1
|
Gambichler T, Schrama D, Käpynen R, Weyer-Fahlbusch SS, Becker JC, Susok L, Kreppel F, Abu Rached N. Current Progress in Vaccines against Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review and Update. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:533. [PMID: 38793784 PMCID: PMC11125734 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050533] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that mainly occurs in elderly and immunocompromised patients. Due to the success of immune checkpoint inhibition in MCC, the importance of immunotherapy and vaccines in MCC has increased in recent years. In this article, we aim to present the current progress and perspectives in the development of vaccines for this disease. Here, we summarize and discuss the current literature and ongoing clinical trials investigating vaccines against MCC. We identified 10 articles through a PubMed search investigating a vaccine against MCC. From the international clinical trial database Clinical.Trials.gov, we identified nine studies on vaccines for the management of MCC, of which seven are actively recruiting. Most of the identified studies investigating a vaccine against MCC are preclinical or phase 1/2 trials. The vaccine principles mainly included DNA- and (synthetic) peptide-based vaccines, but RNA-based vaccines, oncolytic viruses, and the combination of vaccines and immunotherapy are also under investigation for the treatment of MCC. Although the management of MCC is changing, when compared to times before the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors, it will still take some time before the first MCC vaccine is ready for approval.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Gambichler
- Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (R.K.); (N.A.R.)
- Department of Dermatology, Dortmund Hospital gGmbH and Faculty of Health, Witten-Herdecke University, 44122 Dortmund, Germany; (S.S.W.-F.); (L.S.)
- Department of Dermatology and Phlebology, Christian Hospital Unna, 59423 Unna, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Riina Käpynen
- Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (R.K.); (N.A.R.)
| | - Sera S. Weyer-Fahlbusch
- Department of Dermatology, Dortmund Hospital gGmbH and Faculty of Health, Witten-Herdecke University, 44122 Dortmund, Germany; (S.S.W.-F.); (L.S.)
| | - Jürgen C. Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, DKTK Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, West German Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany;
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Susok
- Department of Dermatology, Dortmund Hospital gGmbH and Faculty of Health, Witten-Herdecke University, 44122 Dortmund, Germany; (S.S.W.-F.); (L.S.)
| | - Florian Kreppel
- Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany;
| | - Nessr Abu Rached
- Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (R.K.); (N.A.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Buchta Rosean C, Leyder EC, Hamilton J, Carter JJ, Galloway DA, Koelle DM, Nghiem P, Heiland T. LAMP1 targeting of the large T antigen of Merkel cell polyomavirus results in potent CD4 T cell responses and tumor inhibition. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1253568. [PMID: 37711623 PMCID: PMC10499392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1253568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Most cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and highly aggressive type of neuroendocrine skin cancer, are associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection. MCPyV integrates into the host genome, resulting in expression of oncoproteins including a truncated form of the viral large T antigen (LT) in infected cells. These oncoproteins are an attractive target for a therapeutic cancer vaccine. Methods We designed a cancer vaccine that promotes potent, antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses to MCPyV-LT. To activate antigen-specific CD4 T cells in vivo, we utilized our nucleic acid platform, UNITE™ (UNiversal Intracellular Targeted Expression), which fuses a tumor-associated antigen with lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1). This lysosomal targeting technology results in enhanced antigen presentation and potent antigen-specific T cell responses. LTS220A, encoding a mutated form of MCPyV-LT that diminishes its pro-oncogenic properties, was introduced into the UNITE™ platform. Results Vaccination with LTS220A-UNITE™ DNA vaccine (ITI-3000) induced antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses and a strong humoral response that were sufficient to delay tumor growth of a B16F10 melanoma line expressing LTS220A. This effect was dependent on the CD4 T cells' ability to produce IFNγ. Moreover, ITI-3000 induced a favorable tumor microenvironment (TME), including Th1-type cytokines and significantly enhanced numbers of CD4 and CD8 T cells as well as NK and NKT cells. Additionally, ITI-3000 synergized with an α-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to further slow tumor growth and enhance survival. Conclusions These findings strongly suggest that in pre-clinical studies, DNA vaccination with ITI-3000, using the UNITE™ platform, enhances CD4 T cell responses to MCPyV-LT that result in significant anti-tumor immune responses. These data support the initiation of a first-in-human (FIH) Phase 1 open-label study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of ITI-3000 in patients with polyomavirus-positive MCC (NCT05422781).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joseph J. Carter
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Denise A. Galloway
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - David M. Koelle
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Translational Research, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Teri Heiland
- Immunomic Therapeutics Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Celikdemir B, Houben R, Kervarrec T, Samimi M, Schrama D. Current and preclinical treatment options for Merkel cell carcinoma. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:1015-1034. [PMID: 37691397 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2257603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly aggressive form of skin cancer with neuroendocrine features. The origin of this cancer is still unclear, but research in the last 15 years has demonstrated that MCC arises via two distinct etiologic pathways, i.e. virus and UV-induced. Considering the high mortality rate and the limited therapeutic options available, this review aims to highlight the significance of MCC research and the need for advancement in MCC treatment. AREAS COVERED With the advent of the immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies, we now have treatment options providing a survival benefit for patients with advanced MCC. However, the issue of primary and acquired resistance to these therapies remains a significant concern. Therefore, ongoing efforts seeking additional therapeutic targets and approaches for MCC therapy are a necessity. Through a comprehensive literature search, we provide an overview on recent preclinical and clinical studies with respect to MCC therapy. EXPERT OPINION Currently, the only evidence-based therapy for MCC is immune checkpoint blockade with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 for advanced patients. Neoadjuvant, adjuvant and combined immune checkpoint blockade are promising treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Büke Celikdemir
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Joshi TP, Farr MA, Hsiou DA, Nugent S, Fathy RA, Lewis DJ. Therapeutic targets for vaccination in polyomavirus-driven Merkel cell carcinoma. Dermatol Ther 2022; 35:e15580. [PMID: 35560970 DOI: 10.1111/dth.15580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tejas P Joshi
- School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Morgan A Farr
- School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David A Hsiou
- School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shannon Nugent
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ramie A Fathy
- School of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel J Lewis
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the most recently discovered human oncogenic virus. MCPyV asymptomatically infects most of the human population. In the elderly and immunocompromised, however, it can cause a highly lethal form of human skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Distinct from the productive MCPyV infection that replicates the viral genome as episomes, MCC tumors contain replication-incompetent, integrated viral genomes. Mutant MCPyV tumor antigen genes expressed from the integrated viral genomes are essential for driving the oncogenic development of MCPyV-associated MCC. In this chapter, we summarize recent discoveries on MCPyV virology, mechanisms of MCPyV-mediated oncogenesis, and the current therapeutic strategies for MCPyV-associated MCCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pietropaolo V, Prezioso C, Moens U. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus and Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1774. [PMID: 32635198 PMCID: PMC7407210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are the cause of approximately 15% of all human cancers. Both RNA and DNA human tumor viruses have been identified, with Merkel cell polyomavirus being the most recent one to be linked to cancer. This virus is associated with about 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas, a rare, but aggressive cutaneous malignancy. Despite its name, the cells of origin of this tumor may not be Merkel cells. This review provides an update on the structure and life cycle, cell tropism and epidemiology of the virus and its oncogenic properties. Putative strategies to prevent viral infection or treat virus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma patients are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Carla Prezioso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (C.P.)
- IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tabachnick-Cherny S, Pulliam T, Church C, Koelle DM, Nghiem P. Polyomavirus-driven Merkel cell carcinoma: Prospects for therapeutic vaccine development. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:807-821. [PMID: 32219902 PMCID: PMC8238237 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Great strides have been made in cancer immunotherapy including the breakthrough successes of anti-PD-(L)1 checkpoint inhibitors. In Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive skin cancer, PD-(L)1 blockade is highly effective. Yet, ~50% of patients either do not respond to therapy or develop PD-(L)1 refractory disease and, thus, do not experience long-term benefit. For these patients, additional or combination therapies are needed to augment immune responses that target and eliminate cancer cells. Therapeutic vaccines targeting tumor-associated antigens, mutated self-antigens, or immunogenic viral oncoproteins are currently being developed to augment T-cell responses. Approximately 80% of MCC cases in the United States are driven by the ongoing expression of viral T-antigen (T-Ag) oncoproteins from genomically integrated Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Since T-Ag elicits specific B- and T-cell immune responses in most persons with virus-positive MCC (VP-MCC), and ongoing T-Ag expression is required to drive VP-MCC cell proliferation, therapeutic vaccination with T-Ag is a rational potential component of immunotherapy. Failure of the endogenous T-cell response to clear VP-MCC (allowing clinically evident tumors to arise) implies that therapeutic vaccination will need to be potent anśd synergize with other mechanisms to enhance T-cell activity against tumor cells. Here, we review the relevant underlying biology of VP-MCC, potentially applicable therapeutic vaccine platforms, and antigen delivery formats. We also describe early successes in the field of therapeutic cancer vaccines and address several clinical scenarios in which VP-MCC patients could potentially benefit from a therapeutic vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shira Tabachnick-Cherny
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Thomas Pulliam
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Candice Church
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - David M Koelle
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jing L, Ott M, Church CD, Kulikauskas RM, Ibrani D, Iyer JG, Afanasiev OK, Colunga A, Cook MM, Xie H, Greninger AL, Paulson KG, Chapuis AG, Bhatia S, Nghiem P, Koelle DM. Prevalent and Diverse Intratumoral Oncoprotein-Specific CD8 + T Cells within Polyomavirus-Driven Merkel Cell Carcinomas. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:648-659. [PMID: 32179557 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is often caused by persistent expression of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) T-antigen (T-Ag). These non-self proteins comprise about 400 amino acids (AA). Clinical responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, seen in about half of patients, may relate to T-Ag-specific T cells. Strategies to increase CD8+ T-cell number, breadth, or function could augment checkpoint inhibition, but vaccines to augment immunity must avoid delivery of oncogenic T-antigen domains. We probed MCC tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) with an artificial antigen-presenting cell (aAPC) system and confirmed T-Ag recognition with synthetic peptides, HLA-peptide tetramers, and dendritic cells (DC). TILs from 9 of 12 (75%) subjects contained CD8+ T cells recognizing 1-8 MCPyV epitopes per person. Analysis of 16 MCPyV CD8+ TIL epitopes and prior TIL data indicated that 97% of patients with MCPyV+ MCC had HLA alleles with the genetic potential that restrict CD8+ T-cell responses to MCPyV T-Ag. The LT AA 70-110 region was epitope rich, whereas the oncogenic domains of T-Ag were not commonly recognized. Specific recognition of T-Ag-expressing DCs was documented. Recovery of MCPyV oncoprotein-specific CD8+ TILs from most tumors indicated that antigen indifference was unlikely to be a major cause of checkpoint inhibition failure. The myriad of epitopes restricted by diverse HLA alleles indicates that vaccination can be a rational component of immunotherapy if tumor immune suppression can be overcome, and the oncogenic regions of T-Ag can be modified without impacting immunogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lichen Jing
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mariliis Ott
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Candice D Church
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Rima M Kulikauskas
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Dafina Ibrani
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jayasri G Iyer
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Olga K Afanasiev
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Aric Colunga
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Maclean M Cook
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Hong Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Kelly G Paulson
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Aude G Chapuis
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Shailender Bhatia
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - David M Koelle
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Patel K, Siraj S, Smith C, Nair M, Vishwanatha JK, Basha R. Pancreatic Cancer: An Emphasis on Current Perspectives in Immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncog 2019; 24:105-118. [PMID: 31679206 PMCID: PMC8038975 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2019031417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer affects both male and female individuals with higher incidences and death rates among the male population. Detection of this malignancy is delayed due to the lack of symptoms in the early-stage cancer, which makes it extremely difficult to treat. Identifying effective strategies has been a challenge for improving the survival rates in pancreatic cancer patients. Resistance to chemotherapy is often developed in pancreatic cancer treatment. Although many strategies are under clinical trials to target certain markers associated with cancer, immunotherapeutic approaches are currently gaining importance. Immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer is in the limelight after preclinical research showed some promise. Immunotherapy approaches were tested along with other treatment options to enhance the treatment effect. Adoptive cell transfer and immune checkpoint inhibitors are currently in clinical trials. The Food and Drug Administration approved pembrolizumab in a fast-tracked review for advanced pancreatic cancer patients. Pembrolizumab blocks the checkpoint protein, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), on T cells to boost the response of the immune system against cancer cells, thereby shrinking tumors. The recent developments in immunotherapy and the early success in other cancers are encouraging to further test immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. The combination of pembrolizumab and pelareorep, an isolate of human reovirus, is in phase II clinical study in metastatic disease. Depending on the results of current clinical trials and testing, the strategies in the pipeline are expected to increase the use of immunotherapy in the clinical testing setting. Success in immunotherapy is urgently needed to address the side-effects, treating patients with advanced disease and reducing metastasis for increasing the survival rate in pancreatic cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chloe Smith
- Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia 23529
| | - Maya Nair
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107
| | - Jamboor K. Vishwanatha
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus: A New DNA Virus Associated with Human Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1018:35-56. [PMID: 29052131 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-5765-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV or MCV) is a novel human polyomavirus that has been discovered in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a highly aggressive skin cancer. MCPyV infection is widespread in the general population. MCPyV-associated MCC is one of the most aggressive skin cancers, killing more patients than other well-known cancers such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Currently, however, there is no effective drug for curing this cancer. The incidence of MCC has tripled over the past two decades. With the widespread infection of MCPyV and the increase in MCC diagnoses, it is critical to better understand the biology of MCPyV and its oncogenic potential. In this chapter, we summarize recent discoveries regarding MCPyV molecular virology, host cellular tropism, mechanisms of MCPyV oncoprotein-mediated oncogenesis, and current therapeutic strategies for MCPyV-associated MCC. We also present epidemiological evidence for MCPyV infection in HIV patients and links between MCPyV and non-MCC human cancers.
Collapse
|
11
|
Memarnejadian A, Meilleur CE, Shaler CR, Khazaie K, Bennink JR, Schell TD, Haeryfar SMM. PD-1 Blockade Promotes Epitope Spreading in Anticancer CD8 + T Cell Responses by Preventing Fratricidal Death of Subdominant Clones To Relieve Immunodomination. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:3348-3359. [PMID: 28939757 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The interactions between programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligands hamper tumor-specific CD8+ T cell (TCD8) responses, and PD-1-based "checkpoint inhibitors" have shown promise in certain cancers, thus revitalizing interest in immunotherapy. PD-1-targeted therapies reverse TCD8 exhaustion/anergy. However, whether they alter the epitope breadth of TCD8 responses remains unclear. This is an important question because subdominant TCD8 are more likely than immunodominant clones to escape tolerance mechanisms and may contribute to protective anticancer immunity. We have addressed this question in an in vivo model of TCD8 responses to well-defined epitopes of a clinically relevant oncoprotein, large T Ag. We found that unlike other coinhibitory molecules (CTLA-4, LAG-3, TIM-3), PD-1 was highly expressed by subdominant TCD8, which correlated with their propensity to favorably respond to PD-1/PD-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1)-blocking Abs. PD-1 blockade increased the size of subdominant TCD8 clones at the peak of their primary response, and it also sustained their presence, thus giving rise to an enlarged memory pool. The expanded population was fully functional as judged by IFN-γ production and MHC class I-restricted cytotoxicity. The selective increase in subdominant TCD8 clonal size was due to their enhanced survival, not proliferation. Further mechanistic studies utilizing peptide-pulsed dendritic cells, recombinant vaccinia viruses encoding full-length T Ag or epitope mingenes, and tumor cells expressing T Ag variants revealed that anti-PD-1 invigorates subdominant TCD8 responses by relieving their lysis-dependent suppression by immunodominant TCD8 To our knowledge, our work constitutes the first report that interfering with PD-1 signaling potentiates epitope spreading in tumor-specific responses, a finding with clear implications for cancer immunotherapy and vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Memarnejadian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Courtney E Meilleur
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Christopher R Shaler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | | | - Jack R Bennink
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Todd D Schell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - S M Mansour Haeryfar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; .,Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario N6G 5W9, Canada.,Centre for Human Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; and.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario N6C 2R5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wendzicki JA, Moore PS, Chang Y. Large T and small T antigens of Merkel cell polyomavirus. Curr Opin Virol 2015; 11:38-43. [PMID: 25681708 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is the etiological agent of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and highly lethal human skin cancer. A natural component of skin flora, MCV becomes tumorigenic only after integration into the host DNA together with specific mutations to the viral genome. Research on MCV large T (LT) and small T (sT) antigens, the only viral products expressed in MCC, shows that these major oncoproteins not only possess biochemical functions found in common with other polyomavirus T antigens, but also demonstrate new cellular targets not described in previous polyomavirus models. This review provides a map of the relevant functional motifs and domains in MCV T antigens that have been identified, highlighting their roles in tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Wendzicki
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Suite 1.8, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Patrick S Moore
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Suite 1.8, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Yuan Chang
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Suite 1.8, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chapuis AG, Afanasiev OK, Iyer JG, Paulson KG, Parvathaneni U, Hwang JH, Lai I, Roberts IM, Sloan HL, Bhatia S, Shibuya KC, Gooley T, Desmarais C, Koelle DM, Yee C, Nghiem P. Regression of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma following transfer of polyomavirus-specific T cells and therapies capable of re-inducing HLA class-I. Cancer Immunol Res 2014; 2:27-36. [PMID: 24432305 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-13-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer that typically requires the persistent expression of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) oncoproteins that can serve as ideal immunotherapeutic targets. Several immune evasion mechanisms are active in MCC including down-regulation of HLA class-I expression on tumor cells and dysfunctional endogenous MCPyV-specific CD8 T cell responses. To overcome these obstacles, we combined local and systemic immune therapies in a 67-year-old man, who developed metastatic MCPyV-expressing MCC. Intralesional IFNβ-1b or targeted single-dose radiation was administered as a pre-conditioning strategy to reverse the down-regulation of HLA-I expression noted in his tumors and to facilitate the subsequent recognition of tumor cells by T cells. This was followed by the adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded polyclonal, polyomavirus-specific T cells as a source of reactive antitumor immunity. The combined regimen was well-tolerated and led to persistent up-regulation of HLA-I expression in the tumor and a durable complete response in two of three metastatic lesions. Relative to historical controls, the patient experienced a prolonged period without development of additional distant metastases (535 days compared to historic median of 200 days, 95% confidence interval = 154-260 days). The transferred CD8(+) T cells preferentially accumulated in the tumor tissue, remained detectable and functional for >200 days, persisted with an effector phenotype, and exhibited evidence of recent in vivo activation and proliferation. The combination of local and systemic immune stimulatory therapies was well-tolerated and may be a promising approach to overcome immune evasion in virus-driven cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aude G Chapuis
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Olga K Afanasiev
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA ; Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jayasri G Iyer
- Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kelly G Paulson
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA ; Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Joo Ha Hwang
- Division of Gastroenterology, UWMC, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ivy Lai
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ilana M Roberts
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heather L Sloan
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shailender Bhatia
- Department of Medicine (Medical Oncology), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kendall C Shibuya
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ted Gooley
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - David M Koelle
- Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA ; Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA ; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA ; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, FHCRC, Seattle, WA, USA ; Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cassian Yee
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA ; Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Paulson KG, Tegeder A, Willmes C, Iyer JG, Afanasiev OK, Schrama D, Koba S, Thibodeau R, Nagase K, Simonson WT, Seo A, Koelle DM, Madeleine M, Bhatia S, Nakajima H, Sano S, Hardwick JS, Disis ML, Cleary MA, Becker JC, Nghiem P. Downregulation of MHC-I expression is prevalent but reversible in Merkel cell carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Res 2014; 2:1071-9. [PMID: 25116754 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-14-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive, polyomavirus-associated skin cancer. Robust cellular immune responses are associated with excellent outcomes in patients with MCC, but these responses are typically absent. We determined the prevalence and reversibility of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) downregulation in MCC, a potentially reversible immune-evasion mechanism. Cell-surface MHC-I expression was assessed on five MCC cell lines using flow cytometry as well as immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays representing 114 patients. Three additional patients were included who had received intralesional IFN treatment and had evaluable specimens before and after treatment. mRNA expression analysis of antigen presentation pathway genes from 35 MCC tumors was used to examine the mechanisms of downregulation. Of note, 84% of MCCs (total n = 114) showed reduced MHC-I expression as compared with surrounding tissues, and 51% had poor or undetectable MHC-I expression. Expression of MHC-I was lower in polyomavirus-positive MCCs than in polyomavirus-negative MCCs (P < 0.01). The MHC-I downregulation mechanism was multifactorial and did not depend solely on HLA gene expression. Treatment of MCC cell lines with ionizing radiation, etoposide, or IFN resulted in MHC-I upregulation, with IFNs strongly upregulating MHC-I expression in vitro, and in 3 of 3 patients treated with intralesional IFNs. MCC tumors may be amenable to immunotherapy, but downregulation of MHC-I is frequently present in these tumors, particularly those that are positive for polyomavirus. This downregulation is reversible with any of several clinically available treatments that may thus promote the effectiveness of immune-stimulating therapies for MCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly G Paulson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Andrew Tegeder
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Christoph Willmes
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jayasri G Iyer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Olga K Afanasiev
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Shinichi Koba
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Renee Thibodeau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kotaro Nagase
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - William T Simonson
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Aaron Seo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - David M Koelle
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Shailender Bhatia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Hideki Nakajima
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Shigetoshi Sano
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | | | - Mary L Disis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. Department for Translational Dermato-Oncology (DKTK), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
The adoptive transfer of T cells specific for native tumor antigens (TAs) is an increasingly popular cancer treatment option because of the ability of these cells to discriminate between normal and tumor tissues and the corresponding lack of short or long-term toxicities. Infusions of antigen-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells targeting viral antigens derived from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) induce sustained complete tumor remissions in patients with highly immunogenic tumors such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, although resistance occurred when the infused T-cell population had restricted antigen specificity. T cells specific for EBV antigens have also produced complete remissions of EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinomas and lymphomas developing in immunocompetent individuals, even though in these patients tumor survival is dependent on their ability to evade T-cell immunity. Adapting this strategy to non-viral tumors is more challenging, as the target antigens expressed are less immunogenic and the tumors lack the potent danger signals that are characteristic of viruses. The goals of current studies are to define conditions that promote expansion of antigen-specific T cells ex vivo and to ensure their in vivo persistence and survival by combining with maneuvers such as lymphodepletion, checkpoint inhibition, cytokine infusions, or genetic manipulations. More pragmatic goals are to streamline manufacturing to facilitate the transition of these therapies to late phase trials and to evaluate closely histocompatibility antigen (HLA)-matched banked antigen-specific T cells so that T-cell therapies can be made more broadly available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cliona M Rooney
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wheat R, Roberts C, Waterboer T, Steele J, Marsden J, Steven NM, Blackbourn DJ. Inflammatory cell distribution in primary merkel cell carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:1047-64. [PMID: 24961933 PMCID: PMC4074816 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6021047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive poorly differentiated neuroendocrine cutaneous carcinoma associated with older age, immunodeficiency and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) integrated within malignant cells. The presence of intra-tumoural CD8+ lymphocytes reportedly predicts better MCC-specific survival. In this study, the distribution of inflammatory cells and properties of CD8+ T lymphocytes within 20 primary MCC specimens were characterised using immunohistochemistry and multicolour immunofluorescent staining coupled to confocal microscopy. CD8+ cells and CD68+ macrophages were identified in 19/20 primary MCC. CD20+ B cells were present in 5/10, CD4+ cells in 10/10 and FoxP3+ cells in 7/10 specimens. Only two specimens had almost no inflammatory cells. Within specimens, inflammatory cells followed the same patchy distribution, focused at the edge of sheets and nodules and, in some cases, more intense in trabecular areas. CD8+ cells were outside vessels on the edge of tumour. Those few within malignant sheets typically lined up in fine septa not contacting MCC cells expressing MCPyV large T antigen. The homeostatic chemokine CXCL12 was expressed outside malignant nodules whereas its receptor CXCR4 was identified within tumour but not on CD8+ cells. CD8+ cells lacked CXCR3 and granzyme B expression irrespective of location within stroma versus malignant nodules or of the intensity of the intra-tumoural infiltrate. In summary, diverse inflammatory cells were organised around the margin of malignant deposits suggesting response to aberrant signaling, but were unable to penetrate the tumour microenvironment itself to enable an immune response against malignant cells or their polyomavirus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Wheat
- School of Cancer Sciences and CR UK Centre for Cancer Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Claudia Roberts
- School of Cancer Sciences and CR UK Centre for Cancer Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Tim Waterboer
- Infection and Cancer Program, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Centre), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jane Steele
- Human Biomaterials Resource Centre, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Jerry Marsden
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, New Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK.
| | - Neil M Steven
- School of Cancer Sciences and CR UK Centre for Cancer Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - David J Blackbourn
- Department of Microbial and Cellular Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rytelewski M, Meilleur CE, Atef Yekta M, Szabo PA, Garg N, Schell TD, Jevnikar AM, Sharif S, Singh B, Haeryfar SMM. Suppression of immunodominant antitumor and antiviral CD8+ T cell responses by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90439. [PMID: 24587363 PMCID: PMC3938761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a tryptophan-degrading enzyme known to suppress antitumor CD8+ T cells (TCD8). The role of IDO in regulation of antiviral TCD8 responses is far less clear. In addition, whether IDO controls both immunodominant and subdominant TCD8 is not fully understood. This is an important question because the dominance status of tumor- and virus-specific TCD8 may determine their significance in protective immunity and in vaccine design. We evaluated the magnitude and breadth of cross-primed TCD8 responses to simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen as well as primary and recall TCD8 responses to influenza A virus (IAV) in the absence or presence of IDO. IDO−/− mice and wild-type mice treated with 1-methyl-D-tryptophan, a pharmacological inhibitor of IDO, exhibited augmented responses to immunodominant epitopes encoded by T antigen and IAV. IDO-mediated suppression of these responses was independent of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells, which remained numerically and functionally intact in IDO−/− mice. Treatment with L-kynurenine failed to inhibit TCD8 responses, indicating that tryptophan metabolites are not responsible for the suppressive effect of IDO in our models. Immunodominant T antigen-specific TCD8 from IDO−/− mice showed increased Ki-67 expression, suggesting that they may have acquired a more vigorous proliferative capacity in vivo. In conclusion, IDO suppresses immunodominant TCD8 responses to tumor and viral antigens. Our work also demonstrates that systemic primary and recall TCD8 responses to IAV are controlled by IDO. Inhibition of IDO thus represents an attractive adjuvant strategy in boosting anticancer and antiviral TCD8 targeting highly immunogenic antigens.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming/immunology
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- CD4 Antigens/genetics
- CD4 Antigens/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/immunology
- Gene Expression
- Immune Tolerance/genetics
- Immunity, Innate
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/antagonists & inhibitors
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/deficiency
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/genetics
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/immunology
- Influenza A virus/immunology
- Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit/genetics
- Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit/immunology
- Kynurenine/pharmacology
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Tryptophan/analogs & derivatives
- Tryptophan/pharmacology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Rytelewski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Courtney E. Meilleur
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryam Atef Yekta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter A. Szabo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nitan Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Todd D. Schell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Anthony M. Jevnikar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Human Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shayan Sharif
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bhagirath Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Human Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - S. M. Mansour Haeryfar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Human Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sroller V, Hamšíková E, Ludvíková V, Vochozková P, Kojzarová M, Fraiberk M, Saláková M, Morávková A, Forstová J, Němečková S. Seroprevalence rates of BKV, JCV, and MCPyV polyomaviruses in the general Czech Republic population. J Med Virol 2013; 86:1560-8. [PMID: 24214630 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.23841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
JC and BK polyomaviruses (JCV and BKV) infect humans and can cause severe illnesses in immunocompromised patients. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) can be found in skin carcinomas. In this study, we assessed the occurrence of serum antibodies against MCPyV, BKV, and JCV polyomaviruses in a healthy population of the Czech Republic. Serum samples from 991 healthy individuals (age range: 6-64 years) were examined by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) using virus-like particles (VLPs) based on the major VP1 capsid proteins of these viruses. Overall, serum antibodies against MCPyV, JCV, and BKV were found in 63%, 57%, and 69%, respectively, of this population. For all three viruses, these rates were associated with age; the occurrence of antibodies against MCPyV and JCV was highest for those older than 59 years, while the occurrence of antibodies against BKV was highest in those aged 10-19 years and 20-29 years. This is the first large study to determine the seroprevalence rates for BKV, JCV, and MCPyV polyomaviruses in the general Czech Republic population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vojtěch Sroller
- Department of Experimental Virology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (IHBT), Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gomez B, He L, Tsai YC, Wu TC, Viscidi RP, Hung CF. Creation of a Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen-expressing murine tumor model and a DNA vaccine targeting small T antigen. Cell Biosci 2013; 3:29. [PMID: 23856459 PMCID: PMC3750327 DOI: 10.1186/2045-3701-3-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a DNA virus expressing transcripts similar to the large T (LT) and small T (ST) transcripts of SV40, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer. MCPyV LT antigen expression was found to be a requirement for MCC tumor maintenance and ST protein also likely contributes to the carcinogenesis of MCC. Previously, we have identified the probable immunodominant epitope of MCPyV LT and developed a DNA vaccine encoding this epitope linked to calreticulin. The LT-targeting DNA vaccine generated prolonged survival, decreased tumor size and increased LT-specific CD8+ T cells in tumor-bearing mice. RESULTS In this study, we developed a MCPyV ST-expressing tumor cell line from B16 mouse melanoma cells. We then utilized this ST-expressing tumor cell line to test the efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding ST. In ST-expressing tumor-bearing mice, this vaccine, pcDNA3-MCC/ST, generated a significant number of ST antigenic peptide-specific CD8+ T cells and experienced markedly enhanced survival compared to mice vaccinated with empty vector. CONCLUSIONS The formation of an effective vaccine against MCPyV has the potential to advance the field of MCC therapy and may contribute to the control of this severe malignancy through immunotherapy. Both of the innovative technologies presented here provide opportunities to develop and test MCPyV-targeted therapies for the control of Merkel cell carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Gomez
- Departments of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Triozzi PL, Fernandez AP. The role of the immune response in merkel cell carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2013; 5:234-54. [PMID: 24216706 PMCID: PMC3730301 DOI: 10.3390/cancers5010234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer. The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is implicated in its pathogenesis. Immune mechanisms are also implicated. Patients who are immunosuppressed have an increased risk. There is evidence that high intratumoral T-cell counts and immune transcripts are associated with favorable survival. Spontaneous regressions implicate immune effector mechanisms. Immunogenicity is also supported by observation of autoimmune paraneoplastic syndromes. Case reports suggest that immune modulation, including reduction of immune suppression, can result in tumor regression. The relationships between MCPyV infection, the immune response, and clinical outcome, however, remain poorly understood. Circulating antibodies against MCPyV antigens are present in most individuals. MCPyV-reactive T cells have been detected in both MCC patients and control subjects. High intratumoral T-cell counts are also associated with favorable survival in MCPyV-negative MCC. That the immune system plays a central role in preventing and controlling MCC is supported by several observations. MCCs often develop, however, despite the presence of humoral and cellular immune responses. A better understanding on how MCPyV and MCC evade the immune response will be necessary to develop effective immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre L. Triozzi
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-216-445-5141; Fax: +1-216-636-2498
| | - Anthony P. Fernandez
- Departments of Dermatology and Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; E-Mail:
| |
Collapse
|