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Calabrò L, Bronte G, Grosso F, Cerbone L, Delmonte A, Nicolini F, Mazza M, Di Giacomo AM, Covre A, Lofiego MF, Crinò L, Maio M. Immunotherapy of mesothelioma: the evolving change of a long-standing therapeutic dream. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1333661. [PMID: 38259475 PMCID: PMC10800748 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1333661] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive and rare disease, characterized by a very poor prognosis. For almost two decades, the world standard treatment regimen for unresectable PM has consisted of a platinum-based drug plus pemetrexed, leading to an overall survival of approximately 12 months. The dramatic therapeutic scenario of PM has recently changed with the entry into the clinic of immune checkpoint inhibition, which has proven to be an effective approach to improve the survival of PM patients. The aim of the present review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the most promising immunotherapeutic-based strategies currently under investigation for advanced PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Calabrò
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bronte
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health and Sciences On Ageing (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Italy
| | - Federica Grosso
- Mesothelioma, Melanoma and Sarcoma Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Luigi Cerbone
- Mesothelioma, Melanoma and Sarcoma Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Angelo Delmonte
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Fabio Nicolini
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mazza
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Di Giacomo
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessia Covre
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- EPigenetic Immune-Oncology Consortium Airc (EPICA), Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Fortunata Lofiego
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- EPigenetic Immune-Oncology Consortium Airc (EPICA), Siena, Italy
| | - Lucio Crinò
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- EPigenetic Immune-Oncology Consortium Airc (EPICA), Siena, Italy
- Fondazione Network Italiano per la Bioterapia dei Tumori (NIBIT) Onlus, Siena, Italy
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Xie Z, Zhou Z, Yang S, Zhang S, Shao B. Epigenetic regulation and therapeutic targets in the tumor microenvironment. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:17. [PMID: 37273004 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial to neoplastic processes, fostering proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Epigenetic regulations, primarily including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA, have been generally recognized as an essential feature of tumor malignancy, exceedingly contributing to the dysregulation of the core gene expression in neoplastic cells, bringing about the evasion of immunosurveillance by influencing the immune cells in TME. Recently, compelling evidence have highlighted that clinical therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic machinery modulate carcinogenesis through targeting TME components, including normalizing cells' phenotype, suppressing cells' neovascularization and repressing the immunosuppressive components in TME. Therefore, TME components have been nominated as a promising target for epigenetic drugs in clinical cancer management. This review focuses on the mechanisms of epigenetic modifications occurring to the pivotal TME components including the stroma, immune and myeloid cells in various tumors reported in the last five years, concludes the tight correlation between TME reprogramming and tumor progression and immunosuppression, summarizes the current advances in cancer clinical treatments and potential therapeutic targets with reference to epigenetic drugs. Finally, we summarize some of the restrictions in the field of cancer research at the moment, further discuss several interesting epigenetic gene targets with potential strategies to boost antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Zirui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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Epigenetic Regulation in Breast Cancer: Insights on Epidrugs. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:epigenomes7010006. [PMID: 36810560 PMCID: PMC9953240 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a common cause of cancer-related death in women. Therefore, further studies are necessary for the comprehension of breast cancer and the revolution of breast cancer treatment. Cancer is a heterogeneous disease that results from epigenetic alterations in normal cells. Aberrant epigenetic regulation is strongly associated with the development of breast cancer. Current therapeutic approaches target epigenetic alterations rather than genetic mutations due to their reversibility. The formation and maintenance of epigenetic changes depend on specific enzymes, including DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases, which are promising targets for epigenetic-based therapy. Epidrugs target different epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and histone methylation, which can restore normal cellular memory in cancerous diseases. Epigenetic-targeted therapy using epidrugs has anti-tumor effects on malignancies, including breast cancer. This review focuses on the importance of epigenetic regulation and the clinical implications of epidrugs in breast cancer.
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Liu Z, Wan R, Bai H, Wang J. Damage-associated molecular patterns and sensing receptors based molecular subtypes in malignant pleural mesothelioma and implications for immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1104560. [PMID: 37033966 PMCID: PMC10079989 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1104560] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is characterized as an incredibly aggressive form of cancer with a dismal diagnosis and a dearth of specific biomarkers and therapeutic options. For MPM patients, the effectiveness of immunotherapy may be influenced by damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP)-induced immunogenic cell death (ICD).The objective of this work is to create a molecular profile associated with DAMPs to categorize MPM patients and predict their prognosis and response to immunotherapy. Methods The RNA-seq of 397 patients (263 patients with clinical data, 57.2% male, 73.0% over 60 yrs.) were gathered from eight public datasets as a training cohort to identify the DAMPs-associated subgroups of MPMs using K-means analysis. Three validation cohorts of patients or murine were established from TCGA and GEO databases. Comparisons were made across each subtype's immune status, gene mutations, survival prognosis, and predicted response to therapy. Results Based on the DAMPs gene expression, MPMs were categorized into two subtypes: the nuclear DAMPs subtype, which is classified by the upregulation of immune-suppressed pathways, and the inflammatory DAMPs subtype, which is distinguished by the enrichment of proinflammatory cytokine signaling. The inflammatory DAMPs subgroup had a better prognosis, while the nuclear DAMPs subgroup exhibited a worse outcome. In validation cohorts, the subtyping system was effectively verified. We further identified the genetic differences between the two DAMPs subtypes. It was projected that the inflammatory DAMPs subtype will respond to immunotherapy more favorably, suggesting that the developed clustering method may be implemented to predict the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Conclusion We constructed a subtyping model based on ICD-associated DAMPs in MPM, which might serve as a signature to gauge the outcomes of immune checkpoint blockades. Our research may aid in the development of innovative immunomodulators as well as the advancement of precision immunotherapy for MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Mai HL, Deshayes S, Nguyen TVH, Dehame V, Chéné AL, Brouard S, Blanquart C. IL-7 is expressed in malignant mesothelioma and has a prognostic value. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3606-3619. [PMID: 36054746 PMCID: PMC9580880 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13310] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer mainly related to asbestos exposure. Despite recent therapeutic advances, notably immunotherapies, the benefit remains limited and restricted to a small percentage of patients. Thus, a better understanding of the disease is needed to identify new therapeutic strategies. Recently, interleukin 7 receptor (IL‐7R) has been described as being expressed by MPM cells and associated with poorer patient survival. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the IL‐7R/IL‐7 pathway in MPM using patient samples. We found that, although more than 40% of MPM cells expressed IL‐7R, IL‐7 had no effect on their intracellular signaling. Accordingly, the addition of IL‐7 to the culture medium did not affect MPM cell growth. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we showed that high IL7 gene expression in MPM tumors was associated with a higher overall patient survival and an induction of genes involved in the immune response. In pleural effusions (PEs), we found that IL‐7 concentration was not a good diagnostic biomarker. However, we observed that high IL‐7 levels in PEs were associated with shorter survival of MPM patients, but not of lung cancer patients. The prognostic value of IL‐7 was also conserved when only patients with epithelioid mesothelioma, the most common histological type of MPM, were analyzed. Taken together, our study suggests that, although the IL‐7R/IL‐7 signaling pathway is not functional in MPM cells, IL‐7 expression in PEs may have prognostic value in MPM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoa-Le Mai
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000, Nantes, France.,Labex IGO, Immunology Graft Oncology, Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Deshayes
- Labex IGO, Immunology Graft Oncology, Nantes, France.,Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d'Angers, CRCI2NA, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Thi-Van-Ha Nguyen
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000, Nantes, France.,Labex IGO, Immunology Graft Oncology, Nantes, France
| | - Virginie Dehame
- Labex IGO, Immunology Graft Oncology, Nantes, France.,Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d'Angers, CRCI2NA, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Anne-Laure Chéné
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d'Angers, CRCI2NA, F-44000, Nantes, France.,Service de pneumologie, L'institut du thorax, Hôpital Guillaume et René Laennec, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Brouard
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000, Nantes, France.,Labex IGO, Immunology Graft Oncology, Nantes, France
| | - Christophe Blanquart
- Labex IGO, Immunology Graft Oncology, Nantes, France.,Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d'Angers, CRCI2NA, F-44000, Nantes, France
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Dai E, Zhu Z, Wahed S, Qu Z, Storkus WJ, Guo ZS. Epigenetic modulation of antitumor immunity for improved cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:171. [PMID: 34930302 PMCID: PMC8691037 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play vital roles not only in cancer initiation and progression, but also in the activation, differentiation and effector function(s) of immune cells. In this review, we summarize current literature related to epigenomic dynamics in immune cells impacting immune cell fate and functionality, and the immunogenicity of cancer cells. Some important immune-associated genes, such as granzyme B, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, FoxP3 and STING, are regulated via epigenetic mechanisms in immune or/and cancer cells, as are immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT) expressed by immune cells and tumor-associated stromal cells. Thus, therapeutic strategies implementing epigenetic modulating drugs are expected to significantly impact the tumor microenvironment (TME) by promoting transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming in local immune cell populations, resulting in inhibition of immunosuppressive cells (MDSCs and Treg) and the activation of anti-tumor T effector cells, professional antigen presenting cells (APC), as well as cancer cells which can serve as non-professional APC. In the latter instance, epigenetic modulating agents may coordinately promote tumor immunogenicity by inducing de novo expression of transcriptionally repressed tumor-associated antigens, increasing expression of neoantigens and MHC processing/presentation machinery, and activating tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD). ICD provides a rich source of immunogens for anti-tumor T cell cross-priming and sensitizing cancer cells to interventional immunotherapy. In this way, epigenetic modulators may be envisioned as effective components in combination immunotherapy approaches capable of mediating superior therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyong Dai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhi Zhu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgical Oncology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shudipto Wahed
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhaoxia Qu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Walter J Storkus
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Departments of Dermatology, Immunology, Pathology and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Lofiego MF, Cannito S, Fazio C, Piazzini F, Cutaia O, Solmonese L, Marzani F, Chiarucci C, Di Giacomo AM, Calabrò L, Coral S, Maio M, Covre A. Epigenetic Immune Remodeling of Mesothelioma Cells: A New Strategy to Improve the Efficacy of Immunotherapy. EPIGENOMES 2021; 5:epigenomes5040027. [PMID: 34968251 PMCID: PMC8715476 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5040027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy with a severe prognosis, and with a long-standing need for more effective therapeutic approaches. However, treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is becoming an increasingly effective strategy for MPM patients. In this scenario, epigenetic modifications may negatively regulate the interplay between immune and malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment, thus contributing to the highly immunosuppressive contexture of MPM that may limit the efficacy of immunotherapy. Aiming to further improve prospectively the clinical efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches in MPM, we investigated the immunomodulatory potential of different classes of epigenetic drugs (i.e., DNA hypomethylating agent (DHA) guadecitabine, histone deacetylase inhibitors VPA and SAHA, or EZH2 inhibitors EPZ-6438) in epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid MPM cell lines, by cytofluorimetric and real-time PCR analyses. We also characterized the effects of the DHA, guadecitabine, on the gene expression profiles (GEP) of the investigated MPM cell lines by the nCounter platform. Among investigated drugs, exposure of MPM cells to guadecitabine, either alone or in combination with VPA, SAHA and EPZ-6438 demonstrated to be the main driver of the induction/upregulation of immune molecules functionally crucial in host-tumor interaction (i.e., HLA class I, ICAM-1 and cancer testis antigens) in all three MPM subtypes investigated. Additionally, GEP demonstrated that treatment with guadecitabine led to the activation of genes involved in several immune-related functional classes mainly in the sarcomatoid subtype. Furthermore, among investigated MPM subtypes, DHA-induced CDH1 expression that contributes to restoring the epithelial phenotype was highest in sarcomatoid cells. Altogether, our results contribute to providing the rationale to develop new epigenetically-based immunotherapeutic approaches for MPM patients, potentially tailored to the specific histologic subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fortunata Lofiego
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Epigen Therapeutics S.R.L., 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Sara Cannito
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Medical Oncology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Carolina Fazio
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesca Piazzini
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Ornella Cutaia
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Laura Solmonese
- Epigen Therapeutics S.R.L., 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Medical Oncology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Marzani
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Carla Chiarucci
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Anna Maria Di Giacomo
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Medical Oncology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luana Calabrò
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Sandra Coral
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Epigen Therapeutics S.R.L., 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Michele Maio
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Medical Oncology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessia Covre
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Medical Oncology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Lorenzini E, Ciarrocchi A, Torricelli F. Molecular Fingerprints of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Not Just a Matter of Genetic Alterations. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112470. [PMID: 34199544 PMCID: PMC8199660 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a clinical emergency of our time. Being strongly associated with asbestos exposure, incidence of this cancer is ramping up these days in many industrialized countries and it will soon start to increase in many developing areas where the use of this silicate derivate is still largely in use. Deficiency of reliable markers for the early identification of these tumors and the limited efficacy of the currently available therapeutic options are the basis of the impressive mortality rate of MPM. These shortcomings reflect the very poor information available about the molecular basis of this disease. Results of the recently released deep profiling studies point to the epigenome as a central element in MPM development and progression. First, MPM is characterized by a low mutational burden and a highly peculiar set of mutations that hits almost exclusively epigenetic keepers or proteins controlling chromatin organization and function. Furthermore, asbestos does not seem to be associated with a distinctive mutational signature, while the precise mapping of epigenetic changes caused by this carcinogen has been defined, suggesting that alterations in epigenetic features are the driving force in the development of this disease. Last but not least, consistent evidence also indicates that, in the setting of MPM, chromatin rewiring and epigenetic alterations of cancer cells heavily condition the microenvironment, including the immune response. In this review we aim to point to the relevance of the epigenome in MPM and to highlight the dependency of this tumor on chromatin organization and function. We also intend to discuss the opportunity of targeting these mechanisms as potential therapeutic options for MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Lorenzini
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.)
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.)
| | - Federica Torricelli
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (E.L.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Maes K, Mondino A, Lasarte JJ, Agirre X, Vanderkerken K, Prosper F, Breckpot K. Epigenetic Modifiers: Anti-Neoplastic Drugs With Immunomodulating Potential. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652160. [PMID: 33859645 PMCID: PMC8042276 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are under the surveillance of the host immune system. Nevertheless, a number of immunosuppressive mechanisms allow tumors to escape protective responses and impose immune tolerance. Epigenetic alterations are central to cancer cell biology and cancer immune evasion. Accordingly, epigenetic modulating agents (EMAs) are being exploited as anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory agents to restore immunological fitness. By simultaneously acting on cancer cells, e.g. by changing expression of tumor antigens, immune checkpoints, chemokines or innate defense pathways, and on immune cells, e.g. by remodeling the tumor stroma or enhancing effector cell functionality, EMAs can indeed overcome peripheral tolerance to transformed cells. Therefore, combinations of EMAs with chemo- or immunotherapy have become interesting strategies to fight cancer. Here we review several examples of epigenetic changes critical for immune cell functions and tumor-immune evasion and of the use of EMAs in promoting anti-tumor immunity. Finally, we provide our perspective on how EMAs could represent a game changer for combinatorial therapies and the clinical management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Maes
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universiteit Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anna Mondino
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Juan José Lasarte
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.,Hemato-oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.,Hemato-oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Hematology and Cell Therapy Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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10
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Sun S, Frontini F, Qi W, Hariharan A, Ronner M, Wipplinger M, Blanquart C, Rehrauer H, Fonteneau JF, Felley-Bosco E. Endogenous retrovirus expression activates type-I interferon signaling in an experimental mouse model of mesothelioma development. Cancer Lett 2021; 507:26-38. [PMID: 33713739 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Early events in an experimental model of mesothelioma development include increased levels of editing in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We hypothesised that expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERV) contributes to dsRNA formation and type-I interferon signaling. ERV and interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) expression were significantly higher in tumor compared to non-tumor samples. 12 tumor specific ERV ("MesoERV1-12") were identified and verified by qPCR in mouse tissues. "MesoERV1-12" expression was lower in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) compared to mesothelioma cells. "MesoERV1-12" levels were significantly increased by demethylating agent 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment and were accompanied by increased levels of dsRNA and ISGs. Basal ISGs expression was higher in mesothelioma cells compared to MEF and was significantly decreased by JAK inhibitor Ruxolitinib, by blocking Ifnar1 and by silencing Mavs. "MesoERV7" promoter was demethylated in asbestos-exposed compared to sham mice tissue as well as in mesothelioma cells and MEF upon 5-Aza-CdR treatment. These observations uncover novel aspects of asbestos-induced mesothelioma whereby ERV expression increases due to promoter demethylation and is paralleled by increased levels of dsRNA and activation of type-I IFN signaling. These features are important for early diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suna Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lungen- und Thoraxonkologie Zentrum, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Frontini
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lungen- und Thoraxonkologie Zentrum, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Weihong Qi
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich/University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ananya Hariharan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lungen- und Thoraxonkologie Zentrum, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Ronner
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lungen- und Thoraxonkologie Zentrum, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Wipplinger
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lungen- und Thoraxonkologie Zentrum, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich/University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Emanuela Felley-Bosco
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lungen- und Thoraxonkologie Zentrum, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
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11
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Tomaselli D, Lucidi A, Rotili D, Mai A. Epigenetic polypharmacology: A new frontier for epi-drug discovery. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:190-244. [PMID: 31218726 PMCID: PMC6917854 DOI: 10.1002/med.21600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recently, despite the great success achieved by the so-called "magic bullets" in the treatment of different diseases through a marked and specific interaction with the target of interest, the pharmacological research is moving toward the development of "molecular network active compounds," embracing the related polypharmacology approach. This strategy was born to overcome the main limitations of the single target therapy leading to a superior therapeutic effect, a decrease of adverse reactions, and a reduction of potential mechanism(s) of drug resistance caused by robustness and redundancy of biological pathways. It has become clear that multifactorial diseases such as cancer, neurological, and inflammatory disorders, may require more complex therapeutic approaches hitting a certain biological system as a whole. Concerning epigenetics, the goal of the multi-epi-target approach consists in the development of small molecules able to simultaneously and (often) reversibly bind different specific epi-targets. To date, two dual histone deacetylase/kinase inhibitors (CUDC-101 and CUDC-907) are in an advanced stage of clinical trials. In the last years, the growing interest in polypharmacology encouraged the publication of high-quality reviews on combination therapy and hybrid molecules. Hence, to update the state-of-the-art of these therapeutic approaches avoiding redundancy, herein we focused only on multiple medication therapies and multitargeting compounds exploiting epigenetic plus nonepigenetic drugs reported in the literature in 2018. In addition, all the multi-epi-target inhibitors known in literature so far, hitting two or more epigenetic targets, have been included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Tomaselli
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs,
“Sapienza” University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessia Lucidi
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs,
“Sapienza” University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs,
“Sapienza” University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs,
“Sapienza” University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Pasteur Institute - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Viale
Regina Elena 291, 00161 Roma, Italy
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12
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Bezu L, Wu Chuang A, Liu P, Kroemer G, Kepp O. Immunological Effects of Epigenetic Modifiers. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121911. [PMID: 31805711 PMCID: PMC6966579 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations are associated with major pathologies including cancer. Epigenetic dysregulation, such as aberrant histone acetylation, altered DNA methylation, or modified chromatin organization, contribute to oncogenesis by inactivating tumor suppressor genes and activating oncogenic pathways. Targeting epigenetic cancer hallmarks can be harnessed as an immunotherapeutic strategy, exemplified by the use of pharmacological inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) and histone deacetylases (HDAC) that can result in the release from the tumor of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) on one hand and can (re-)activate the expression of tumor-associated antigens on the other hand. This finding suggests that epigenetic modifiers and more specifically the DNA methylation status may change the interaction of chromatin with chaperon proteins including HMGB1, thereby contributing to the antitumor immune response. In this review, we detail how epigenetic modifiers can be used for stimulating therapeutically relevant anticancer immunity when used as stand-alone treatments or in combination with established immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucillia Bezu
- Service anesthésie-réanimation, Hôpital européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris Sud, 94270 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France;
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, 75000, Paris, France;
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Alejandra Wu Chuang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris Sud, 94270 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France;
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, 75000, Paris, France;
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Peng Liu
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, 75000, Paris, France;
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, 75000, Paris, France;
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France
- Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France
- Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 215123 Suzhou, China
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (G.K.); (O.K.)
| | - Oliver Kepp
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, 75000, Paris, France;
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France
- Correspondence: (G.K.); (O.K.)
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13
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Di Somma S, Iannuzzi CA, Passaro C, Forte IM, Iannone R, Gigantino V, Indovina P, Botti G, Giordano A, Formisano P, Portella G, Malfitano AM, Pentimalli F. The Oncolytic Virus dl922-947 Triggers Immunogenic Cell Death in Mesothelioma and Reduces Xenograft Growth. Front Oncol 2019; 9:564. [PMID: 31355131 PMCID: PMC6639422 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer associated with asbestos exposure that urgently requires effective therapeutic strategies. Current treatments are unable to increase significantly patient survival, which is often limited to <1 year from diagnosis. Virotherapy, based on the use of oncolytic viruses that exert anti-cancer effects by direct cell lysis and through the induction of anti-tumor immune response, represents an alternative therapeutic option for rare tumors with limited life expectancy. In this study, we propose the use of the adenovirus dl922-947, engineered to allow selective replication in cancer cells, to counteract MPM. Methods: We performed a thorough preclinical assessment of dl922-947 effects in a set of MPM cell lines and xenografts. Cytotoxicity of dl922-947 alone and in combination assays was evaluated by sulforhodamine B assay. Cell cycle, calreticulin expression, and high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) secretion were determined by flow cytometry, whereas ATP content was determined by a luminescence-based bioassay. The modulation of angiogenic factors in MPM-infected cells was evaluated through ELISA. Results: We found that dl922-947 infection exhibits cytotoxic effects in MPM cell lines, affecting cell viability, cell cycle progression, and regulating main hallmarks of immunogenic cell death inducing calreticulin surface exposure, HMGB1 and ATP release. Our results also suggest that dl922-947 may affect angiogenic signals by regulation of VEGF-A and IL-8 secretion. Furthermore, dl922-947 shows anti-tumor efficacy in murine xenograft models reducing tumor growth and enhancing survival. Finally, the combination with cisplatin potentiated the cytotoxic effect of dl922-947. Conclusions: Overall our data identify virotherapy, based on the use of dl922-947, as a new possible therapeutic strategy against MPM, which could be used alone, in combination with standard chemotherapy drugs, as shown here, or other approaches also aimed at enhancing the antitumoral immune response elicited by the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Di Somma
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Carmela Passaro
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Iris Maria Forte
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Iannone
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Gigantino
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Indovina
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Scientific Direction, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Portella
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Malfitano
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
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14
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The ROMP: A Powerful Approach to Synthesize Novel pH-Sensitive Nanoparticles for Tumor Therapy. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9020060. [PMID: 30759891 PMCID: PMC6406258 DOI: 10.3390/biom9020060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fast clearance, metabolism, and systemic toxicity are major limits for the clinical use of anti-cancer drugs. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) present these defects, despite displaying promising anti-tumor properties on tumor cells in vitro and in in vivo models of cancer. The specific delivery of anti-cancer drugs into the tumor should improve their clinical benefit by limiting systemic toxicity and by increasing the anti-tumor effect. This paper deals with the synthesis of the polymeric nanoparticle platform, which was produced by Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP), able to release anti-cancer drugs in dispersion, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors, into mesothelioma tumors. The core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) have stealth properties due to their poly(ethylene oxide) shell and can be viewed as universal nano-carriers on which any alkyne-modified anti-cancer molecule can be grafted by click chemistry. A cleavage reaction of the chemical bond between NPs and drugs through the contact of NPs with a medium presenting an acidic pH, which is typically a cancer tumor environment or an acidic intracellular compartment, induces a controlled release of the bioactive molecule in its native form. In our in vivo syngeneic model of mesothelioma, a highly selective accumulation of the particles in the tumor was obtained. The release of the drugs led to an 80% reduction of tumor weight for the best compound without toxicity. Our work demonstrates that the use of theranostic nanovectors leads to an optimized delivery of epigenetic inhibitors in tumors, which improves their anti-tumor properties in vivo.
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15
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Assessment of new HDAC inhibitors for immunotherapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:79. [PMID: 29946373 PMCID: PMC6006850 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0517-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a very rare and highly aggressive cancer of the pleura associated in most cases with asbestos exposure. To date, no really efficient treatments are available for this pathology. Recently, it has been shown that epigenetic drugs, particularly DNA methylation or histone acetylation modulating agents, could be very efficient in terms of cytotoxicity for several types of cancer cells. We previously showed that a hypomethylating agent (decitabine) and a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) (valproic acid (VPA)) combination was immunogenic and led to the induction of an anti-tumor immune response in a mice model of mesothelioma. However, VPA is not very specific, is active at millimolar concentrations and is responsible for side effects in clinic. To improve this approach, we studied four newly synthetized HDACi, two hydroxamates (ODH and NODH) and two benzamides (ODB and NODB), in comparison with VPA and SAHA. We evaluated their toxicity on immune cells and their immunogenicity on MPM cells in combination with decitabine. Results All the tested HDACi were toxic for immune cells at high concentrations. Combination with decitabine increased toxicity of HDACi only towards T-cell clone. A decrease in the proportion of regulatory T cells and natural killer cells was observed in particular with VPA and ODH. In MPM cells, all HDACi combinations induced NY-ESO-1 cancer testis antigen (CTA) expression and the recognition of the treated cells by a NY-ESO-1 specific T-CD8 clone. However, for MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3 and XAGE-1b mRNA expression, the results obtained depended on the HDACi used and on the CTA studied. Depending on the MPM cell line studied, molecules alone increased moderately PD-L1 expression. When combined, a higher stimulation of this immune check point inhibitor expression was observed. Decitabine-induced anti-viral response seemed to be inhibited in the presence of HDACi. Conclusions This work shows that the combination of decitabine and HDACi could be of interest for MPM immunotherapy. However, this combination induced PD-L1 expression which suggests that an association with anti-PD-L1 therapy should be performed to induce an efficient anti-tumor immune response. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-018-0517-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Wang Z, Wang Z, Li S, Li B, Sun L, Li H, Lin P, Wang S, Teng W, Zhou X, Ye Z. Decitabine Enhances Vγ9Vδ2 T Cell-Mediated Cytotoxic Effects on Osteosarcoma Cells via the NKG2DL-NKG2D Axis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1239. [PMID: 29910819 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
γδ T cell-based immunotherapy for osteosarcoma (OS) has shown limited success thus far. DNA-demethylating agents not only induce tumor cell death but also have an immunomodulatory function. In this study, we have assessed the potential benefit of combining decitabine (DAC, a DNA demethylation drug) and γδ T cells for OS immunotherapy. DAC increased the expression of natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) ligands (NKG2DLs), including major histocompatibility complex class I-related chains B (MICB) and UL16-binding protein 1 (ULBP1), on the OS cell surface, making the cells more sensitive to recognition and destruction by cytotoxic γδ T cells. The upregulation of MICB and ULBP1 was due to promoter DNA demethylation. Importantly, the killing of OS cells by γδ T cells was partially reversed by blocking the NKG2D receptor, suggesting that the γδ T cell-mediated cytolysis of DAC-pretreated OS cells was mainly dependent on the NKG2D-NKG2DL axis. The in vivo results were consistent with the in vitro results. In summary, DAC could upregulate MICB and ULBP1 expression in OS cells, and combination treatment involving γδ T cell immunotherapy and DAC could be used to enhance the cytotoxic killing of OS cells by γδ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Wang
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zenan Wang
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shu Li
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, National Ministry of Education, Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Binghao Li
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Sun
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hengyuan Li
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Lin
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengdong Wang
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wangsiyuan Teng
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingzhi Zhou
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoming Ye
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Scherpereel A, Willemin MC, Wasielewski E, Dhalluin X. [Anti-tumor immunotherapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma]. Rev Mal Respir 2018; 35:465-476. [PMID: 29415822 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2017.07.025] [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: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a quite rare cancer, but with increasing incidence, that is usually induced by previous asbestos exposure. Its prognosis is poor and there is no validated curative therapy to date. Surgery of MPM, done only by few expert teams within a multimodal treatment is of limited and still disputed value. The standard treatment of MPM, relying on first-line chemotherapy by combined cisplatin-pemetrexed is often poorly effective, even if combination with bevacizumab anti-VEGF antibodies has slightly improved the results. Moreover, no second line treatment is recommended in case of failure of this chemotherapy. Therefore, the search of new therapies or strategies is crucial and the recruitment of patients in clinical trials is highly encouraged. BACKGROUND Among the treatments under investigation, various anti-tumour immunotherapies, in particular immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICI), currently exhibit the most promising preliminary results. First data from the phase II, randomized "IFCT MAPS-2", recently presented during the 2017 ASCO meeting, confirmed the value of ICI in MPM patients in cases of chemotherapy failure. OUTLOOK AND CONCLUSIONS However, several exciting immunotherapies other than ICI are presently being evaluated in MPM and are reported in this article. Moreover, many questions still need to be answered about immunotherapy: what is its potential value as first line treatment? How to target the best candidates for these treatments? Which combinations between immunotherapy and standard chemotherapy, targeted therapies, surgery or radiotherapy? Finally, it is now essential that every clinician has sufficient knowledge about the possible toxicities of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Scherpereel
- Pneumologie et oncologie thoracique, université Lille, Inserm U1019, CHU de Lille, CIIL, Institut Pasteur, 59000 Lille, France; MESOCLIN-réseau national des centres cliniques experts pour la prise en charge des mésothéliomes pleuraux malins, domiciliation du centre coordinateur national, CHU de Lille, 59000 Lille, France.
| | - M-C Willemin
- Pneumologie et oncologie thoracique, université Lille, Inserm U1019, CHU de Lille, CIIL, Institut Pasteur, 59000 Lille, France; MESOCLIN-réseau national des centres cliniques experts pour la prise en charge des mésothéliomes pleuraux malins, domiciliation du centre coordinateur national, CHU de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - E Wasielewski
- Pneumologie et oncologie thoracique, université Lille, Inserm U1019, CHU de Lille, CIIL, Institut Pasteur, 59000 Lille, France; MESOCLIN-réseau national des centres cliniques experts pour la prise en charge des mésothéliomes pleuraux malins, domiciliation du centre coordinateur national, CHU de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - X Dhalluin
- Pneumologie et oncologie thoracique, université Lille, Inserm U1019, CHU de Lille, CIIL, Institut Pasteur, 59000 Lille, France; MESOCLIN-réseau national des centres cliniques experts pour la prise en charge des mésothéliomes pleuraux malins, domiciliation du centre coordinateur national, CHU de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
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Human DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferases: a functional and structural perspective for epigenetic cancer therapy. Biochimie 2017; 139:137-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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19
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Pouliquen DL, Nawrocki-Raby B, Nader J, Blandin S, Robard M, Birembaut P, Grégoire M. Evaluation of intracavitary administration of curcumin for the treatment of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:57552-57573. [PMID: 28915695 PMCID: PMC5593667 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A rat model of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, mimicking some of the worst clinical conditions encountered, was established to evaluate the therapeutic potential of intracavitary curcumin administration. The M5-T1 cell line, selected from a collection established from F344 rats induced with asbestos, produces tumors within three weeks, with extended metastasis in normal tissues, after intraperitoneal inoculation in syngeneic rats. The optimal concentration/time conditions for killing M5-T1 cells with curcumin were first determined in vitro. Secondly, the potential of intraperitoneal curcumin administration to kill tumor cells in vivo was evaluated in tumor-bearing rats, in comparison with a reference epigenetic drug, SAHA. Both agents administered at days 21 and 26 after tumor challenge produced necrosis within the solid tumors at day 28. However, tumor tissue necrosis induced with curcumin was much more extensive than with SAHA, and was characterized by infiltration with mononuclear phagocytic cells. In contrast, tumor tissue treated with SAHA contained foci of resistant cells and was infiltrated by many isolated CD8+ cells. The treatment of tumor-bearing rats with 1.5 mg/kg curcumin on days 7, 9, 11 and 14 after tumor challenge dramatically reduced the mean total tumor mass at day 16. Clusters of CD8+ T lymphocytes were observed at the periphery of small residual tumor masses in the peritoneal cavity, which presented a significant reduction in mitotic index, IL6 and vimentin expression compared with tumors in untreated rats. These data open up interesting new prospects for the therapy of sarcomatoid mesothelioma with curcumin and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Pouliquen
- INSERM, UMR 1232, Nantes, France.,Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,CNRS ERL, Nantes, France
| | - Béatrice Nawrocki-Raby
- INSERM, UMR-S 903, Reims, France.,Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France.,SFR CAP-Santé, Reims, France
| | - Joëlle Nader
- INSERM, UMR 1232, Nantes, France.,Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,CNRS ERL, Nantes, France
| | - Stéphanie Blandin
- Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Plate-forme MicroPICell, SFR François Bonamy, Nantes, France
| | - Myriam Robard
- Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Plate-forme MicroPICell, SFR François Bonamy, Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Birembaut
- INSERM, UMR-S 903, Reims, France.,Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France.,SFR CAP-Santé, Reims, France.,Laboratory of Biopathology, CHU Reims, Reims, France
| | - Marc Grégoire
- INSERM, UMR 1232, Nantes, France.,Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,CNRS ERL, Nantes, France
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20
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Chacon JA, Schutsky K, Powell DJ. The Impact of Chemotherapy, Radiation and Epigenetic Modifiers in Cancer Cell Expression of Immune Inhibitory and Stimulatory Molecules and Anti-Tumor Efficacy. Vaccines (Basel) 2016; 4:E43. [PMID: 27854240 PMCID: PMC5192363 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines4040043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic destabilizers, such as radiation and chemotherapy, and epigenetic modifiers are used for the treatment of cancer due to their apoptotic effects on the aberrant cells. However, these therapies may also induce widespread changes within the immune system and cancer cells, which may enable tumors to avoid immune surveillance and escape from host anti-tumor immunity. Genomic destabilizers can induce immunogenic death of tumor cells, but also induce upregulation of immune inhibitory ligands on drug-resistant cells, resulting in tumor progression. While administration of immunomodulatory antibodies that block the interactions between inhibitory receptors on immune cells and their ligands on tumor cells can mediate cancer regression in a subset of treated patients, it is crucial to understand how genomic destabilizers alter the immune system and malignant cells, including which inhibitory molecules, receptors and/or ligands are upregulated in response to genotoxic stress. Knowledge gained in this area will aid in the rational design of trials that combine genomic destabilizers, epigenetic modifiers and immunotherapeutic agents that may be synergized to improve clinical responses and prevent tumor escape from the immune system. Our review article describes the impact genomic destabilizers, such as radiation and chemotherapy, and epigenetic modifiers have on anti-tumor immunity and the tumor microenvironment. Although genomic destabilizers cause DNA damage on cancer cells, these therapies can also have diverse effects on the immune system, promote immunogenic cell death or survival and alter the cancer cell expression of immune inhibitor molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ann Chacon
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Keith Schutsky
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Daniel J Powell
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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21
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Sand K, Theorell J, Bruserud Ø, Bryceson YT, Kittang AO. Reduced potency of cytotoxic T lymphocytes from patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:1135-47. [PMID: 27481108 PMCID: PMC11029614 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1865-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of clonal bone marrow disorders, with dysplasia, cytopenias and increased risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. A dysregulated immune system precipitates MDS, and to gain insights into the relevance of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) in this process, we examined the frequency and function of CX3CR1- and CD57-positive T lymphocytes from MDS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Peripheral blood and/or bone marrow samples from 31 MDS patients and 12 healthy controls were examined by flow cytometry. Expression of cytotoxic granule constituents, immunological co-receptors, adhesion molecules and markers of activation were quantified on unstimulated lymphocytes. Degranulation, cytotoxicity and conjugate formation with target cells following co-culture of CTL with target cell lines or autologous bone marrow-derived CD34(+) cells were quantified by flow cytometry. RESULTS CX3CR1 expression was increased in bone marrow from high-risk MDS patients compared to healthy controls. Expression of CD57 and CX3CR1 was closely correlated, identifying a CTL subset with high cytotoxic capacity. In vitro, TCR-induced redirected cytotoxicity was markedly decreased for high-risk MDS patients compared to controls. CTL from MDS patients with the lowest target cell cytotoxicity had reduced expression of adhesion molecules and formed fewer conjugates with target cells. DISCUSSION Although phenotypically defined CTL numbers were increased in the bone marrow of MDS patients, we found that CTL from high-risk MDS patients exhibited a lower TCR-induced redirected cytotoxic capacity. Thus, decreased T cell cytotoxicity seems related to reduced adhesion to target cells and may contribute to impaired anti-leukemic immune surveillance in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristoffer Sand
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jakob Theorell
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Øystein Bruserud
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division for Hematology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Yenan T Bryceson
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Astrid Olsnes Kittang
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Division for Hematology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway.
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22
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Bahhaj FE, Denis I, Pichavant L, Delatouche R, Collette F, Linot C, Pouliquen D, Grégoire M, Héroguez V, Blanquart C, Bertrand P. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Delivery using Nanoparticles with Intrinsic Passive Tumor Targeting Properties for Tumor Therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2016; 6:795-807. [PMID: 27162550 PMCID: PMC4860888 DOI: 10.7150/thno.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fast clearance, metabolism and systemic toxicity are major limits for the clinical use of anti-cancer drugs. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) present these defects despite displaying promising anti-tumor properties on tumor cells in vitro and in in vivo model of cancers. Specific delivery of anti-cancer drugs into the tumor should improve their clinical benefit by limiting systemic toxicity and by increasing the anti-tumor effect. In this work, we describe a simple and flexible polymeric nanoparticle platform highly targeting the tumor in vivo and triggering impressive tumor weight reduction when functionalized with HDACi. Our nanoparticles were produced by Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of azido-polyethylene oxide-norbornene macromonomers and functionalized using click chemistry. Using an orthotopic model of peritoneal invasive cancer, a highly selective accumulation of the particles in the tumor was obtained. A combination of epigenetic drugs involving a pH-responsive histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) polymer conjugated to these particles gave 80% reduction of tumor weight without toxicity whereas the free HDACi has no effect. Our work demonstrates that the use of a nanovector with theranostic properties leads to an optimized delivery of potent HDACi in tumor and then, to an improvement of their anti-tumor properties in vivo.
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23
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Zahnow C, Topper M, Stone M, Murray-Stewart T, Li H, Baylin S, Casero R. Inhibitors of DNA Methylation, Histone Deacetylation, and Histone Demethylation: A Perfect Combination for Cancer Therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2016; 130:55-111. [PMID: 27037751 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic silencing and inappropriate activation of gene expression are frequent events during the initiation and progression of cancer. These events involve a complex interplay between the hypermethylation of CpG dinucleotides within gene promoter and enhancer regions, the recruitment of transcriptional corepressors and the deacetylation and/or methylation of histone tails. These epigenetic regulators act in concert to block transcription or interfere with the maintenance of chromatin boundary regions. However, DNA/histone methylation and histone acetylation states are reversible, enzyme-mediated processes and as such, have emerged as promising targets for cancer therapy. This review will focus on the potential benefits and synergistic/additive effects of combining DNA-demethylating agents and histone deacetylase inhibitors or lysine-specific demethylase inhibitors together in epigenetic therapy for solid tumors and will highlight what is known regarding the mechanisms of action that contribute to the antitumor response.
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24
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Hubaux R, Vandermeers F, Cosse JP, Crisanti C, Kapoor V, Albelda SM, Mascaux C, Delvenne P, Hubert P, Willems L. Valproic acid improves second-line regimen of small cell lung carcinoma in preclinical models. ERJ Open Res 2015; 1:00028-2015. [PMID: 27730151 PMCID: PMC5005116 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00028-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With 5-year survival rates below 5%, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) has very poor prognosis and requires improved therapies. Despite an excellent overall response to first-line therapy, relapses are frequent and further treatments are disappointing. The goal of the study was to improve second-line therapy of SCLC. The effect of chemotherapeutic agents was evaluated in cell lines (apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, and RNA and protein expression) and in mouse models (tumour development). We demonstrate here that valproic acid, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, improves the efficacy of a second-line regimen (vindesine, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide) in SCLC cells and in mouse models. Transcriptomic profiling integrating microRNA and mRNA data identifies key signalling pathways in the response of SCLC cells to valproic acid, opening new prospects for improved therapies. Valproic acid improves second-line regimen of SCLC response in preclinical modelshttp://ow.ly/Rsyd8
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Hubaux
- Molecular Biology (GxABT), University of Liege (ULg), Gembloux, Belgium; Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA), ULg, Liege, Belgium; Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), ULg, Liege, Belgium; Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Fabian Vandermeers
- Molecular Biology (GxABT), University of Liege (ULg), Gembloux, Belgium; Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA), ULg, Liege, Belgium; Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), ULg, Liege, Belgium; Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Cosse
- Molecular Biology (GxABT), University of Liege (ULg), Gembloux, Belgium; Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA), ULg, Liege, Belgium
| | - Cecilia Crisanti
- Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Veena Kapoor
- Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven M Albelda
- Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Céline Mascaux
- Department of Multidisciplinary Oncology and Therapeutic Innovations, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Pascale Hubert
- Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, ULg, Liège, Belgium
| | - Luc Willems
- Molecular Biology (GxABT), University of Liege (ULg), Gembloux, Belgium; Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA), ULg, Liege, Belgium; Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), ULg, Liege, Belgium
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25
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Boisgerault N, Achard C, Delaunay T, Cellerin L, Tangy F, Grégoire M, Fonteneau JF. Oncolytic virotherapy for human malignant mesothelioma: recent advances. Oncolytic Virother 2015; 4:133-40. [PMID: 27512676 PMCID: PMC4918388 DOI: 10.2147/ov.s66091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer virotherapy is an attractive alternative to conventional treatments because it offers a wide range of antitumor effects due to 1) the diversity of the oncolytic viruses that are now available and 2) their multifaceted activities against both tumor cells and tumor vessels, in addition to their ability to induce antitumor immune responses. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical data regarding the targeting of malignant mesothelioma (MM) by oncolytic viruses. We also discuss the potential of other oncolytic viruses that have already shown antitumor effects against several malignancies in advanced clinical trials but are yet to be tested against MM cells. Finally, we review how the activation of the immune system and combinations with other types of anticancer treatments could support the development of oncolytic virotherapy for the treatment of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Boisgerault
- INSERM, UMR892, Health Research Institute of the University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France; CNRS, UMR6299, Health Research Institute of the University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France; University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France
| | - Carole Achard
- INSERM, UMR892, Health Research Institute of the University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France; CNRS, UMR6299, Health Research Institute of the University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France; University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France
| | - Tiphaine Delaunay
- INSERM, UMR892, Health Research Institute of the University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France; CNRS, UMR6299, Health Research Institute of the University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France; University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France
| | - Laurent Cellerin
- Nantes CHU Hospital, Department of Thoracic and Digestive Oncology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France
| | - Frédéric Tangy
- Viral Genomics and Vaccination Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France
| | - Marc Grégoire
- INSERM, UMR892, Health Research Institute of the University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France; CNRS, UMR6299, Health Research Institute of the University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France; University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France
| | - Jean-François Fonteneau
- INSERM, UMR892, Health Research Institute of the University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France; CNRS, UMR6299, Health Research Institute of the University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France; University of Nantes, Paris, CNRS UMR-3569, France
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26
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Bhat J, Kabelitz D. γδ T cells and epigenetic drugs: A useful merger in cancer immunotherapy? Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1006088. [PMID: 26155411 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1006088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies in cancer patients are as yet of limited success. Drugs targeting epigenetic mechanisms including histone acetylation and DNA methylation trigger cell death in tumor cells but in addition have immunomodulatory activity. Here, we discuss the potential benefit of combining both strategies in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaydeep Bhat
- Institute of Immunology; University of Kiel and UKSH Campus Kiel ; Kiel, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology; University of Kiel and UKSH Campus Kiel ; Kiel, Germany
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27
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Cheishvili D, Boureau L, Szyf M. DNA demethylation and invasive cancer: implications for therapeutics. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:2705-15. [PMID: 25134627 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of cancer is aberrant DNA methylation, which is associated with abnormal gene expression. Both hypermethylation and silencing of tumour suppressor genes as well as hypomethylation and activation of prometastatic genes are characteristic of cancer cells. As DNA methylation is reversible, DNA methylation inhibitors were tested as anticancer drugs with the idea that such agents would demethylate and reactivate tumour suppressor genes. Two cytosine analogues, 5-azacytidine (Vidaza) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, were approved by the Food and Drug Administration as antitumour agents in 2004 and 2006 respectively. However, these agents might cause activation of a panel of prometastatic genes in addition to activating tumour suppressor genes, which might lead to increased metastasis. This poses the challenge of how to target tumour suppressor genes and block cancer growth with DNA-demethylating drugs while avoiding the activation of prometastatic genes and precluding the morbidity of cancer metastasis. This paper reviews current progress in using DNA methylation inhibitors in cancer therapy and the potential promise and challenges ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cheishvili
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University Medical School, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lisa Boureau
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University Medical School, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Physiology Medical Sciences, University of Toronto 1 King's College Circle Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University Medical School, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Developmental Psychobiology, McGill University Medical School, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto 1 King's College Circle Toronto, ON, Canada
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28
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Vandermeers F, Neelature Sriramareddy S, Costa C, Hubaux R, Cosse JP, Willems L. The role of epigenetics in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Lung Cancer 2013; 81:311-318. [PMID: 23790315 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 05/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Vandermeers
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA-Cancer) and Molecular Biology (GxABT), University of Liège (ULg), Liège, Belgium
| | - Sathya Neelature Sriramareddy
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA-Cancer) and Molecular Biology (GxABT), University of Liège (ULg), Liège, Belgium
| | - Chrisostome Costa
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA-Cancer) and Molecular Biology (GxABT), University of Liège (ULg), Liège, Belgium
| | - Roland Hubaux
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA-Cancer) and Molecular Biology (GxABT), University of Liège (ULg), Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-Philippe Cosse
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA-Cancer) and Molecular Biology (GxABT), University of Liège (ULg), Liège, Belgium
| | - Luc Willems
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA-Cancer) and Molecular Biology (GxABT), University of Liège (ULg), Liège, Belgium.
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29
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Neumann F, Kaddu-Mulindwa D, Widmann T, Preuss KD, Held G, Zwick C, Roemer K, Pfreundschuh M, Kubuschok B. EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines as vaccines against cancer testis antigen-positive tumors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 62:1211-22. [PMID: 23619976 PMCID: PMC11028802 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1412-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) are potent antigen-presenting cells. To investigate their potential use as cancer testis antigen (CTA) vaccines, we studied the expression of 12 cancer testis (CT) genes in 20 LCL by RT-PCR. The most frequently expressed CT genes were SSX4 (50 %), followed by GAGE (45 %), SSX1 (40 %), MAGE-A3 and SSX2 (25 %), SCP1, HOM-TES-85, MAGE-C1, and MAGE-C2 (15 %). NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A4 were found in 1/20 LCL and BORIS was not detected at all. Fifteen of 20 LCL expressed at least one antigen, 9 LCL expressed ≥2 CT genes, and 7 of the 20 LCL expressed ≥4 CT genes. The expression of CT genes did not correlate with the length of in vitro culture, telomerase activity, aneuploidy, or proliferation state. While spontaneous expression of CT genes determined by real-time PCR and Western blot was rather weak in most LCL, treatment with DNA methyltransferase 1 inhibitor alone or in combination with histone deacetylase inhibitors increased CTA expression considerably thus enabling LCL to induce CTA-specific T cell responses. The stability of the CT gene expression over prolonged culture periods makes LCL attractive candidates for CT vaccines both in hematological neoplasias and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Neumann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, José Carreras-Center for Immuno- and Gene Therapy, University of Saarland Medical School, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany,
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30
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Cartron PF, Blanquart C, Hervouet E, Gregoire M, Vallette FM. HDAC1-mSin3a-NCOR1, Dnmt3b-HDAC1-Egr1 and Dnmt1-PCNA-UHRF1-G9a regulate the NY-ESO1 gene expression. Mol Oncol 2013; 7:452-63. [PMID: 23312906 PMCID: PMC5528493 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2012.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The NY-ESO1 gene is a cancer/testis antigen considered to be suitable target for the immunotherapy of human malignancies. Despite the identification of the epigenetical silencing of the NY-ESO1 gene in a large variety of tumors, the molecular mechanism involved in this phenomenon is not fully elucidated. In two non epithelial cancers (glioma and mesothelioma), we found that the epigenetic regulation of the NY-ESO1 gene requires the sequential recruitment of the HDAC1-mSin3a-NCOR, Dnmt3b-HDAC1-Egr1 and Dnmt1-PCNA-UHRF1-G9a complexes. Thus, our data illustrate the orchestration of a sequential epigenetic mechanism including the histone deacetylation and methylation, and the DNA methylation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-François Cartron
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie Nantes-Angers, INSERM U892, Equipe Apoptose et Progression Tumorale, Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, 8 Quai Moncousu, BP 7021, 44007 Nantes, France.
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31
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Roulois D, Blanquart C, Panterne C, Gueugnon F, Grégoire M, Fonteneau JF. Downregulation of MUC1 expression and its recognition by CD8+ T cells on the surface of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells treated with HDACi. Eur J Immunol 2012; 42:783-9. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201141800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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