javier Cornago
- Division of Hematology and Hemotherapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Javier Santos
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Department of Genome dynamics and function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Area of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Institute for Molecular Biology-IUBM (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - José Fernández-Piqueras
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Department of Genome dynamics and function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Area of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
- Institute for Molecular Biology-IUBM (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
| | - María Villa-Morales
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Department of Genome dynamics and function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Area of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
- Institute for Molecular Biology-IUBM (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
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2
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DuVall AS, Wesevich A, Larson RA. Developing Targeted Therapies for T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2023; 18:217-225. [PMID: 37490229 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-023-00706-7] [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] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Largely, treatment advances in relapsed and/or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have been made in B cell disease leaving T cell ALL reliant upon high-intensity chemotherapy. Recent advances in the understanding of the biology of T-ALL and the improvement in immunotherapies have led to new therapeutic pathways to target and exploit. Here, we review the more promising pathways that are able to be targeted and other therapeutic possibilities for T-ALL. RECENT FINDINGS Preclinical models and early-phase clinical trials have shown promising results in some case in the treatment of T-ALL. Targeting many different pathways could lead to the next advancement in the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory disease. Recent advances in cellular therapies have also shown promise in this space. When reviewing the literature as a whole, targeting important pathways and antigens likely will lead to the next advancement in T-ALL survival since intensifying chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S DuVall
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.
| | - Austin Wesevich
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Richard A Larson
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
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3
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Huang YH, Wan CL, Dai HP, Xue SL. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:2001-2013. [PMID: 37227492 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05286-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL/LBL) is an aggressive malignancy of progenitor T cells. Despite significant improvements in survival of T-ALL/LBL over the past decades, treatment of relapsed and refractory T-ALL (R/R T-ALL/LBL) remains extremely challenging. The prognosis of R/R T-ALL/LBL patients who are intolerant to intensive chemotherapy remains poor. Therefore, innovative approaches are needed to further improve the survival of R/R T-ALL/LBL patients. With the widespread use of next-generation sequencing in T-ALL/LBL, a range of new therapeutic targets such as NOTCH1 inhibitors, JAK-STAT inhibitors, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been identified. These findings led to pre-clinical studies and clinical trials of molecular targeted therapy in T-ALL/LBL. Furthermore, immunotherapies such as CD7 CAR T cell therapy and CD5 CAR T cell therapy have shown profound response rate in R/R T-ALL/LBL. Here, we review the progress of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for T-ALL/LBL, and look at the future directions and challenges for the further use of these therapies in T-ALL/LBL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Hong Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Chao-Ling Wan
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Hai-Ping Dai
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
| | - Sheng-Li Xue
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
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4
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Borin C, Pieters T, Serafin V, Ntziachristos P. Emerging Epigenetic and Posttranslational Mechanisms Controlling Resistance to Glucocorticoids in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e916. [PMID: 37359189 PMCID: PMC10289758 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are extensively used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia as they pressure cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. Nevertheless, glucocorticoid partners, modifications, and mechanisms of action are hitherto poorly characterized. This hampers our understanding of therapy resistance, frequently occurring in leukemia despite the current therapeutic combinations using glucocorticoids in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In this review, we initially cover the traditional view of glucocorticoid resistance and ways of targeting this resistance. We discuss recent progress in our understanding of chromatin and posttranslational properties of the glucocorticoid receptor that might be proven beneficial in our efforts to understand and target therapy resistance. We discuss emerging roles of pathways and proteins such as the lymphocyte-specific kinase that antagonizes glucocorticoid receptor activation and nuclear translocation. In addition, we provide an overview of ongoing therapeutic approaches that sensitize cells to glucocorticoids including small molecule inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Borin
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Tim Pieters
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Valentina Serafin
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology and Immunology Section, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Panagiotis Ntziachristos
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
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5
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Angot L, Schneider P, Vannier JP, Abdoul-Azize S. Beyond Corticoresistance, A Paradoxical Corticosensitivity Induced by Corticosteroid Therapy in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemias. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2812. [PMID: 37345151 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102812] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Known as a key effector in relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), resistance to drug-induced apoptosis, is tightly considered one of the main prognostic factors for the disease. ALL cells are constantly developing cellular strategies to survive and resist therapeutic drugs. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are one of the most important agents used in the treatment of ALL due to their ability to induce cell death. The mechanisms of GC resistance of ALL cells are largely unknown and intense research is currently focused on this topic. Such resistance can involve different cellular and molecular mechanisms, including the modulation of signaling pathways involved in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metabolism, epigenetic modifications and tumor suppressors. Recently, several studies point to the paradoxical role of GCs in many survival processes that may lead to therapy-induced resistance in ALL cells, which we called "paradoxical corticosensitivity". In this review, we aim to summarize all findings on cell survival pathways paradoxically activated by GCs with an emphasis on previous and current knowledge on gene expression and signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Angot
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, IRIB, Inserm, U1234, 76183 Rouen, France
| | - Pascale Schneider
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, IRIB, Inserm, U1234, 76183 Rouen, France
- Department of Pediatric Immuno-Hemato-Oncology, Rouen University Hospital, 76038 Rouen, France
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Van der Zwet JCG, Cordo' V, Buijs-Gladdines JGCAM, Hagelaar R, Smits WK, Vroegindeweij E, Graus LTM, Poort V, Nulle M, Pieters R, Meijerink JPP. STAT5 does not drive steroid resistance in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia despite the activation of BCL2 and BCLXL following glucocorticoid treatment. Haematologica 2023; 108:732-746. [PMID: 35734930 PMCID: PMC9973477 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2021.280405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological and pathogenic interleukin-7-receptor (IL7R)-induced signaling provokes glucocorticoid resistance in a subset of patients with pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Activation of downstream STAT5 has been suggested to cause steroid resistance through upregulation of anti-apoptotic BCL2, one of its downstream target genes. Here we demonstrate that isolated STAT5 signaling in various T-ALL cell models is insufficient to raise cellular steroid resistance despite upregulation of BCL2 and BCL-XL. Upregulation of anti-apoptotic BCL2 and BCLXL in STAT5-activated T-ALL cells requires steroid-induced activation of NR3C1. For the BCLXL locus, this is facilitated by a concerted action of NR3C1 and activated STAT5 molecules at two STAT5 regulatory sites, whereas for the BCL2 locus this is facilitated by binding of NR3C1 at a STAT5 binding motif. In contrast, STAT5 occupancy at glucocorticoid response elements does not affect the expression of NR3C1 target genes. Strong upregulation of BIM, a NR3C1 pro-apoptotic target gene, upon prednisolone treatment can counterbalance NR3C1/STAT5-induced BCL2 and BCL-XL expression downstream of IL7- induced or pathogenic IL7R signaling. This explains why isolated STAT5 activation does not directly impair the steroid response. Our study suggests that STAT5 activation only contributes to steroid resistance in combination with cellular defects or alternative signaling routes that disable the pro-apoptotic and steroid-induced BIM response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rico Hagelaar
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht
| | | | | | | | - Vera Poort
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht
| | - Marloes Nulle
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht
| | - Rob Pieters
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht
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7
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Targeting Pim kinases in hematological cancers: molecular and clinical review. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:18. [PMID: 36694243 PMCID: PMC9875428 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01721-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Decades of research has recognized a solid role for Pim kinases in lymphoproliferative disorders. Often up-regulated following JAK/STAT and tyrosine kinase receptor signaling, Pim kinases regulate cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, cellular trafficking and signaling. Targeting Pim kinases represents an interesting approach since knock-down of Pim kinases leads to non-fatal phenotypes in vivo suggesting clinical inhibition of Pim may have less side effects. In addition, the ATP binding site offers unique characteristics that can be used for the development of small inhibitors targeting one or all Pim isoforms. This review takes a closer look at Pim kinase expression and involvement in hematopoietic cancers. Current and past clinical trials and in vitro characterization of Pim kinase inhibitors are examined and future directions are discussed. Current studies suggest that Pim kinase inhibition may be most valuable when accompanied by multi-drug targeting therapy.
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8
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Thomas X. T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: promising experimental drugs in clinical development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:37-52. [PMID: 36541671 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2161361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite advances in treatment approaches in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the prognosis of adults with newly diagnosed T-ALL remains poor, as well as that of adults and children with relapsed disease. Novel targeted therapies are therefore needed. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes promising emerging strategies for the treatment of T-ALL. EXPERT OPINION The recent molecular characterization of T-ALL has led to the identification of new therapeutic targets. Small-molecules inhibitors and other targeted therapies have therefore been recently developed and are currently under clinical investigations. Similarly, first studies involving monoclonal antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown encouraging results. Improvement of outcome with these novel approaches, eventually combined with current standard chemotherapy, is therefore expected in a near future in T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Thomas
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Department of Clinical Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
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9
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Fernandes MB, Barata JT. IL-7 and IL-7R in health and disease: An update through COVID times. Adv Biol Regul 2023; 87:100940. [PMID: 36503870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2022.100940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The role of IL-7 and IL-7R for normal lymphoid development and an adequately functioning immune system has been recognized for long, with severe immune deficiency and lymphoid leukemia as extreme examples of the consequences of deregulation of the IL-7-IL-7R axis. In this review, we provide an update (focusing on the past couple of years) on IL-7 and IL-7R in health and disease. We highlight the findings on IL-7/IL-7R signaling mechanisms and the, sometimes controversial, impact of IL-7 and its receptor on leukocyte biology, COVID-19, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and different solid tumors, as well as their relevance as therapeutic tools or targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta B Fernandes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João T Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal.
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10
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IL-7: Comprehensive review. Cytokine 2022; 160:156049. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.156049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Clements AN, Warfel NA. Targeting PIM Kinases to Improve the Efficacy of Immunotherapy. Cells 2022; 11:3700. [PMID: 36429128 PMCID: PMC9688203 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Proviral Integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus (PIM) kinases is a family of serine/threonine kinases that regulates numerous signaling networks that promote cell growth, proliferation, and survival. PIM kinases are commonly upregulated in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Recent studies have demonstrated that PIM facilitates immune evasion in cancer by promoting an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that suppresses the innate anti-tumor response. The role of PIM in immune evasion has sparked interest in examining the effect of PIM inhibition in combination with immunotherapy. This review focuses on the role of PIM kinases in regulating immune cell populations, how PIM modulates the immune tumor microenvironment to promote immune evasion, and how PIM inhibitors may be used to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber N. Clements
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Noel A. Warfel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Leoncin M, La Starza R, Roti G, Pagliaro L, Bassan R, Mecucci C. Modern treatment approaches to adult acute T-lymphoblastic and myeloid/T-lymphoblastic leukemia: from current standards to precision medicine. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:738-747. [PMID: 36017547 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000900] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the most recent advancements in the management of adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), we summarize insights into molecular diagnostics, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and new techniques of drug sensitivity profiling that may support further therapeutic progress in T-ALL subsets. RECENT FINDINGS With current induction/consolidation chemotherapy and/or risk-oriented allogeneic stem cell transplantation programs up to 95% adult T-ALL patients achieve a remission and >50% (up to 80% in adolescents and young adults) are cured. The group of patients who fail upfront therapy, between 25% and 40%, is enriched in high-risk characteristics (unfavorable genetics, persistent minimal residual disease) and represents the ideal setting for the study of molecular mechanisms of disease resistance, and consequently explore novel ways of restoration of drug sensitivity and assess patient/subset-specific patterns of drug vulnerability to targeting agents, immunotherapy and cell therapy. SUMMARY The emerging evidence supports the contention that precision medicine may soon allow valuable therapeutic chances to adult patients with high-risk T-ALL. The ongoing challenge is to identify the best way to integrate all these new data into the therapeutic path of newly diagnosed patients, with a view to optimize the individual treatment plan and increase the cure rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Leoncin
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ulss3 Serenissima, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Venezia-Mestre
| | | | - Giovanni Roti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Pagliaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Renato Bassan
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ulss3 Serenissima, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Venezia-Mestre
| | - Cristina Mecucci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia
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Jiang VC, Hao D, Jain P, Li Y, Cai Q, Yao Y, Nie L, Liu Y, Jin J, Wang W, Lee HH, Che Y, Dai E, Han G, Wang R, Rai K, Futreal A, Flowers C, Wang L, Wang M. TIGIT is the central player in T-cell suppression associated with CAR T-cell relapse in mantle cell lymphoma. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:185. [PMID: 36163179 PMCID: PMC9513944 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01655-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy using brexucabtagene autoleucel (BA) induces remission in many patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and BA is the only CAR T-cell therapy approved by the FDA for MCL. However, development of relapses to BA is recognized with poor patient outcomes. Multiple CAR T-cell therapies have been approved for other lymphomas and the resistance mechanisms have been investigated. However, the mechanisms underlying BA relapse in MCL have not been investigated and whether any previously reported resistance mechanisms apply to BA-relapsed patients with MCL is unknown. METHODS To interrogate BA resistance mechanisms in MCL, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on 39 longitudinally collected samples from 15 BA-treated patients, and multiplex cytokine profiling on 80 serial samples from 20 patients. RESULTS We demonstrate that after BA relapse, the proportion of T cells, especially cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), decreased among non-tumor cells, while the proportion of myeloid cells correspondingly increased. TIGIT, LAG3, and CD96 were the predominant checkpoint molecules expressed on exhausted T cells and CTLs; only TIGIT was significantly increased after relapse. CTLs expanded during remission, and then contracted during relapse with upregulated TIGIT expression. Tumor cells also acquired TIGIT expression after relapse, leading to the enhanced interaction of tumor cell TIGIT with monocyte CD155/PVR. In myeloid cells, post-relapse HLA-II expression was reduced relative to pretreatment and during remission. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were enriched after relapse with elevated expression of activation markers, including CLU (clusterin) and VCAN (versican). Extracellular chemokines (CCL4, CXCL9, CXCL13), soluble checkpoint inhibitors (sPD-L1, sTIM3, s4-1BB), and soluble receptors (sIL-2R, sTNFRII) were decreased during remission but elevated after relapse. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that multiple tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors are associated with T-cell suppression and BA relapse. Among these, TIGIT appears to be the central player given its elevated expression after BA relapse in not only CTLs but also MCL cells. The acquisition of TIGIT expression on tumor cells is MCL-specific and has not been reported in other CAR T-treated diseases. Together, our data suggest that co-targeting TIGIT may prevent CAR T relapses and thus promote long-term progression-free survival in MCL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Changying Jiang
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dapeng Hao
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Preetesh Jain
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yijing Li
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Qingsong Cai
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yixin Yao
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lei Nie
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jingling Jin
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Heng-Huan Lee
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yuxuan Che
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Enyu Dai
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Guangchun Han
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ruiping Wang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kunal Rai
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Andrew Futreal
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Christopher Flowers
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Linghua Wang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Michael Wang
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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14
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Oliveira ML, Veloso A, Garcia EG, Iyer S, Pereira C, Barreto VM, Langenau DM, Barata JT. Mutant IL7R collaborates with MYC to induce T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia 2022; 36:1533-1540. [PMID: 35581375 PMCID: PMC9162918 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01590-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive pediatric cancer. Amongst the wide array of driver mutations, 10% of T-ALL patients display gain-of-function mutations in the IL-7 receptor α chain (IL-7Rα, encoded by IL7R), which occur in different molecular subtypes of this disease. However, it is still unclear whether IL-7R mutational activation is sufficient to transform T-cell precursors. Also, which genes cooperate with IL7R to drive leukemogenesis remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that mutant IL7R alone is capable of inducing T-ALL with long-latency in stable transgenic zebrafish and transformation is associated with MYC transcriptional activation. Additionally, we find that mutant IL7R collaborates with Myc to induce early onset T-ALL in transgenic zebrafish, supporting a model where these pathways collaborate to drive leukemogenesis. T-ALLs co-expressing mutant IL7R and Myc activate STAT5 and AKT pathways, harbor reduced numbers of apoptotic cells and remake tumors in transplanted zebrafish faster than T-ALLs expressing Myc alone. Moreover, limiting-dilution cell transplantation experiments reveal that activated IL-7R signaling increases the overall frequency of leukemia propagating cells. Our work highlights a synergy between mutant IL7R and Myc in inducing T-ALL and demonstrates that mutant IL7R enriches for leukemia propagating potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana L Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Veloso
- Molecular Pathology Unit, MGH Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- MGH Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, MGH, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Elaine G Garcia
- Molecular Pathology Unit, MGH Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- MGH Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, MGH, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sowmya Iyer
- Molecular Pathology Unit, MGH Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- MGH Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, MGH, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Clara Pereira
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Vasco M Barreto
- DNA Breaks Laboratory, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David M Langenau
- Molecular Pathology Unit, MGH Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
- MGH Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, MGH, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - João T Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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15
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Zhang H, Lu Y, Zhang T, Guan Q, Wang X, Guo Y, Li L, Qiu L, Qian Z, Zhou S, Gong W, Meng B, Ren X, Wang X. PIM1 genetic alterations associated with distinct molecular profiles, phenotypes and drug responses in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e808. [PMID: 35415904 PMCID: PMC9005929 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Huilai Zhang
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaxiao Lu
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Qingpei Guan
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Wang
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Yixian Guo
- Marvel Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Marvelbio Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Lanfang Li
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Lihua Qiu
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhengzi Qian
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiyong Zhou
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenchen Gong
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Meng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology/Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianhuo Wang
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
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16
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Cordo’ V, Meijer MT, Hagelaar R, de Goeij-de Haas RR, Poort VM, Henneman AA, Piersma SR, Pham TV, Oshima K, Ferrando AA, Zaman GJR, Jimenez CR, Meijerink JPP. Phosphoproteomic profiling of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia reveals targetable kinases and combination treatment strategies. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1048. [PMID: 35217681 PMCID: PMC8881579 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28682-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase inhibitors are amongst the most successful cancer treatments, but targetable kinases activated by genomic abnormalities are rare in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nevertheless, kinases can be activated in the absence of genetic defects. Thus, phosphoproteomics can provide information on pathway activation and signaling networks that offer opportunities for targeted therapy. Here, we describe a mass spectrometry-based global phosphoproteomic profiling of 11 T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines to identify targetable kinases. We report a comprehensive dataset consisting of 21,000 phosphosites on 4,896 phosphoproteins, including 217 kinases. We identify active Src-family kinases signaling as well as active cyclin-dependent kinases. We validate putative targets for therapy ex vivo and identify potential combination treatments, such as the inhibition of the INSR/IGF-1R axis to increase the sensitivity to dasatinib treatment. Ex vivo validation of selected drug combinations using patient-derived xenografts provides a proof-of-concept for phosphoproteomics-guided design of personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cordo’
- grid.487647.ePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mariska T. Meijer
- grid.487647.ePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rico Hagelaar
- grid.487647.ePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Richard R. de Goeij-de Haas
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vera M. Poort
- grid.487647.ePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alex A. Henneman
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sander R. Piersma
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thang V. Pham
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koichi Oshima
- grid.239585.00000 0001 2285 2675Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Adolfo A. Ferrando
- grid.239585.00000 0001 2285 2675Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY USA
| | | | - Connie R. Jimenez
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jules P. P. Meijerink
- grid.487647.ePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,Present Address: Acerta Pharma (member of the AstraZeneca group), Oss, The Netherlands
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17
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Fregona V, Bayet M, Gerby B. Oncogene-Induced Reprogramming in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Towards Targeted Therapy of Leukemia-Initiating Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215511. [PMID: 34771671 PMCID: PMC8582707 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a heterogeneous disease characterized by a diversity of genetic alterations, following a sophisticated and controversial organization. In this review, we present and discuss the concepts exploring the cellular, molecular and functional heterogeneity of leukemic cells. We also review the emerging evidence indicating that cell plasticity and oncogene-induced reprogramming should be considered at the biological and clinical levels as critical mechanisms for identifying and targeting leukemia-initiating cells. Abstract Our understanding of the hierarchical structure of acute leukemia has yet to be fully translated into therapeutic approaches. Indeed, chemotherapy still has to take into account the possibility that leukemia-initiating cells may have a distinct chemosensitivity profile compared to the bulk of the tumor, and therefore are spared by the current treatment, causing the relapse of the disease. Therefore, the identification of the cell-of-origin of leukemia remains a longstanding question and an exciting challenge in cancer research of the last few decades. With a particular focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, we present in this review the previous and current concepts exploring the phenotypic, genetic and functional heterogeneity in patients. We also discuss the benefits of using engineered mouse models to explore the early steps of leukemia development and to identify the biological mechanisms driving the emergence of leukemia-initiating cells. Finally, we describe the major prospects for the discovery of new therapeutic strategies that specifically target their aberrant stem cell-like functions.
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18
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Silva A, Almeida ARM, Cachucho A, Neto JL, Demeyer S, de Matos M, Hogan T, Li Y, Meijerink J, Cools J, Grosso AR, Seddon B, Barata JT. Overexpression of wild-type IL-7Rα promotes T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. Blood 2021; 138:1040-1052. [PMID: 33970999 PMCID: PMC8462360 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019000553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Tight regulation of IL-7Rα expression is essential for normal T-cell development. IL-7Rα gain-of-function mutations are known drivers of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Although a subset of patients with T-ALL display high IL7R messenger RNA levels and cases with IL7R gains have been reported, the impact of IL-7Rα overexpression, rather than mutational activation, during leukemogenesis remains unclear. In this study, overexpressed IL-7Rα in tetracycline-inducible Il7r transgenic and Rosa26 IL7R knockin mice drove potential thymocyte self-renewal, and thymus hyperplasia related to increased proliferation of T-cell precursors, which subsequently infiltrated lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow, ultimately leading to fatal leukemia. The tumors mimicked key features of human T-ALL, including heterogeneity in immunophenotype and genetic subtype between cases, frequent hyperactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway paralleled by downregulation of p27Kip1 and upregulation of Bcl-2, and gene expression signatures evidencing activation of JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Notch signaling. Notably, we also found that established tumors may no longer require high levels of IL-7R expression upon secondary transplantation and progressed in the absence of IL-7, but remain sensitive to inhibitors of IL-7R-mediated signaling ruxolitinib (Jak1), AZD1208 (Pim), dactolisib (PI3K/mTOR), palbociclib (Cdk4/6), and venetoclax (Bcl-2). The relevance of these findings for human disease are highlighted by the fact that samples from patients with T-ALL with high wild-type IL7R expression display a transcriptional signature resembling that of IL-7-stimulated pro-T cells and, critically, of IL7R-mutant cases of T-ALL. Overall, our study demonstrates that high expression of IL-7Rα can promote T-cell tumorigenesis, even in the absence of IL-7Rα mutational activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Silva
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Afonso R M Almeida
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Cachucho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João L Neto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofie Demeyer
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Cancer Biology
- Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven Center for Human Genetics, Katholieke Universiteit (VIB-KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mafalda de Matos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Thea Hogan
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yunlei Li
- Department of Pathology Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jules Meijerink
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.; and
| | - Jan Cools
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Cancer Biology
| | - Ana Rita Grosso
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Unidade de Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas (UCIBIO), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Benedict Seddon
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - João T Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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19
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Ruxolitinib as a Novel Therapeutic Option for Poor Prognosis T-LBL Pediatric Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153724. [PMID: 34359628 PMCID: PMC8345121 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Current treatment protocols for pediatric patients with T-Lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) allow the achievement of a complete remission in around 85% of T-LBL pediatric patients; however the overall survival rate of second-line treatments for patients with progressive disease or relapse is around 14%. Thus, the major issues to be addressed are the identification of a valuable predictor marker to foresee the disease risk and new therapeutic targets to improve relapsed/resistant patients’ outcome. We identified JAK2 Y1007-1008 as a potential prognosis marker as well as a therapeutic target for patients with progressive disease or relapse and suggest that its inhibition by ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 FDA approved inhibitor, could represent a novel therapeutic approach to overcome therapy resistance and meliorate the outcome of pediatric T-LBL patients. Abstract Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) is the second most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in childhood, mainly of T cell origin (T-LBL). Although current treatment protocols allow a complete remission in 85% of cases, the second-line treatment overall survival for patients with progressive or relapsed disease is around 14%, making this the major issue to be confronted. Thus, we performed a Reverse Phase Protein Array study in a cohort of 22 T-LBL patients to find reliable disease risk marker(s) and new therapeutic targets to improve pediatric T-LBL patients’ outcome. Interestingly, we pinpointed JAK2 Y1007-1008 as a potential prognosis marker as well as a therapeutic target in poor prognosis patients. Hence, the hyperactivation of the JAK1/2-STAT6 pathway characterizes these latter patients. Moreover, we functionally demonstrated that STAT6 hyperactivation contributes to therapy resistance by binding the glucocorticoid receptor, thus inhibiting its transcriptional activity. This was further confirmed by specific STAT6 gene silencing followed by dexamethasone treatment. Finally, JAK1/2-STAT6 pathway inhibition by ruxolitinib, an FDA approved drug, in cell line models and in one T-LBL primary sample led to cell proliferation reduction and increased apoptosis. Globally, our results identify a new potential prognostic marker and suggest a novel therapeutic approach to overcome therapy resistance in pediatric T-LBL patients.
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20
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T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Biomarkers and Their Clinical Usefulness. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081118. [PMID: 34440292 PMCID: PMC8394887 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL) are immature lymphoid tumors localizing in the bone marrow, mediastinum, central nervous system, and lymphoid organs. They account for 10-15% of pediatric and about 25% of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases. It is a widely heterogeneous disease that is caused by the co-occurrence of multiple genetic abnormalities, which are acquired over time, and once accumulated, lead to full-blown leukemia. Recurrently affected genes deregulate pivotal cell processes, such as cycling (CDKN1B, RB1, TP53), signaling transduction (RAS pathway, IL7R/JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT), epigenetics (PRC2 members, PHF6), and protein translation (RPL10, CNOT3). A remarkable role is played by NOTCH1 and CDKN2A, as they are altered in more than half of the cases. The activation of the NOTCH1 signaling affects thymocyte specification and development, while CDKN2A haploinsufficiency/inactivation, promotes cell cycle progression. Among recurrently involved oncogenes, a major role is exerted by T-cell-specific transcription factors, whose deregulated expression interferes with normal thymocyte development and causes a stage-specific differentiation arrest. Hence, TAL and/or LMO deregulation is typical of T-ALL with a mature phenotype (sCD3 positive) that of TLX1, NKX2-1, or TLX3, of cortical T-ALL (CD1a positive); HOXA and MEF2C are instead over-expressed in subsets of Early T-cell Precursor (ETP; immature phenotype) and early T-ALL. Among immature T-ALL, genomic alterations, that cause BCL11B transcriptional deregulation, identify a specific genetic subgroup. Although comprehensive cytogenetic and molecular studies have shed light on the genetic background of T-ALL, biomarkers are not currently adopted in the diagnostic workup of T-ALL, and only a limited number of studies have assessed their clinical implications. In this review, we will focus on recurrent T-ALL abnormalities that define specific leukemogenic pathways and on oncogenes/oncosuppressors that can serve as diagnostic biomarkers. Moreover, we will discuss how the complex genomic profile of T-ALL can be used to address and test innovative/targeted therapeutic options.
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21
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NFAT transcription factors are essential and redundant actors for leukemia initiating potential in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254184. [PMID: 34234374 PMCID: PMC8263285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy with few available targeted therapies. We previously reported that the phosphatase calcineurin (Cn) is required for LIC (leukemia Initiating Capacity) potential of T-ALL pointing to Cn as an interesting therapeutic target. Calcineurin inhibitors have however unwanted side effect. NFAT transcription factors play crucial roles downstream of calcineurin during thymocyte development, T cell differentiation, activation and anergy. Here we elucidate NFAT functional relevance in T-ALL. Using murine T-ALL models in which Nfat genes can be inactivated either singly or in combination, we show that NFATs are required for T-ALL LIC potential and essential to survival, proliferation and migration of T-ALL cells. We also demonstrate that Nfat genes are functionally redundant in T-ALL and identified a node of genes commonly deregulated upon Cn or NFAT inactivation, which may serve as future candidate targets for T-ALL.
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22
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Pocock R, Farah N, Richardson SE, Mansour MR. Current and emerging therapeutic approaches for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2021; 194:28-43. [PMID: 33942287 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
T-cell ALL (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy of T-cell progenitors. Although survival outcomes in T-ALL have greatly improved over the past 50 years, relapsed and refractory cases remain extremely challenging to treat and those who cannot tolerate intensive treatment continue to have poor outcomes. Furthermore, T-ALL has proven a more challenging immunotherapeutic target than B-ALL. In this review we explore our expanding knowledge of the basic biology of T-ALL and how this is paving the way for repurposing established treatments and the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Pocock
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nadine Farah
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon E Richardson
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marc R Mansour
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
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23
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Vandooren J, Pereira RVS, Ugarte-Berzal E, Rybakin V, Noppen S, Stas MR, Bernaerts E, Ganseman E, Metzemaekers M, Schols D, Proost P, Opdenakker G. Internal Disulfide Bonding and Glycosylation of Interleukin-7 Protect Against Proteolytic Inactivation by Neutrophil Metalloproteinases and Serine Proteases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:701739. [PMID: 34276694 PMCID: PMC8278288 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.701739] [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: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 7 (IL-7) is a cell growth factor with a central role in normal T cell development, survival and differentiation. The lack of IL-7–IL-7 receptor(R)-mediated signaling compromises lymphoid development, whereas increased signaling activity contributes to the development of chronic inflammation, cancer and autoimmunity. Gain-of-function alterations of the IL-7R and the signaling through Janus kinases (JAKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are enriched in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and autocrine production of IL-7 by T-ALL cells is involved in the phenotypes of leukemic initiation and oncogenic spreading. Several IL-7-associated pathologies are also characterized by increased presence of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), due to neutrophil degranulation and its regulated production by other cell types. Since proteases secreted by neutrophils are known to modulate the activity of many cytokines, we investigated the interactions between IL-7, MMP-9 and several other neutrophil-derived proteases. We demonstrated that MMP-9 efficiently cleaved human IL-7 in the exposed loop between the α-helices C and D and that this process is delayed by IL-7 N-linked glycosylation. Functionally, the proteolytic cleavage of IL-7 did not influence IL-7Rα binding and internalization nor the direct pro-proliferative effects of IL-7 on a T-ALL cell line (HPB-ALL) or in primary CD8+ human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A comparable effect was observed for the neutrophil serine proteases neutrophil elastase, proteinase 3 and combinations of neutrophil proteases. Hence, glycosylation and disulfide bonding as two posttranslational modifications influence IL-7 bioavailability in the human species: glycosylation protects against proteolysis, whereas internal cysteine bridging under physiological redox state keeps the IL-7 conformations as active proteoforms. Finally, we showed that mouse IL-7 does not contain the protease-sensitive loop and, consequently, was not cleaved by MMP-9. With the latter finding we discovered differences in IL-7 biology between the human and mouse species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Vandooren
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rafaela Vaz Sousa Pereira
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Estefania Ugarte-Berzal
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vasily Rybakin
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Noppen
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Melissa R Stas
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Bernaerts
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eva Ganseman
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Metzemaekers
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Proost
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ghislain Opdenakker
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research/KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Leuven, Belgium
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Cordo' V, van der Zwet JC, Canté-Barrett K, Pieters R, Meijerink JP. T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Roadmap to Targeted Therapies. Blood Cancer Discov 2021; 2:19-31. [PMID: 34661151 PMCID: PMC8447273 DOI: 10.1158/2643-3230.bcd-20-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy characterized by aberrant proliferation of immature thymocytes. Despite an overall survival of 80% in the pediatric setting, 20% of patients with T-ALL ultimately die from relapsed or refractory disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel therapies. Molecular genetic analyses and sequencing studies have led to the identification of recurrent T-ALL genetic drivers. This review summarizes the main genetic drivers and targetable lesions of T-ALL and gives a comprehensive overview of the novel treatments for patients with T-ALL that are currently under clinical investigation or that are emerging from preclinical research. SIGNIFICANCE T-ALL is driven by oncogenic transcription factors that act along with secondary acquired mutations. These lesions, together with active signaling pathways, may be targeted by therapeutic agents. Bridging research and clinical practice can accelerate the testing of novel treatments in clinical trials, offering an opportunity for patients with poor outcome.
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