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Epperly R, Gottschalk S, DeRenzo C. CAR T cells redirected to B7-H3 for pediatric solid tumors: Current status and future perspectives. EJC PAEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY 2024; 3:100160. [PMID: 38957786 PMCID: PMC11218663 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcped.2024.100160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite intensive therapies, pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors have poor outcomes and need novel treatments. Immune therapies offer an alternative to conventional treatment options but require the identification of differentially expressed antigens to direct antitumor activity to sites of disease. B7-H3 (CD276) is an immune regulatory protein that is expressed in a range of malignancies and has limited expression in normal tissues. B7-H3 is highly expressed in pediatric solid tumors including osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, Wilms tumor, neuroblastoma, and many rare tumors. In this article we review B7-H3-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (B7-H3-CAR) T cell therapies for pediatric solid tumors, reporting preclinical development strategies and outlining the landscape of active pediatric clinical trials. We identify challenges to the success of CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors including localizing to and penetrating solid tumor sites, evading the hostile tumor microenvironment, supporting T cell expansion and persistence, and avoiding intrinsic tumor resistance. We highlight strategies to overcome these challenges and enhance the effect of B7-H3-CAR T cells, including advanced CAR T cell design and incorporation of combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Epperly
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christopher DeRenzo
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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2
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Rosenkrans ZT, Erbe AK, Clemons NB, Feils AS, Medina-Guevara Y, Jeffery JJ, Barnhart TE, Engle JW, Sondel PM, Hernandez R. Targeting both GD2 and B7-H3 using bispecific antibody improves tumor selectivity for GD2-positive tumors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.23.595624. [PMID: 38853889 PMCID: PMC11160562 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.23.595624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Disialoganglioside 2 (GD2), overexpressed by cancers such as melanoma and neuroblastoma, is a tumor antigen for targeted therapy. The delivery of conventional IgG antibody technologies targeting GD2 is limited clinically by its co-expression on nerves that contributes to toxicity presenting as severe neuropathic pain. To improve the tumor selectivity of current GD2-targeting approaches, a next-generation bispecific antibody targeting GD2 and B7-H3 (CD276) was generated. Methods Differential expression of human B7-H3 (hB7-H3) was transduced into GD2+ B78 murine melanoma cells and confirmed by flow cytometry. We assessed the avidity and selectivity of our GD2-B7-H3 targeting bispecific antibodies (INV34-6, INV33-2, and INV36-6) towards GD2+/hB7-H3- B78 cells relative to GD2+/hB7-H3+ B78 cells using flow cytometry and competition binding assays, comparing results an anti-GD2 antibody (dinutuximab, DINU). The bispecific antibodies, DINU, and a non-targeted bispecific control (bsAb CTRL) were conjugated with deferoxamine for radiolabeling with Zr-89 (t1/2 = 78.4 h). Using positron emission tomography (PET) studies, we evaluated the in vivo avidity and selectivity of the GD2-B7-H3 targeting bispecific compared to bsAb CTRL and DINU using GD2+/hB7-H3+ and GD2+/hB7-H3- B78 tumor models. Results Flow cytometry and competition binding assays showed that INV34-6 bound with high avidity to GD2+/hB7-H3+ B78 cells with high avidity but not GD2+/hB7-H3+ B78 cells. In comparison, no selectivity between cell types was observed for DINU. PET in mice bearing the GD2+/hB7-H3- and GD2+/hB7-H3+ B78 murine tumor showed similar biodistribution in normal tissues for [89Zr]Zr-Df-INV34-6, [89Zr]Zr-Df-bsAb CTRL, and [89Zr]Zr-Df-DINU. Importantly, [89Zr]Zr-Df-INV34-6 tumor uptake was selective to GD2+/hB7-H3+ B78 over GD2+/hB7-H3- B78 tumors, and substantially higher to GD2+/hB7-H3+ B78 than the non-targeted [89Zr]Zr-Df-bsAb CTRL control. [89Zr]Zr-Df-DINU displayed similar uptake in both GD2+ tumor models, with uptake comparable to [89Zr]Zr-Df-INV34-6 in the GD2+/hB7-H3+ B78 model. Conclusion The GD2-B7-H3 targeting bispecific antibodies successfully improved selectivity to cells expressing both antigens. This approach should address the severe toxicities associated with GD2-targeting therapies by reducing off-tumor GD2 binding in nerves. Continued improvements in bispecific antibody technologies will continue to transform the therapeutic biologics landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T. Rosenkrans
- Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Amy K. Erbe
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Nathan B. Clemons
- Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Yadira Medina-Guevara
- Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Justin J. Jeffery
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Todd E. Barnhart
- Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jonathan W. Engle
- Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Paul M. Sondel
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Reinier Hernandez
- Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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Li J, Zhou B, Wang S, Ouyang J, Jiang X, Wang C, Zhou T, Zheng KW, Wang J, Wang J. Development of a Human B7-H3-Specific Antibody with Activity against Colorectal Cancer Cells through a Synthetic Nanobody Library. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:381. [PMID: 38671802 PMCID: PMC11047927 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies have emerged as promising tools in biomedicine due to their single-chain structure and inherent stability. They generally have convex paratopes, which potentially prefer different epitope sites in an antigen compared to traditional antibodies. In this study, a synthetic phage display nanobody library was constructed and used to identify nanobodies targeting a tumor-associated antigen, the human B7-H3 protein. Combining next-generation sequencing and single-clone validation, two nanobodies were identified to specifically bind B7-H3 with medium nanomolar affinities. Further characterization revealed that these two clones targeted a different epitope compared to known B7-H3-specific antibodies, which have been explored in clinical trials. Furthermore, one of the clones, dubbed as A6, exhibited potent antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against a colorectal cancer cell line with an EC50 of 0.67 nM, upon conversion to an Fc-enhanced IgG format. These findings underscore a cost-effective strategy that bypasses the lengthy immunization process, offering potential rapid access to nanobodies targeting unexplored antigenic sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (J.L.); (B.Z.); (S.W.); (J.O.); (X.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Bingjie Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (J.L.); (B.Z.); (S.W.); (J.O.); (X.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Shiting Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (J.L.); (B.Z.); (S.W.); (J.O.); (X.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Jiayi Ouyang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (J.L.); (B.Z.); (S.W.); (J.O.); (X.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (J.L.); (B.Z.); (S.W.); (J.O.); (X.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Chenglin Wang
- Shenzhen Qiyu Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518107, China;
| | - Teng Zhou
- School of Cyberspace Security, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China;
| | - Ke-wei Zheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China;
| | - Junqing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (J.L.); (B.Z.); (S.W.); (J.O.); (X.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (J.L.); (B.Z.); (S.W.); (J.O.); (X.J.); (J.W.)
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Borgeaud M, Sandoval J, Obeid M, Banna G, Michielin O, Addeo A, Friedlaender A. Novel targets for immune-checkpoint inhibition in cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102614. [PMID: 37603905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet many patients either do not derive any benefit from treatment or develop a resistance to checkpoint inhibitors. Intrinsic resistance can result from neoantigen depletion, defective antigen presentation, PD-L1 downregulation, immune-checkpoint ligand upregulation, immunosuppression, and tumor cell phenotypic changes. On the other hand, extrinsic resistance involves acquired upregulation of inhibitory immune-checkpoints, leading to T-cell exhaustion. Current data suggest that PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3 upregulation limits the efficacy of single-agent immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating novel immune-checkpoint targets to avoid or overcome resistance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of potentially targetable immune-checkpoints in cancer. We highlight their biology, emphasizing the current understanding of resistance mechanisms and focusing on promising strategies that are under investigation. We also summarize current results and ongoing clinical trials in this crucial field that could once again revolutionize outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Obeid
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Banna
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | | | - Alex Friedlaender
- Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland; Clinique Générale Beaulieu, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Pulanco MC, Madsen AT, Tanwar A, Corrigan DT, Zang X. Recent advancements in the B7/CD28 immune checkpoint families: new biology and clinical therapeutic strategies. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:694-713. [PMID: 37069229 PMCID: PMC10310771 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The B7/CD28 families of immune checkpoints play vital roles in negatively or positively regulating immune cells in homeostasis and various diseases. Recent basic and clinical studies have revealed novel biology of the B7/CD28 families and new therapeutics for cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss the newly discovered KIR3DL3/TMIGD2/HHLA2 pathways, PD-1/PD-L1 and B7-H3 as metabolic regulators, the glycobiology of PD-1/PD-L1, B7x (B7-H4) and B7-H3, and the recently characterized PD-L1/B7-1 cis-interaction. We also cover the tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic resistance mechanisms to current anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapies in clinical settings. Finally, we review new immunotherapies targeting B7-H3, B7x, PD-1/PD-L1, and CTLA-4 in current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc C Pulanco
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Anne T Madsen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Ankit Tanwar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Devin T Corrigan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, 10461, USA.
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6
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Hińcza-Nowak K, Kowalik A, Walczyk A, Pałyga I, Gąsior-Perczak D, Płusa A, Kopczyński J, Chrapek M, Góźdź S, Kowalska A. CD276 as a Candidate Target for Immunotherapy in Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10019. [PMID: 37373167 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare malignancy, and the treatment of metastatic MTC is challenging. In previous work, immune profiling (RNA-Seq) of MTC identified CD276 as a potential target for immunotherapy. CD276 expression was 3-fold higher in MTC cells than in normal tissues. Paraffin blocks from patients with MTC were analyzed by immunohistochemistry to confirm the results of RNA-Seq. Serial sections were incubated with anti-CD276 antibody, and scored according to staining intensity and the percentage of immunoreactive cells. The results showed that CD276 expression was higher in MTC tissues than in controls. A lower percentage of immunoreactive cells correlated with the absence of lateral node metastasis, lower levels of calcitonin after surgery, no additional treatments, and remission. There were statistically significant associations of intensity of immunostaining and percentage of CD276 immunoreactive cells with clinical factors and the course of the disease. These results suggest that targeting this immune checkpoint molecule CD276 could be a promising strategy for the treatment of MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Hińcza-Nowak
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
- Endocrinology Clinic, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
| | - Artur Kowalik
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
- Division of Medical Biology, Institute of Biology, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-406 Kielce, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Walczyk
- Endocrinology Clinic, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-319 Kielce, Poland
| | - Iwona Pałyga
- Endocrinology Clinic, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-319 Kielce, Poland
| | - Danuta Gąsior-Perczak
- Endocrinology Clinic, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-319 Kielce, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Płusa
- Surgical Pathology, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Chrapek
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-406 Kielce, Poland
| | - Stanisław Góźdź
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-319 Kielce, Poland
- Clinical Oncology, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
| | - Aldona Kowalska
- Endocrinology Clinic, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-319 Kielce, Poland
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7
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Li S, Zhang M, Wang M, Wang H, Wu H, Mao L, Zhang M, Li H, Zheng J, Ma P, Wang G. B7-H3 specific CAR-T cells exhibit potent activity against prostate cancer. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:147. [PMID: 37149721 PMCID: PMC10164129 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01453-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
B7-H3 is an attractive target for immunotherapy because of its high expression across multiple solid tumors, including prostate cancer, and restricted expression in normal tissues. Among various types of tumor immunotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has shown remarkable success in hematological tumors. However, the potency of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors is still limited. Here, we examined the expression of B7-H3 in prostate cancer tissues and cells and developed a second-generation CAR that specifically targets B7-H3 and CD28 as costimulatory receptor to explore its tumoricidal potential against prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. The high expression of B7-H3 was detected on both the surface of PC3, DU145 and LNCaP cells and prostate cancer tissues. B7-H3 CAR-T cells efficiently controlled the growth of prostate cancer in an antigen-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, tumor cells could induce the proliferation of CAR-T cells and the release of high levels of cytokines of IFN-γ and TNF-α in vitro. Results demonstrated that B7-H3 is a potential target for prostate cancer therapy that supports the clinical development of B7-H3 specific CAR-T cells for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibao Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiting Wang
- Department of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lijun Mao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huizhong Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Gang Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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8
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Malapelle U, Parente P, Pepe F, Di Micco MC, Russo A, Clemente C, Graziano P, Rossi A. B7-H3/CD276 Inhibitors: Is There Room for the Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416077. [PMID: 36555714 PMCID: PMC9788608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The striking clinical outcomes of antibody-based immunotherapy, through the inhibitors of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) axis, have driven research aimed at identifying further clinically relevant tumor antigens that can serve as targets in solid tumors. B7 homolog 3 protein (B7-H3, also known as CD276) is a member of the B7 family overexpressed in tumor tissues, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), while showing limited expression in normal tissues, becoming an attractive and promising target for cancer immunotherapy. B7-H3 expression in tumors has been demonstrated to be associated with poor prognosis. In addition to its role in immune modulation, B7-H3 also promotes pro-tumorigenic functions such as tumor migration, invasion, metastases, resistance, and metabolism. In this review, we will provide an overview of this newly characterized immune checkpoint molecule and its development in the management of metastatic NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Parente
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale Cappuccini, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesco Pepe
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Concetta Di Micco
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale Cappuccini, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | - Celeste Clemente
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale Cappuccini, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Paolo Graziano
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale Cappuccini, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Oncology Centre of Excellence, Therapeutic Science & Strategy Unit, IQVIA, 20019 Milan, Italy
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9
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Catalano M, Shabani S, Venturini J, Ottanelli C, Voltolini L, Roviello G. Lung Cancer Immunotherapy: Beyond Common Immune Checkpoints Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:6145. [PMID: 36551630 PMCID: PMC9777293 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is an ever-expanding field in lung cancer treatment research. Over the past two decades, there has been significant progress in identifying immunotherapy targets and creating specific therapeutic agents, leading to a major paradigm shift in lung cancer treatment. However, despite the great success achieved with programmed death protein 1/ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies and with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 plus anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), only a minority of lung cancer patients respond to treatment, and of these many subsequently experience disease progression. In addition, immune-related adverse events sometimes can be life-threatening, especially when anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 are used in combination. All of this prompted researchers to identify novel immune checkpoints targets to overcome these limitations. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-Based Inhibitory Motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) are promising molecules now under investigation. This review aims to outline the current role of immunotherapy in lung cancer and to examine efficacy and future applications of the new immune regulating molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Catalano
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Sonia Shabani
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Jacopo Venturini
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Carlotta Ottanelli
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Voltolini
- Thoraco-Pulmonary Surgery Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Roviello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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10
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Zhao B, Li H, Xia Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Shi Y, Xing H, Qu T, Wang Y, Ma W. Immune checkpoint of B7-H3 in cancer: from immunology to clinical immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:153. [PMID: 36284349 PMCID: PMC9597993 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01364-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy for cancer is a rapidly developing treatment that modifies the immune system and enhances the antitumor immune response. B7-H3 (CD276), a member of the B7 family that plays an immunoregulatory role in the T cell response, has been highlighted as a novel potential target for cancer immunotherapy. B7-H3 has been shown to play an inhibitory role in T cell activation and proliferation, participate in tumor immune evasion and influence both the immune response and tumor behavior through different signaling pathways. B7-H3 expression has been found to be aberrantly upregulated in many different cancer types, and an association between B7-H3 expression and poor prognosis has been established. Immunotherapy targeting B7-H3 through different approaches has been developing rapidly, and many ongoing clinical trials are exploring the safety and efficacy profiles of these therapies in cancer. In this review, we summarize the emerging research on the function and underlying pathways of B7-H3, the expression and roles of B7-H3 in different cancer types, and the advances in B7-H3-targeted therapy. Considering different tumor microenvironment characteristics and results from preclinical models to clinical practice, the research indicates that B7-H3 is a promising target for future immunotherapy, which might eventually contribute to an improvement in cancer immunotherapy that will benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binghao Zhao
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 People’s Republic of China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanzhang Li
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 People’s Republic of China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Xia
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 People’s Republic of China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaning Wang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 People’s Republic of China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuekun Wang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 People’s Republic of China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yixin Shi
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 People’s Republic of China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Xing
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 People’s Republic of China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian Qu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 People’s Republic of China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 People’s Republic of China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 People’s Republic of China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Baysal H, Siozopoulou V, Zaryouh H, Hermans C, Lau HW, Lambrechts H, Fransen E, De Pauw I, Jacobs J, Peeters M, Pauwels P, Vermorken JB, Smits E, Lardon F, De Waele J, Wouters A. The prognostic impact of the immune signature in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1001161. [PMID: 36268020 PMCID: PMC9576890 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1001161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous group of tumors that retain their poor prognosis despite recent advances in their standard of care. As the involvement of the immune system against HNSCC development is well-recognized, characterization of the immune signature and the complex interplay between HNSCC and the immune system could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets that are required now more than ever. In this study, we investigated RNA sequencing data of 530 HNSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for which the immune composition (CIBERSORT) was defined by the relative fractions of 10 immune-cell types and expression data of 45 immune checkpoint ligands were quantified. This initial investigation was followed by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for a curated selection of immune cell types and checkpoint ligands markers in tissue samples of 50 advanced stage HNSCC patients. The outcome of both analyses was correlated with clinicopathological parameters and patient overall survival. Our results indicated that HNSCC tumors are in close contact with both cytotoxic and immunosuppressive immune cells. TCGA data showed prognostic relevance of dendritic cells, M2 macrophages and neutrophils, while IHC analysis associated T cells and natural killer cells with better/worse prognostic outcome. HNSCC tumors in our TCGA cohort showed differential RNA over- and underexpression of 28 immune inhibitory and activating checkpoint ligands compared to healthy tissue. Of these, CD73, CD276 and CD155 gene expression were negative prognostic factors, while CD40L, CEACAM1 and Gal-9 expression were associated with significantly better outcomes. Our IHC analyses confirmed the relevance of CD155 and CD276 protein expression, and in addition PD-L1 expression, as independent negative prognostic factors, while HLA-E overexpression was associated with better outcomes. Lastly, the co-presence of both (i) CD155 positive cells with intratumoral NK cells; and (ii) PD-L1 expression with regulatory T cell infiltration may hold prognostic value for these cohorts. Based on our data, we propose that CD155 and CD276 are promising novel targets for HNSCC, possibly in combination with the current standard of care or novel immunotherapies to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Baysal
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Hasan Baysal,
| | - Vasiliki Siozopoulou
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hannah Zaryouh
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christophe Hermans
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ho Wa Lau
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hilde Lambrechts
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Ines De Pauw
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julie Jacobs
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Baptist Vermorken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jorrit De Waele
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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12
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Li G, Wang H, Wu H, Chen J. B7-H3-targeted CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors. Int Rev Immunol 2022; 41:625-637. [PMID: 35855615 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2022.2102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Since B7-H3 is overexpressed or amplified in many types of solid tumors with a restricted expression in the normal tissues, it has been an emerging immunotherapeutic target for solid tumors. This review will focus on the structural designs of developing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting B7-H3. The expression, receptor, and function of the B7-H3, as well as a short overview of B7-H3-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy, are discussed. Finally, a detailed summary of B7-H3 redirected CAR-T and CAR-NK cell approaches utilized in preclinical models and currently ongoing or completed clinical trials are presented. It has been demonstrated that B7-H3-targeted CAR-based cell therapies were safe in initial trials, but their efficacy was limited. Employing the local delivery routes, the introduction of novel modifications promoting CAR-T persistence, and combined treatment with other standard therapies could improve the efficacy of B7-H3-targeted CAR-T cell therapy against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangfei Li
- ENT institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haopeng Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- ENT institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Chen
- ENT institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Zhang S, Black RG, Kohli K, Hayes BJ, Miller C, Koehne A, Schroeder BA, Abrams K, Schulte BC, Alexiev BA, Heimberger AB, Zhang A, Jing W, Ng JCK, Shinglot H, Seguin B, Salter AI, Riddell SR, Jensen MC, Gottschalk S, Moore PF, Torok-Storb B, Pollack SM. B7-H3 Specific CAR T Cells for the Naturally Occurring, Spontaneous Canine Sarcoma Model. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:999-1009. [PMID: 35405743 PMCID: PMC9381119 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
One obstacle for human solid tumor immunotherapy research is the lack of clinically relevant animal models. In this study, we sought to establish a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell treatment model for naturally occurring canine sarcomas as a model for human CAR T-cell therapy. Canine CARs specific for B7-H3 were constructed using a single-chain variable fragment derived from the human B7-H3-specific antibody MGA271, which we confirmed to be cross-reactive with canine B7-H3. After refining activation, transduction, and expansion methods, we confirmed target killing in a tumor spheroid three-dimensional assay. We designed a B7-H3 canine CAR T-cell and achieved consistently high levels of transduction efficacy, expansion, and in vitro tumor killing. Safety of the CAR T cells were confirmed in two purposely bred healthy canine subjects following lymphodepletion by cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. Immune response, clinical parameters, and manifestation were closely monitored after treatments and were shown to resemble that of humans. No severe adverse events were observed. In summary, we demonstrated that similar to human cancers, B7-H3 can serve as a target for canine solid tumors. We successfully generated highly functional canine B7-H3-specific CAR T-cell products using a production protocol that closely models human CAR T-cell production procedure. The treatment regimen that we designed was confirmed to be safe in vivo. Our research provides a promising direction to establish in vitro and in vivo models for immunotherapy for canine and human solid tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Zhang
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - R. Graeme Black
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Karan Kohli
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Brian J. Hayes
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Cassandra Miller
- Comparative Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Amanda Koehne
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Brett A. Schroeder
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kraig Abrams
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Brian C. Schulte
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Amy B. Heimberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ali Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Weiqing Jing
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Himaly Shinglot
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bernard Seguin
- Colorado State University, Flint Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Alexander I. Salter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stanley R. Riddell
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Lyell Immunopharma, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael C. Jensen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Peter F. Moore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Beverly Torok-Storb
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Seth M. Pollack
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Corresponding Author: Seth M. Pollack, Oncology, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior St. #3-115, Chicago, IL 60611. E-mail:
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14
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Zhao S, Wang Y, Yang N, Mu M, Wu Z, Li H, Tang X, Zhong K, Zhang Z, Huang C, Cao T, Zheng M, Wang G, Nie C, Yang H, Guo G, Zhou L, Zheng X, Tong A. Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screen reveals novel regulators of B7-H3 in tumor cells. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004875. [PMID: 35768165 PMCID: PMC9244714 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite advances in B7 homolog 3 protein (B7-H3) based immunotherapy, the development of drug resistance remains a major clinical concern. The heterogeneity and emerging loss of B7-H3 expression are the main causes of drug resistance and treatment failure in targeted therapies, which reveals an urgent need to elucidate the mechanism underlying the regulation of B7-H3 expression. In this study, we identified and explored the crucial role of the transcription factor SPT20 homolog (SP20H) in B7-H3 expression and tumor progression. Methods Here, we performed CRISPR/Cas9-based genome scale loss-of-function screening to identify regulators of B7-H3 in human ovarian cancer cells. Signaling pathways altered by SP20H knockout were revealed by RNA sequencing. The regulatory role and mechanism of SP20H in B7-H3 expression were validated using loss-of-function and gain-of-function assays in vitro. The effects of inhibiting SP20H on tumor growth and efficacy of anti-B7-H3 treatment were evaluated in tumor-bearing mice. Results We identified SUPT20H (SP20H) as negative and eIF4E as positive regulators of B7-H3 expression in various cancer cells. Furthermore, we provided evidence that either SP20H loss or TNF-α stimulation in tumor cells constitutively activates p38 MAPK-eIF4E signaling, thereby upregulating B7-H3 expression. Loss of SP20H upregulated B7-H3 expression both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, deletion of SP20H significantly suppressed tumor growth and increased immune cells infiltration in tumor microenvironment. More importantly, antibody–drug conjugates targeting B7-H3 exhibited superior antitumor performance against SP20H-deficient tumors relative to control groups. Conclusions Activation of p38 MAPK-eIF4E signaling serves as a key event in the transcription initiation and B7-H3 protein expression in tumor cells. Genetically targeting SP20H upregulates target antigen expression and sensitizes tumors to anti-B7-H3 treatment. Collectively, our findings provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying B7-H3 expression and introduce a potential synergistic target for existing antibody-based targeted therapy against B7-H3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuelong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Nian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiguo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hexian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kunhong Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zongliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Cao
- Lab of Infectious Diseases and Vaccine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Meijun Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunlai Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Gang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liangxue Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Zheng
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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15
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Aggarwal C, Prawira A, Antonia S, Rahma O, Tolcher A, Cohen RB, Lou Y, Hauke R, Vogelzang N, P Zandberg D, Kalebasty AR, Atkinson V, Adjei AA, Seetharam M, Birnbaum A, Weickhardt A, Ganju V, Joshua AM, Cavallo R, Peng L, Zhang X, Kaul S, Baughman J, Bonvini E, Moore PA, Goldberg SM, Arnaldez FI, Ferris RL, Lakhani NJ. Dual checkpoint targeting of B7-H3 and PD-1 with enoblituzumab and pembrolizumab in advanced solid tumors: interim results from a multicenter phase I/II trial. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004424. [PMID: 35414591 PMCID: PMC9006844 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Availability of checkpoint inhibitors has created a paradigm shift in the management of patients with solid tumors. Despite this, most patients do not respond to immunotherapy, and there is considerable interest in developing combination therapies to improve response rates and outcomes. B7-H3 (CD276) is a member of the B7 family of cell surface molecules and provides an alternative immune checkpoint molecule to therapeutically target alone or in combination with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)-targeted therapies. Enoblituzumab, an investigational anti-B7-H3 humanized monoclonal antibody, incorporates an immunoglobulin G1 fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain that enhances Fcγ receptor-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Coordinated engagement of innate and adaptive immunity by targeting distinct members of the B7 family (B7-H3 and PD-1) is hypothesized to provide greater antitumor activity than either agent alone. METHODS In this phase I/II study, patients received intravenous enoblituzumab (3-15 mg/kg) weekly plus intravenous pembrolizumab (2 mg/kg) every 3 weeks during dose-escalation and cohort expansion. Expansion cohorts included non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; checkpoint inhibitor [CPI]-naïve and post-CPI, programmed death-ligand 1 [PD-L1] <1%), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC; CPI-naïve), urothelial cancer (post-CPI), and melanoma (post-CPI). Disease was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 after 6 weeks and every 9 weeks thereafter. Safety and pharmacokinetic data were provided for all enrolled patients; efficacy data focused on HNSCC and NSCLC cohorts. RESULTS Overall, 133 patients were enrolled and received ≥1 dose of study treatment. The maximum tolerated dose of enoblituzumab with pembrolizumab at 2 mg/kg was not reached. Intravenous enoblituzumab (15 mg/kg) every 3 weeks plus pembrolizumab (2 mg/kg) every 3 weeks was recommended for phase II evaluation. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 116 patients (87.2%) and were grade ≥3 in 28.6%. One treatment-related death occurred (pneumonitis). Objective responses occurred in 6 of 18 (33.3% [95% CI 13.3 to 59.0]) patients with CPI-naïve HNSCC and in 5 of 14 (35.7% [95% CI 12.8 to 64.9]) patients with CPI-naïve NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS Checkpoint targeting with enoblituzumab and pembrolizumab demonstrated acceptable safety and antitumor activity in patients with CPI-naïve HNSCC and NSCLC. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02475213.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Aggarwal
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy Prawira
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Scott Antonia
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Durham, North Carolina, USA,Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Osama Rahma
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anthony Tolcher
- NEXT Oncology, San Antonio, Texas, USA,START-South Texas, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Roger B Cohen
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Ralph Hauke
- Nebraska Cancer Specialists, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - Dan P Zandberg
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA,University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vinod Ganju
- Peninsula and Southeast Oncology, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony M Joshua
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Linda Peng
- MacroGenics, Inc, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fernanda I Arnaldez
- MacroGenics, Inc, Rockville, Maryland, USA,AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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16
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Mendes AA, Lu J, Kaur HB, Zheng SL, Xu J, Hicks J, Weiner AB, Schaeffer EM, Ross AE, Balk SP, Taplin ME, Lack NA, Tekoglu E, Maynard JP, De Marzo AM, Antonarakis ES, Sfanos KS, Joshu CE, Shenderov E, Lotan TL. Association of B7-H3 expression with racial ancestry, immune cell density, and androgen receptor activation in prostate cancer. Cancer 2022; 128:2269-2280. [PMID: 35333400 PMCID: PMC9133095 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background B7 homolog 3 (B7‐H3) is an immunomodulatory molecule that is highly expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) and belongs to the B7 superfamily, which includes PD‐L1. Immunotherapies (antibodies, antibody‐drug conjugates, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells) targeting B7‐H3 are currently in clinical trials; therefore, elucidating the molecular and immune microenvironment correlates of B7‐H3 expression may help to guide trial design and interpretation. The authors tested the interconnected hypotheses that B7‐H3 expression is associated with genetic racial ancestry, immune cell composition, and androgen receptor signaling in PCa. Methods An automated, clinical‐grade immunohistochemistry assay was developed by to digitally quantify B7‐H3 protein expression across 2 racially diverse cohorts of primary PCa (1 with previously reported transcriptomic data) and pretreatment and posttreatment PCa tissues from a trial of intensive neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. Results B7‐H3 protein expression was significantly lower in self‐identified Black patients and was inversely correlated with the percentage African ancestry. This association with race was independent of the significant association of B7‐H3 protein expression with ERG/ETS and PTEN status. B7‐H3 messenger RNA expression, but not B7‐H3 protein expression, was significantly correlated with regulatory (FOXP3‐positive) T‐cell density. Finally, androgen receptor activity scores were significantly correlated with B7‐H3 messenger RNA expression, and neoadjuvant intensive hormonal therapy was associated with a significant decrease in B7‐H3 protein expression. Conclusions The current data underscore the importance of studying racially and molecularly diverse PCa cohorts in the immunotherapy era. This study is among the first to use genetic ancestry markers to add to the emerging evidence that PCa in men of African ancestry may have a distinct biology associated with B7‐H3 expression. Lay Summary B7‐H3 is an immunomodulatory molecule that is highly expressed in prostate cancer and is under investigation in clinical trials. The authors determined that B7‐H3 protein expression is inversely correlated with an individual's proportion of African ancestry. The results demonstrate that B7‐H3 messenger RNA expression is correlated with the density of tumor T‐regulatory cells. Finally, in the first paired analysis of B7‐H3 protein expression before and after neoadjuvant intensive hormone therapy, the authors determined that hormone therapy is associated with a decrease in B7‐H3 protein levels, suggesting that androgen signaling may positively regulate B7‐H3 expression. These results may help to guide the design of future clinical trials and to develop biomarkers of response in such trials.
B7‐H3 protein expression was significantly lower in self‐identified Black patients and was inversely correlated with the percentage African ancestry. Androgen receptor activity scores were significantly correlated with B7‐H3 messenger RNA expression, and neoadjuvant intensive hormonal therapy was associated with a significant decrease in B7‐H3 protein expression, consistent with a presumed androgen receptor binding site upstream of the B7‐H3 promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna A Mendes
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jiayun Lu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Harsimar B Kaur
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Siqun L Zheng
- Program for Personalized Cancer Care, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Program for Personalized Cancer Care, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Jessica Hicks
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Adam B Weiner
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Edward M Schaeffer
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ashley E Ross
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Steven P Balk
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, Hematology-Oncology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Nathan A Lack
- School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Vancouver Prostate Center, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Janielle P Maynard
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Angelo M De Marzo
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emmanuel S Antonarakis
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Karen S Sfanos
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Corinne E Joshu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eugene Shenderov
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tamara L Lotan
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Perera MP, Thomas PB, Risbridger GP, Taylor R, Azad A, Hofman MS, Williams ED, Vela I. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy in Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030503. [PMID: 35158771 PMCID: PMC8833489 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers amongst men worldwide. Treatment for metastatic disease is often in the form of androgen deprivation therapy. However, over the course of treatment affected men may become castrate-resistant. Options for men with metastatic castrate-resistant cancer are limited. This review focuses on the role of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. This review is a contemporary appraisal of preclinical and clinical studies conducted in this emerging form of immunotherapy. A thorough evaluation of the role of CAR-T therapy in prostate cancer is provided, as well as the obstacles we must overcome to clinically translate this therapy for men affected with this rapidly fatal disease. Abstract Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed solid-organ cancer amongst males worldwide. Metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a rapidly fatal end-sequelae of prostate cancer. Therapeutic options for men with mCRPC are limited and are not curative in nature. The recent development of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionised the treatment of treatment-resistant haematological malignancies, and several studies are underway investigating the utility of this technology in the treatment of solid tumours. In this review, we evaluate the current treatment options for men with mCRPC as well as the current landscape of preclinical and clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapy against prostate cancer. We also appraise the various prostate cancer-specific tumour-associated antigens that may be targeted by CAR-T cell technology. Finally, we examine the potential translational barriers of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumours. Despite preclinical success, preliminary clinical trials in men with prostate cancer have had limited efficacy. Therefore, further clinically translatable preclinical models are required to enhance the understanding of the role of this investigational therapeutic in men with mCRPC. In the era of precision medicine, tailored immunotherapy administered to men in a tumour-agnostic approach provides hope to a group of men who otherwise have few treatment options available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahasha P.J. Perera
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (P.B.T.); (E.D.W.)
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence: (M.P.P.); (I.V.)
| | - Patrick B. Thomas
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (P.B.T.); (E.D.W.)
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Gail P. Risbridger
- Prostate Cancer Research Group, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Cancer Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (G.P.R.); (R.T.)
| | - Renea Taylor
- Prostate Cancer Research Group, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Cancer Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (G.P.R.); (R.T.)
| | - Arun Azad
- Prostate Cancer Theranostics and Imaging Centre of Excellence (ProsTIC), Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (A.A.); (M.S.H.)
| | - Michael S. Hofman
- Prostate Cancer Theranostics and Imaging Centre of Excellence (ProsTIC), Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (A.A.); (M.S.H.)
| | - Elizabeth D. Williams
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (P.B.T.); (E.D.W.)
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ian Vela
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (P.B.T.); (E.D.W.)
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence: (M.P.P.); (I.V.)
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18
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Liu C, Zhang G, Xiang K, Kim Y, Lavoie RR, Lucien F, Wen T. Targeting the immune checkpoint B7-H3 for next-generation cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1549-1567. [PMID: 34739560 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03097-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have become preferred treatment strategies for several advanced cancers. However, response rates for these treatments are limited, which encourages the search for new ICI candidates. Recent reports have underscored significant roles of B7 homolog 3 protein (B7-H3) in tumor immunity and disease progression. While its multifaceted roles are being elucidated, B7-H3 has already entered clinical trials as a therapeutic target. In this review, we overview the recent results of clinical trials evaluating the antitumor activity and safety of B7-H3 targeting drugs. On this basis, we also discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from the application of these drugs. Finally, we point out current gaps to address in the understanding of B7-H3 function and regulation in order to fully unleash the future clinical utility of B7-H3-based therapies for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Guangwei Zhang
- Smart Hospital Management Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Kanghui Xiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Yohan Kim
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Ti Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China.
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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19
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Sena LA, Denmeade SR, Antonarakis ES. Targeting the spectrum of immune checkpoints in prostate cancer. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:1253-1266. [PMID: 34263692 PMCID: PMC8484035 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1949287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The proven efficacy of the cellular vaccine sipuleucel-T in 2010 led to optimism about immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of prostate cancer. Some surmised that prostate cancer might be an ideal target for immune-mediated killing given that the prostate is not an essential organ and expresses unique proteins including prostate-specific antigen, prostate-specific membrane antigen, and prostatic acid phosphatase that could be targeted without side effects. Subsequently, antibodies that inhibit the T cell checkpoints PD1 and CTLA4 were shown to stimulate antitumor immune responses, leading to tumor regression in several cancer types. These therapies have since been tested in several studies as treatments for prostate cancer, but appear to have limited efficacy in molecularly unselected patients.Areas covered: In this review, we discuss these studies and evaluate features of prostate cancer and its host environment that may render it generally resistant to CTLA4 and PD1 blockade. We provide an overview of alternate immune checkpoints that may hold greater significance in this disease.Expert opinion: Combination therapies to target multiple layers of alternate immune checkpoints may be required for an effective immune response to prostate cancer. We discuss combination therapies currently being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Sena
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Samuel R. Denmeade
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emmanuel S. Antonarakis
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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20
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Xuan Y, Sheng Y, Zhang D, Zhang K, Zhang Z, Ping Y, Wang S, Shi X, Lian J, Liu K, Zhang Y, Li F. Targeting CD276 by CAR-T cells induces regression of esophagus squamous cell carcinoma in xenograft mouse models. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101138. [PMID: 34052626 PMCID: PMC8176370 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CD276 is homogeneously overexpressed in ESCC and EAC. CD276-directed CAR-T cells demonstrate remarkable anti-tumor effects in ESCC PDX model. CD276-targeting CAR-T cells are successfully generated with patients T cells and show potent cytotoxicity against autologous tumor cells.
Esophageal cancer, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), has a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells represent a potential ESCC treatment. In this study, we examined CD276 expression in healthy and esophageal tumor tissues and explored the tumoricidal potential of CD276-targeting CAR-T cells in ESCC. CD276 was strongly and homogenously expressed in ESCC and EAC tumor lesions but mildly in healthy tissues, representing a good target for CAR-T cell therapy. We generated CD276-directed CAR-T cells with a humanized antigen-recognizing domain and CD28 or 4–1BB co-stimulation. CD276-specific CAR-T cells efficiently killed ESCC tumor cells in an antigen-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo. In patient-derived xenograft models, CAR-T cells induced tumor regression and extended mouse survival. In addition, CAR-T cells generated from patient T cells demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against autologous tumor cells. Our study indicates that CD276 is an attractive target for ESCC therapy, and CD276-targeting CAR-T cells are worth testing in ESCC clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Xuan
- Biotherapy Center, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuqiao Sheng
- Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Daiqun Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yu Ping
- Biotherapy Center, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shumin Wang
- Biotherapy Center, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Shi
- Biotherapy Center, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jingyao Lian
- Biotherapy Center, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Biotherapy Center, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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21
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Mehdizadeh S, Bayatipoor H, Pashangzadeh S, Jafarpour R, Shojaei Z, Motallebnezhad M. Immune checkpoints and cancer development: Therapeutic implications and future directions. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 223:153485. [PMID: 34022684 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, different inhibitory receptors have been identified, which have played prominent roles in reducing anti-tumor immune responses. The role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer was revealed by critical blockade of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) checkpoints. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including anti-PD-1 (nivolumab and pembrolizumab), anti-PD-L1 (Atezolizumab, avelumab, and duravulumab), and anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab, tremelimumab), are currently FDA-approved treatment options for a broad range of cancer types. However, regarding immunotherapy advances in recent years, most studies have been focused on finding the antibodies against other inhibitory immune checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment such as lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin, and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), B7-homolog 3 (B7-H3), V-domain immunoglobulin-containing suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), diacylglycerol kinase-α (DGK-α), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), and B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA). This immune checkpoint exerts differential inhibitory impacts on various types of lymphocytes. The suppression of immune responses demonstrates a surprising synergy with PD-1. Therefore, most antibodies against these immune checkpoints are undertaking clinical trials for cancer immunotherapy of advanced solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. In this review, we will summarize recent findings of immune checkpoint and the role of monoclonal antibodies in cancer immunotherapy targeting these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Mehdizadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hashem Bayatipoor
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Pashangzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Jafarpour
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Shojaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Motallebnezhad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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22
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Lee JB, Ha SJ, Kim HR. Clinical Insights Into Novel Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:681320. [PMID: 34025438 PMCID: PMC8139127 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.681320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), notably anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) as well as inhibitors of CTLA-4, programmed death 1 (PD-1), and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), has revolutionized treatment options for solid tumors. However, the lack of response to treatment, in terms of de novo or acquired resistance, and immune related adverse events (IRAE) remain as hurdles. One mechanisms to overcome the limitations of ICIs is to target other immune checkpoints associated with tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoints such as lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3), V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), B7 homolog 3 protein (B7-H3), inducible T cell costimulatory (ICOS), and B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) are feasible and promising options for treating solid tumors, and clinical trials are currently under active investigation. This review aims to summarize the clinical aspects of the immune checkpoints and introduce novel agents targeting these checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jii Bum Lee
- Division of Hemato-oncology, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, South Korea.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Jun Ha
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye Ryun Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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23
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Michelakos T, Kontos F, Barakat O, Maggs L, Schwab JH, Ferrone CR, Ferrone S. B7-H3 targeted antibody-based immunotherapy of malignant diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:587-602. [PMID: 33301369 PMCID: PMC8087627 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1862791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Recent advances in immuno-oncology and bioengineering have rekindled the interest in monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based immunotherapies for malignancies. Crucial for their success is the identification of tumor antigens (TAs) that can serve as targets. B7-H3, a member of the B7 ligand family, represents such a TA. Although its exact functions and receptor(s) remain unclear, B7-H3 has predominantly a pro-tumorigenic effect mainly by suppressing the anti-tumor functions of T-cells.Areas covered: Initially we present a historical perspective on TA-specific antibodies for diagnosis and treatment of malignancies. Following a description of the TA requirements to be an attractive antibody-based immunotherapy target, we show that B7-H3 fulfills these criteria. We discuss its structure and functions. In a review and pooled analysis, we describe the limited B7-H3 expression in normal tissues and estimate B7-H3 expression frequency in tumors, tumor-associated vasculature and cancer initiating cells (CICs). Lastly, we discuss the association of B7-H3 expression in tumors with poor prognosis.Expert opinion: B7-H3 is an attractive target for mAb-based cancer immunotherapy. B7-H3-targeting strategies are expected to be highly effective and - importantly - safe. To fully exploit the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of B7-H3, its expression in pre-malignant lesions, serum, metastases, and CICs requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Michelakos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Filippos Kontos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Omar Barakat
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luke Maggs
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph H Schwab
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina R Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Qiu MJ, Xia Q, Chen YB, Fang XF, Li QT, Zhu LS, Jiang X, Xiong ZF, Yang SL. The Expression of Three Negative Co-Stimulatory B7 Family Molecules in Small Cell Lung Cancer and Their Effect on Prognosis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:600238. [PMID: 33937019 PMCID: PMC8082063 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.600238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown significant effects in a variety of solid tumors. However, due to the low incidence of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and its unclear mechanism, immune checkpoints in SCLC have not been fully studied. Methods We evaluated the expression of PD-L1, B7-H3, and B7-H4 in 115 SCLC tissue specimens using immunohistochemistry. The clinical data of patients with SCLC were retrospectively reviewed to investigate three negative co-stimulatory B7 family molecules’ ability to affect the prognosis of SCLC. Results Among the SCLC patients with complete follow-up data (n = 107), sixty-nine (64.49%) expressed moderate to high B7-H3 levels, which correlated positively with tumor sizes (P < 0.001). Eighty (74.77%) patients expressed moderate to high B7-H4 levels, which correlated positively with metastases (P = 0.049). The positive expression of B7-H3 and B7-H4 correlated significantly with shortened overall survival (OS) (B7-H3, P = 0.006; B7-H4, P = 0.019). PD-L1 was positively expressed only in 13.08% of cancer tissues, and there was no significant correlation with prognosis. The Cox proportional hazards regression showed that B7-H3 was an independent prognostic indicator of OS (P = 0.028; HR = 2.125 [95% CI = 0.985-4.462]). Conclusions Our results suggest that B7-H3 has a negative predictive effect on SCLC. This outcome provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent research on immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting B7-H3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Jun Qiu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin Xia
- Institute of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao-Bing Chen
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xie-Fan Fang
- Department of Toxicology, Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Reno, NV, United States
| | - Qiu-Ting Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Sheng Zhu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Fan Xiong
- Division of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng-Li Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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25
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Zhang Y, He L, Sadagopan A, Ma T, Dotti G, Wang Y, Zheng H, Gao X, Wang D, DeLeo AB, Fan S, Sun R, Yu L, Zhang L, Wang G, Ferrone S, Wang X. Targeting Radiation-Resistant Prostate Cancer Stem Cells by B7-H3 CAR T Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:577-588. [PMID: 33653946 PMCID: PMC7952034 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is a key treatment for prostate cancer. However, RT resistance can contribute to treatment failure. Prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) are radioresistant. We recently found that fractionated irradiation (FIR) upregulates expression of the immune checkpoint B7-H3 (CD276) on PCSCs and bulk cells in each prostate cancer cell line tested. These findings prompted us to investigate whether B7-H3 targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, which may abrogate function of an immune checkpoint and mediate lysis of targeted cells, can target RT-resistant PCSCs in vitro and in vivo. B7-H3 expression is naturally higher on PCSCs than bulk prostate cancer cells and cytotoxicity of B7-H3 CAR T cells to PCSCs is more potent than to bulk prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, FIR significantly upregulates B7-H3 expression on PCSCs and bulk prostate cancer cells. The duration of FIR or single-dose irradiation-induced further upregulation of B7-H3 on bulk prostate cancer cells and PCSCs lasts for up to 3 days. B7-H3 CAR T-cell cytotoxicity against FIR-resistant PCSCs at a low effector to target ratio of 1:1 was assessed by flow cytometry and sphere formation assays. Further upregulation of B7-H3 expression by FIR made PCSCs even more sensitive to B7-H3 CAR T-cell-mediated killing. Consequently, the FIR and B7-H3 CAR T-cell therapy combination is much more effective than FIR or CAR T cells alone in growth inhibition of hormone-insensitive prostate cancer xenografts in immunodeficient mice. Our work provides a sound basis for further development of this unique combinatorial model of RT and B7-H3 CAR T-cell therapy for prostate cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: We demonstrate that FIR significantly upregulates B7-H3 expression by RT-resistant PCSCs and bulk cells; cytotoxicity of B7-H3 CAR T cells to FIR-treated PCSCs is potent and results in significantly improved antitumor efficacy in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yida Zhang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lile He
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ananthan Sadagopan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tao Ma
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hui Zheng
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xin Gao
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dian Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Albert B DeLeo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Song Fan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ruochuan Sun
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ling Yu
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gongxian Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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26
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Kendsersky NM, Lindsay J, Kolb EA, Smith MA, Teicher BA, Erickson SW, Earley EJ, Mosse YP, Martinez D, Pogoriler J, Krytska K, Patel K, Groff D, Tsang M, Ghilu S, Wang Y, Seaman S, Feng Y, Croix BS, Gorlick R, Kurmasheva R, Houghton PJ, Maris JM. The B7-H3-Targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate m276-SL-PBD Is Potently Effective Against Pediatric Cancer Preclinical Solid Tumor Models. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:2938-2946. [PMID: 33619171 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-4221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with relapsed pediatric solid malignancies have few therapeutic options, and many of these patients die of their disease. B7-H3 is an immune checkpoint protein encoded by the CD276 gene that is overexpressed in many pediatric cancers. Here, we investigate the activity of the B7-H3-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) m276-SL-PBD in pediatric solid malignancy patient-derived (PDX) and cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) models. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN B7-H3 expression was quantified by RNA sequencing and by IHC on pediatric PDX microarrays. We tested the safety and efficacy of m276-SL-PBD in two stages. Randomized trials of m276-SL-PBD of 0.5 mg/kg on days 1, 8, and 15 compared with vehicle were performed in PDX or CDX models of Ewing sarcoma (N = 3), rhabdomyosarcoma (N = 4), Wilms tumors (N = 2), osteosarcoma (N = 5), and neuroblastoma (N = 12). We then performed a single mouse trial in 47 PDX or CDX models using a single 0.5 m/kg dose of m276-SL-PBD. RESULTS The vast majority of PDX and CDX samples studied showed intense membranous B7-H3 expression (median H-score 177, SD 52). In the randomized trials, m276-SL-PBD showed a 92.3% response rate, with 61.5% of models showing a maintained complete response (MCR). These data were confirmed in the single mouse trial with an overall response rate of 91.5% and MCR rate of 64.4%. Treatment-related mortality rate was 5.5% with late weight loss observed in a subset of models dosed once a week for 3 weeks. CONCLUSIONS m276-SL-PBD has significant antitumor activity across a broad panel of pediatric solid tumor PDX models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan M Kendsersky
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jarrett Lindsay
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - E Anders Kolb
- A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware
| | | | | | | | - Eric J Earley
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Yael P Mosse
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel Martinez
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jennifer Pogoriler
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Division of Anatomic Pathology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kateryna Krytska
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Khushbu Patel
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David Groff
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Matthew Tsang
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Samson Ghilu
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Cancer Hospital, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Steven Seaman
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), NCI-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Yang Feng
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), NCI-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Brad St Croix
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), NCI-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Richard Gorlick
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Cancer Hospital, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Raushan Kurmasheva
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Peter J Houghton
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
| | - John M Maris
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. .,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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27
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Lichtman EI, Du H, Shou P, Song F, Suzuki K, Ahn S, Li G, Ferrone S, Su L, Savoldo B, Dotti G. Preclinical Evaluation of B7-H3-specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:3141-3153. [PMID: 33531429 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The development of safe and effective chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has largely been limited by the concomitant expression of most AML-associated surface antigens on normal myeloid progenitors and by the potential prolonged disruption of normal hematopoiesis by the immunotargeting of these antigens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate B7-homolog 3 (B7-H3) as a potential target for AML-directed CAR T-cell therapy. B7-H3, a coreceptor belonging to the B7 family of immune checkpoint molecules, is overexpressed on the leukemic blasts of a significant subset of patients with AML and may overcome these limitations as a potential target antigen for AML-directed CAR-T therapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN B7-H3 expression was evaluated on AML cell lines, primary AML blasts, and normal bone marrow progenitor populations. The antileukemia efficacy of B7-H3-specific CAR-T cells (B7-H3.CAR-T) was evaluated using in vitro coculture models and xenograft models of disseminated AML, including patient-derived xenograft models. The potential hematopoietic toxicity of B7-H3.CAR-Ts was evaluated in vitro using colony formation assays and in vivo in a humanized mouse model. RESULTS B7-H3 is expressed on monocytic AML cell lines and on primary AML blasts from patients with monocytic AML, but is not significantly expressed on normal bone marrow progenitor populations. B7-H3.CAR-Ts exhibit efficient antigen-dependent cytotoxicity in vitro and in xenograft models of AML, and are unlikely to cause unacceptable hematopoietic toxicity. CONCLUSIONS B7-H3 is a promising target for AML-directed CAR-T therapy. B7-H3.CAR-Ts control AML and have a favorable safety profile in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eben I Lichtman
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. .,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Hongwei Du
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Peishun Shou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Feifei Song
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kyogo Suzuki
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sarah Ahn
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Guangming Li
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lishan Su
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Barbara Savoldo
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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28
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Sun J, Lu Q, Sanmamed MF, Wang J. Siglec-15 as an Emerging Target for Next-generation Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:680-688. [PMID: 32958700 PMCID: PMC9942711 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory agents blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have shown a new way to treat cancer. The explanation underlying the success of these agents may be the selective expression of PD-L1 with dominant immune-suppressive activities in the tumor microenvironment (TME), supporting a more favorable tumor response-to-toxicity ratio. However, despite the big success of these drugs, most patients with cancer show primary or acquired resistance, calling for the identification of new immune modulators in the TME. Using a genome-scale T-cell activity array in combination with bioinformatic analysis of human cancer databases, we identified Siglec-15 as a critical immune suppressor with broad upregulation on various cancer types and a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Siglec-15 has unique molecular features compared with many other known checkpoint inhibitory ligands. It shows prominent expression on macrophages and cancer cells and a mutually exclusive expression with PD-L1, suggesting that it may be a critical immune evasion mechanism in PD-L1-negative patients. Interestingly, Siglec-15 has also been identified as a key regulator for osteoclast differentiation and may have potential implications in bone disorders not limited to osteoporosis. Here, we provide an overview of Siglec-15 biology, its role in cancer immune regulation, the preliminary and encouraging clinical data related to the first-in-class Siglec-15 targeting mAb, as well as many unsolved questions in this pathway. As a new player in the cancer immunotherapeutic arena, Siglec-15 may represent a novel class of immune inhibitors with tumor-associated expression and divergent mechanisms of action to PD-L1, with potential implications in anti-PD-1/PD-L1-resistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Sun
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Qiao Lu
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- The Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York.
- The Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
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29
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Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment and become a standard pillar of the treatment. The two main drivers, immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cells, contributed to this unprecedented success. However, despite the striking clinical improvements, most patients still suffer from disease progression because of the evolution of primary or acquired resistance. This mini-review summa-rizes new treatment options including novel targets and interesting combinational approaches to increase our understanding of the mechanisms of the action of and resistance to immunotherapy, to expand our knowledge of advances in biomarker and therapeutics development, and to help to find the most appropriate option or a way of overcoming the resistance for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Ho Lee
- Department of Oncology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
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30
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Lee DH. Update of early phase clinical trials in cancer immunotherapy. BMB Rep 2021; 54:70-88. [PMID: 33407992 PMCID: PMC7851447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment and become a standard pillar of the treatment. The two main drivers, immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cells, contributed to this unprecedented success. However, despite the striking clinical improvements, most patients still suffer from disease progression because of the evolution of primary or acquired resistance. This mini-review summarizes new treatment options including novel targets and interesting combinational approaches to increase our understanding of the mechanisms of the action of and resistance to immunotherapy, to expand our knowledge of advances in biomarker and therapeutics development, and to help to find the most appropriate option or a way of overcoming the resistance for cancer patients. [BMB Reports 2021; 54(1): 70-88].
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Ho Lee
- Department of Oncology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
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31
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Poot AJ, Lam MGEH, van Noesel MM. The Current Status and Future Potential of Theranostics to Diagnose and Treat Childhood Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:578286. [PMID: 33330054 PMCID: PMC7710543 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.578286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In theranostics (i.e., therapy and diagnostics) radiopharmaceuticals are used for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes by targeting one specific tumor receptor. Biologically relevant compounds, e.g., receptor ligands or drugs, are labeled with radionuclides to form radiopharmaceuticals. The possible applications are multifold: visualization of biological processes or tumor biology in vivo, diagnosis and tumor staging, therapy planning, and treatment of specific tumors. Theranostics research is multidisciplinary and allows for the rapid translation of potential tumor targets from preclinical research to “first-in-man” clinical studies. In the last decade, the use of theranostics has seen an unprecedented value for adult cancer patients. Several radiopharmaceuticals are routinely used in clinical practice (e.g., [68Ga/177Lu]DOTATATE), and dozens are under (pre)clinical development. In contrast to these successes in adult oncology, theranostics have scarcely been developed to diagnose and treat pediatric cancers. To date, [123/131I]meta-iodobenzylguanidine ([123/131I]mIBG) is the only available and approved theranostic in pediatric oncology. mIBG targets the norepinephrine transporter, expressed by neuroblastoma tumors. For most pediatric tumors, including neuroblastoma, there is a clear need for novel and improved radiopharmaceuticals for imaging and therapy. The strategy of theranostics for pediatric oncology can be divided in (1) the improvement of existing theranostics, (2) the translation of theranostics developed in adult oncology for pediatric purposes, and (3) the development of novel theranostics for pediatric tumor-specific targets. Here, we describe the recent advances in theranostics development in pediatric oncology and shed a light on how this methodology can affect diagnosis and provide additional treatment options for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Poot
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Solid Tumors, Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marnix G E H Lam
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Max M van Noesel
- Department of Solid Tumors, Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
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32
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Alexa T, Antoniu SA, Alexa I, Ilie A, Marinca M, Gafton B, Stefaniu R. Checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC for the elderly: current challenges and perspectives. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 21:315-323. [PMID: 33244997 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1852933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: In the elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is more commonly diagnosed in advanced stages. Conservative therapy including chemotherapy in this age group might be challenging because one of the criteria for its indication is the appropriate functional status, and in the elderly this is more difficult to ascertain. Checkpoint inhibitors are recent therapies found to be effective alone or in combinations in patients with advanced NSCLC, but little is known about their efficacy and their safety in such patients.Areas covered: We review clinical studies of checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced NSCLC in an attempt to identify peculiarities related to their use in the elderly. The clinical studies discussed enrolled a significant proportion of elderly patients and for some compounds, post-hoc analysis in the elderly was performed. Efficacy data supports the use of such compounds in the elderly and the safety profile is acceptable for all molecules discussed.Expert opinion: In the elderly with advanced NSCLC, checkpoint inhibitors are efficacious and well tolerated and may be appropriate for use in patients with an increased impaired functional status. Furthermore, in this category of patients this therapy may be used as a neoadjuvant therapy in order to improve the resectability of the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Alexa
- Department of Medicine III-Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, Iasi, Romania
| | - Sabina A Antoniu
- Department of Medicine II-Nursing/Palliative Care, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana Alexa
- Department of Medicine II-Geriatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, Iasi, Romania
| | - Adina Ilie
- Department of Medicine II-Geriatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihai Marinca
- Department of Medicine III-Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Gafton
- Department of Medicine III-Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ramona Stefaniu
- Department of Medicine II-Geriatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, Iasi, Romania
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33
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Immune Checkpoints and CAR-T Cells: The Pioneers in Future Cancer Therapies? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218305. [PMID: 33167514 PMCID: PMC7663909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the ever-increasing number of cancer patients pose substantial challenges worldwide, finding a treatment with the highest response rate and the lowest number of side effects is still undergoing research. Compared to chemotherapy, the relatively low side effects of cancer immunotherapy have provided ample opportunity for immunotherapy to become a promising approach for patients with malignancy. However, the clinical translation of immune-based therapies requires robust anti-tumoral immune responses. Immune checkpoints have substantial roles in the induction of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and tolerance against tumor antigens. Identifying and targeting these inhibitory axes, which can be established between tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, can facilitate the development of anti-tumoral immune responses. Bispecific T-cell engagers, which can attract lymphocytes to the tumor microenvironment, have also paved the road for immunological-based tumor elimination. The development of CAR-T cells and their gene editing have brought ample opportunity to recognize tumor antigens, independent from immune checkpoints and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Indeed, there have been remarkable advances in developing various CAR-T cells to target tumoral cells. Knockout of immune checkpoints via gene editing in CAR-T cells might be designated for a breakthrough for patients with malignancy. In the midst of this fast progress in cancer immunotherapies, there is a need to provide up-to-date information regarding immune checkpoints, bispecific T-cell engagers, and CAR-T cells. Therefore, this review aims to provide recent findings of immune checkpoints, bispecific T-cell engagers, and CAR-T cells in cancer immunotherapy and discuss the pertained clinical trials.
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Waldman AD, Fritz JM, Lenardo MJ. A guide to cancer immunotherapy: from T cell basic science to clinical practice. Nat Rev Immunol 2020; 20:651-668. [PMID: 32433532 PMCID: PMC7238960 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-0306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2038] [Impact Index Per Article: 509.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The T lymphocyte, especially its capacity for antigen-directed cytotoxicity, has become a central focus for engaging the immune system in the fight against cancer. Basic science discoveries elucidating the molecular and cellular biology of the T cell have led to new strategies in this fight, including checkpoint blockade, adoptive cellular therapy and cancer vaccinology. This area of immunological research has been highly active for the past 50 years and is now enjoying unprecedented bench-to-bedside clinical success. Here, we provide a comprehensive historical and biological perspective regarding the advent and clinical implementation of cancer immunotherapeutics, with an emphasis on the fundamental importance of T lymphocyte regulation. We highlight clinical trials that demonstrate therapeutic efficacy and toxicities associated with each class of drug. Finally, we summarize emerging therapies and emphasize the yet to be elucidated questions and future promise within the field of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex D Waldman
- Molecular Development of the Immune System Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Clinical Genomics Program, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jill M Fritz
- Molecular Development of the Immune System Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Clinical Genomics Program, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael J Lenardo
- Molecular Development of the Immune System Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Clinical Genomics Program, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Kontos F, Michelakos T, Kurokawa T, Sadagopan A, Schwab JH, Ferrone CR, Ferrone S. B7-H3: An Attractive Target for Antibody-based Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 27:1227-1235. [PMID: 33051306 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The recent impressive clinical responses to antibody-based immunotherapy have prompted the identification of clinically relevant tumor antigens that can serve as targets in solid tumors. Among them, B7-H3, a member of the B7 ligand family, represents an attractive target for antibody-based immunotherapy, it is overexpressed on differentiated malignant cells and cancer-initiating cells, with limited heterogeneity, and high frequency (60% of 25,000 tumor samples) in many different cancer types, but has a limited expression at low level in normal tissues. In nonmalignant tissues, B7-H3 has a predominantly inhibitory role in adaptive immunity, suppressing T-cell activation and proliferation. In malignant tissues, B7-H3 inhibits tumor antigen-specific immune responses, leading to a protumorigenic effect. B7-H3 also has nonimmunologic protumorigenic functions, such as promoting migration and invasion, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, as well as affecting tumor cell metabolism. As a result, B7-H3 expression in tumors is associated with poor prognosis. Although experimental B7-H3 silencing reduces cancer cell malignant potential, there has been limited emphasis on the development of B7-H3-blocking antibodies, most likely because the B7-H3 receptor remains unknown. Instead, many antibody-based strategies utilizing distinct effector mechanisms to target B7-H3-expressing cancer cells have been developed. These strategies have demonstrated potent antitumor activity and acceptable safety profiles in preclinical models. Ongoing clinical trials are assessing their safety and efficacy in patients. Identification of the B7-H3 receptor will improve our understanding of its role in tumor immunity, and will suggest rational strategies to develop blocking antibodies, which may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippos Kontos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Theodoros Michelakos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tomohiro Kurokawa
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ananthan Sadagopan
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph H Schwab
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cristina R Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Matsumura E, Kajino K, Abe M, Ohtsuji N, Saeki H, Hlaing MT, Hino O. Expression status of PD-L1 and B7-H3 in mesothelioma. Pathol Int 2020; 70:999-1008. [PMID: 33027549 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive malignancy with poor outcome, and has limited treatment options. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3) expression in mesothelioma. We investigated the protein expression of PD-L1 and B7-H3 and their potential correlation with histological subtype, which might help to develop new therapies targeting these immune checkpoint molecules. Expression analysis of PD-L1 and B7-H3 was performed by immunohistochemistry using serial tissue sections of specimens obtained from 31 patients with mesothelioma. Tumors were classified into 22 epithelioid, 6 sarcomatoid, and 3 biphasic types. Of the 31 patients, 13 (41.9%) were positive for PD-L1 and 28 (90.3%) were B7-H3 positive. Twelve of the 13 PD-L1 positive patients were positive for B7-H3. PD-L1 and B7-H3 were widely co-expressed in biphasic and sarcomatoid type tumor cells. These findings might provide a rationale for the use of combination therapy for mesothelioma by targeting PD-L1 and B7-H3, as well as the development of anti-B7-H3 or anti-PD-L1 single agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Matsumura
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Oncology Medical Science, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kajino
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaaki Abe
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naomi Ohtsuji
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harumi Saeki
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - May Thinzar Hlaing
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Okio Hino
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Flem-Karlsen K, Fodstad Ø, Nunes-Xavier CE. B7-H3 Immune Checkpoint Protein in Human Cancer. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4062-4086. [PMID: 31099317 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190517115515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
B7-H3 belongs to the B7 family of immune checkpoint proteins, which are important regulators of the adaptive immune response and emerging key players in human cancer. B7-H3 is a transmembrane protein expressed on the surface of tumor cells, antigen presenting cells, natural killer cells, tumor endothelial cells, but can also be present in intra- and extracellular vesicles. Additionally, B7-H3 may be present as a circulating soluble isoform in serum and other body fluids. B7-H3 is overexpressed in a variety of tumor types, in correlation with poor prognosis. B7-H3 is a promising new immunotherapy target for anti-cancer immune response, as well as a potential biomarker. Besides its immunoregulatory role, B7-H3 has intrinsic pro-tumorigenic activities related to enhanced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, metastatic capacity and anti-cancer drug resistance. B7-H3 has also been found to regulate key metabolic enzymes, promoting the high glycolytic capacity of cancer cells. B7-H3 receptors are still not identified, and little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying B7-H3 functions. Here, we review the current knowledge on the involvement of B7-H3 in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Flem-Karlsen
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øystein Fodstad
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Caroline E Nunes-Xavier
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
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Li H, Huang C, Zhang Z, Feng Y, Wang Z, Tang X, Zhong K, Hu Y, Guo G, Zhou L, Guo W, Xu J, Yang H, Tong A. MEK Inhibitor Augments Antitumor Activity of B7-H3-Redirected Bispecific Antibody. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1527. [PMID: 32984002 PMCID: PMC7477310 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting cancer antigens by T cell-engaging bispecific antibody (BiAb) or chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy has achieved successes in hematological cancers, but attempts to use it to fight solid cancers have been disappointing, in part due to antigen escape. MEK inhibitor had limited activity as a single agent, but enhanced antitumor activity when combined with other therapies, such as targeted drugs or immunotherapy agents. This study aimed to analyze the expression of B7-H3 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and bladder cancer (BC) and to evaluate the combinatorial antitumor effect of B7-H3 × CD3 BiAb with MEK inhibitor trametinib. We found B7-H3 was highly expressed in NSCLC and BC compared with normal samples and its increased expression was associated with poor prognosis. Treatment with trametinib alone could induce apoptosis in tumor cell, while has no effect on T cell proliferation, and a noticeable elevation of B7-H3 expression in tumor cells was also observed following treatment. B7-H3 × CD3 BiAb specifically and efficiently redirected their cytotoxicity against B7-H3 overexpressing tumor cells both in vitro and in xenograft mouse models. While trametinib treatment alone affected tumor growth, the combined therapy increased T cell infiltration and significantly suppressed tumor growth. Together, these data suggest that combination therapy with B7-H3 × CD3 BiAb and MEK inhibitor may serve as a new therapeutic strategy in the future clinical practice for the treatment of NSCLC and BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Zongliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Zeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kunhong Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yating Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Liangxue Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenhao Guo
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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Cao D, Chen MK, Zhang QF, Zhou YF, Zhang MY, Mai SJ, Zhang YJ, Chen MS, Li XX, Wang HY. Identification of immunological subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma with expression profiling of immune-modulating genes. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:12187-12205. [PMID: 32544882 PMCID: PMC7343492 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate that immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has achieved success in many types of advanced cancers including advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, ICI therapy is beneficial in only some HCC patients, suggesting that immune-responses are highly variable in HCCs. Therefore, understanding the immune status in HCC microenvironment will facilitate ICI immunotherapy and guide patient selection for the therapy. In this study, we first analyzed the expression profile of immune-modulating genes and their relationship with survival of HCC patients using the data downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas - Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) database, and found that the higher expressions of CD276 (B7-H3) and CD47 were significantly associated with poor survival. Then we identified 4 immune subtypes of HCCs with different survivals by using the combination expression of B7-H3 (or CD47) and CD8. Patients with B7-H3low/CD8high or CD47low/CD8high have the best survival while ones with B7-H3high/CD8low or CD47high/CD8low have the worst survival. The 4 immune subtypes were validated in another 72 HCC patients obtained from South China. In conclusion, our findings suggest that HCC patient prognosis is associated with immunophenotypes by T cell infiltration (CD8 expression) and the expression of the adaptive immune resistance gene (B7-H3 or CD47), and this immune classification system will facilitate HCC patient selection for ICI immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Ke Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Yin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Juan Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao-Jun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min-Shan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Xing Li
- Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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40
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Expression and Clinical Significance of Immune Checkpoint Regulator B7-H3 (CD276) in Human Meningioma. World Neurosurg 2020; 135:e12-e18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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41
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Khan M, Arooj S, Wang H. NK Cell-Based Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2020; 11:167. [PMID: 32117298 PMCID: PMC7031489 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, with an increasing number of therapeutic dimensions, is becoming an important mode of treatment for cancer patients. The inhibition of immune checkpoints, which are the source of immune escape for various cancers, is one such immunotherapeutic dimension. It has mainly been aimed at T cells in the past, but NK cells are a newly emerging target. Simultaneously, the number of checkpoints identified has been increasing in recent times. In addition to the classical NK cell receptors KIRs, LIRs, and NKG2A, several other immune checkpoints have also been shown to cause dysfunction of NK cells in various cancers and chronic infections. These checkpoints include the revolutionized CTLA-4, PD-1, and recently identified B7-H3, as well as LAG-3, TIGIT & CD96, TIM-3, and the most recently acknowledged checkpoint-members of the Siglecs family (Siglec-7/9), CD200 and CD47. An interesting dimension of immune checkpoints is their candidacy for dual-checkpoint inhibition, resulting in therapeutic synergism. Furthermore, the combination of immune checkpoint inhibition with other NK cell cytotoxicity restoration strategies could also strengthen its efficacy as an antitumor therapy. Here, we have undertaken a comprehensive review of the literature to date regarding NK cell-based immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Khan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sumbal Arooj
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Miyahira AK, Sharp A, Ellis L, Jones J, Kaochar S, Larman HB, Quigley DA, Ye H, Simons JW, Pienta KJ, Soule HR. Prostate cancer research: The next generation; report from the 2019 Coffey-Holden Prostate Cancer Academy Meeting. Prostate 2020; 80:113-132. [PMID: 31825540 PMCID: PMC7301761 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 2019 Coffey-Holden Prostate Cancer Academy (CHPCA) Meeting, "Prostate Cancer Research: The Next Generation," was held 20 to 23 June, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. METHODS The CHPCA Meeting is an annual conference held by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, that is uniquely structured to stimulate intense discussion surrounding topics most critical to accelerating prostate cancer research and the discovery of new life-extending treatments for patients. The 7th Annual CHPCA Meeting was attended by 86 investigators and concentrated on many of the most promising new treatment opportunities and next-generation research technologies. RESULTS The topics of focus at the meeting included: new treatment strategies and novel agents for targeted therapies and precision medicine, new treatment strategies that may synergize with checkpoint immunotherapy, next-generation technologies that visualize tumor microenvironment (TME) and molecular pathology in situ, multi-omics and tumor heterogeneity using single cells, 3D and TME models, and the role of extracellular vesicles in cancer and their potential as biomarkers. DISCUSSION This meeting report provides a comprehensive summary of the talks and discussions held at the 2019 CHPCA Meeting, for the purpose of globally disseminating this knowledge and ultimately accelerating new treatments and diagnostics for patients with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K. Miyahira
- Science Department, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Adam Sharp
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Leigh Ellis
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Womenʼs Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Jones
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Salma Kaochar
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - H. Benjamin Larman
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David A. Quigley
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Huihui Ye
- Department of Pathology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jonathan W. Simons
- Science Department, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Kenneth J. Pienta
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Howard R. Soule
- Science Department, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Santa Monica, California
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Competitive glucose metabolism as a target to boost bladder cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Urol 2020; 17:77-106. [PMID: 31953517 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-019-0263-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bladder cancer - the tenth most frequent cancer worldwide - has a heterogeneous natural history and clinical behaviour. The predominant histological subtype, urothelial bladder carcinoma, is characterized by high recurrence rates, progression and both primary and acquired resistance to platinum-based therapy, which impose a considerable economic burden on health-care systems and have substantial effects on the quality of life and the overall outcomes of patients with bladder cancer. The incidence of urothelial tumours is increasing owing to population growth and ageing, so novel therapeutic options are vital. Based on work by The Cancer Genome Atlas project, which has identified targetable vulnerabilities in bladder cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have arisen as an effective alternative for managing advanced disease. However, although ICIs have shown durable responses in a subset of patients with bladder cancer, the overall response rate is only ~15-25%, which increases the demand for biomarkers of response and therapeutic strategies that can overcome resistance to ICIs. In ICI non-responders, cancer cells use effective mechanisms to evade immune cell antitumour activity; the overlapping Warburg effect machinery of cancer and immune cells is a putative determinant of the immunosuppressive phenotype in bladder cancer. This energetic interplay between tumour and immune cells leads to metabolic competition in the tumour ecosystem, limiting nutrient availability and leading to microenvironmental acidosis, which hinders immune cell function. Thus, molecular hallmarks of cancer cell metabolism are potential therapeutic targets, not only to eliminate malignant cells but also to boost the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this sense, integrating the targeting of tumour metabolism into immunotherapy design seems a rational approach to improve the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs.
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Zhan S, Liu Z, Zhang M, Guo T, Quan Q, Huang L, Guo L, Cao L, Zhang X. Overexpression of B7-H3 in α-SMA-Positive Fibroblasts Is Associated With Cancer Progression and Survival in Gastric Adenocarcinomas. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1466. [PMID: 31998637 PMCID: PMC6966326 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: B7-H3 promotes tumor immune escape and is highly expressed in tumor tissues. Stromal cells in tumors, including fibroblasts, play an important role in this process; however, the role of B7-H3 in tumor fibroblasts has not been fully clarified. Methods: We examined B7-H3, CD31, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression in 268 gastric adenocarcinomas (GACs) by immunohistochemistry. The coexpression of B7-H3 with CD31 or α-SMA was examined using immunofluorescence double staining. Cytokine expression from fibroblasts treated with B7-H3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) was analyzed by a Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The transwell tests were conducted to assess the migration and invasion ability of fibroblasts. The overall survival was analyzed by a Kaplan-Meier analysis. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using the Pearson's Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results: GAC patients with B7-H3 expression showed significantly poorer survival (P = 0.012). The overall survival of the group with high B7-H3 expression was significantly worse than the group with low B7-H3 expression in both tumor cells and in stromal cells (P = 0.007 and P = 0.048, respectively). B7-H3 expression correlated with many clinicopathological data, including tumor stage, tumor depth, lymph node involvement, and survival. Immunofluorescence staining showed that B7-H3 was expressed in tumor cells and α-SMA-positive fibroblasts. Remarkably, high expression of α-SMA was associated with a poor prognosis (P = 0.007), and the prognoses of patients with high stromal expression of B7-H3 and α-SMA were significantly worse than that of other combination types (P = 0.001). Additionally, the absence of B7-H3 led to decreased secretion of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as a decline in migration and invasion ability in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Conclusions: Patients with high B7-H3 expression either in tumor cells or in stromal cells had significantly poorer overall survival. Stromal B7-H3 expression was mostly detected in α-SMA-positive CAFs. GAC patients with both stromal B7-H3-high and α-SMA-high expression had significantly poorer overall survival, suggesting that stromal B7-H3 and α-SMA expression status can serve as an indicator of poor prognosis for GAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghua Zhan
- Department of Pathology, Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiju Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tianwei Guo
- Department of Pathology, Changshu Hospital of Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
| | - Qiuying Quan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lili Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lingchuan Guo
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Tumor Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The last decade witnessed an explosion in immunotherapeutic agent approvals for various malignancies. The success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1) in melanoma quickly sprung to other cancer types and are considered the emerging face of oncology. RECENT FINDINGS Antibodies to CTLA-4 were first to enter the field, quickly followed by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Combination anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies were investigated, and after demonstrating improved responses, rapidly gained approval. Certain tumor types previously considered non-immunogenic also demonstrated durable responses which has been a remarkable discovery. However, not all tumor types respond to immunotherapies and it is widely recognized that tumor-specific immune inflammatory status predicts the best responders. Ongoing translational work indicates specific upregulation in additional immune checkpoints that circumvent response to anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of promising therapies on the horizon with unique combinations designed to overcome resistance or expand the pool of treatment responders.
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Huang B, Luo L, Wang J, He B, Feng R, Xian N, Zhang Q, Chen L, Huang G. B7-H3 specific T cells with chimeric antigen receptor and decoy PD-1 receptors eradicate established solid human tumors in mouse models. Oncoimmunology 2019; 9:1684127. [PMID: 32002297 PMCID: PMC6959446 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1684127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in patients with advanced solid tumors remains a significant challenge. Simultaneously targeting antigen and the solid tumor microenvironment are two major factors that greatly impact CAR-T cell therapy outcomes. In this study, we engineered CAR-T cells to specifically target B7-H3, a protein commonly found in solid human tumors, using a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) derived from an anti-B7-H3 monoclonal antibody. We tested the antitumor activity of B7-H3 CAR-T cells in mouse models with solid human tumors and determined that B7-H3 CAR-T cells exhibited potent antitumor activity against B7-H3+ tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, PD-1 decoy receptors were engineered to include extracellular PD-1 fused to the intracellular stimulatory domain of either CD28 or IL-7 receptor, respectively, which were then introduced into B7-H3 CAR-T cells. As a result, these newly modified, superior CAR-T cells exhibited more persistent antitumor activity in B7-H3+/B7-H1+ tumors in vivo. Our findings indicate that B7-H3 specific CAR-T cells have the potential to treat multiple types of advanced solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhu Huang
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liqun Luo
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bailin He
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Na Xian
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lieping Chen
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gangxiong Huang
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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47
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B7H3 regulates differentiation and serves as a potential biomarker and theranostic target for human glioblastoma. J Transl Med 2019; 99:1117-1129. [PMID: 30914782 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-019-0238-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
B7H3 (CD276), a co-stimulator molecule of the cell surface B7 protein superfamily, is expressed on glioblastomas (GBM). Recently, B7H3 functions beyond immune costimulation have been demonstrated. However, the mechanisms underlying B7H3 function are diverse and not well understood. GBM tumors contain undifferentiated self-renewing cells, which confound therapeutic attempts. We investigated the role of B7H3 in the regulation of GBM cell differentiation and the regulatory pathways involved. Analysis of public databases (TCGA, Rembrandt, and GEO NCBI) and RNA sequencing were performed to explore the role of B7H3 in GBM. Knockdown and overexpression of B7H3, were used to verify the downstream pathway in vitro. Further studies in vivo were performed to support the new finding. Bioinformatics analysis identified a correlation between the expression of B7H3, the expression of glioma self-renewing cell (GSC)-related genes, and MYC expression. These observations were verified by RNA-sequencing analyses in primary GBM cell lines. In vitro knockdown of B7H3-induced differentiation, associated with downregulation of SMAD6 (a TGF-β pathway inhibitor) and enhancement of SMAD1 phosphorylation-induced SMAD4 expression. Importantly, activation of the TGF-β pathway resulted in downregulation of MYC expression. In vivo assays conducted in a human GBM cell line xenograft mouse model demonstrated that B7H3 knockdown decreased MYC expression and inhibited tumor growth. B7H3 knockdown could regulate GBM differentiation by modulating MYC expression. So, B7H3 could serve as a potential theranostic target for the treatment of patients with GBM.
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48
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Mason R, Au L, Ingles Garces A, Larkin J. Current and emerging systemic therapies for cutaneous metastatic melanoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2019; 20:1135-1152. [PMID: 31025594 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1601700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Melanoma therapies have evolved rapidly, and initial successes have translated into survival gains for patients with advanced melanoma. Both targeted and immune-therapy now have evidence in earlier stage disease. There are many new agents and combinations of treatments in development as potential future treatment options. This highlights the need for a reflection on current treatment practice trends that are guiding the development of potential new therapies. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors discuss the evidence for currently approved therapies for cutaneous melanoma, including adjuvant therapy, potential new biomarkers, and emerging treatments with early phase clinical trial data. The authors have searched both the PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov databases for published clinical trials and discuss selected landmark trials of current therapies and of investigational treatment strategies with early evidence for the treatment of melanoma. EXPERT OPINION Significant efficacy has been demonstrated with both immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies in treating advanced melanoma. A multitude of novel therapies are in development and there is need for instructive biomarker assessment to identify patients likely to respond or be refractory to current therapies, to identify mechanisms of resistance and to direct further treatment options to patients based on individual disease biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Mason
- a Clinical Research Fellow, Skin and Renal Units , The Royal Marsden Hospital , London , UK
- b Department of Medical Oncology , Gold Coast University Hospital , Southport , Queensland , Australia
| | - Lewis Au
- a Clinical Research Fellow, Skin and Renal Units , The Royal Marsden Hospital , London , UK
- c Division of Clinical Research , The Institute of Cancer Research , London , UK
| | - Alvaro Ingles Garces
- a Clinical Research Fellow, Skin and Renal Units , The Royal Marsden Hospital , London , UK
| | - James Larkin
- c Division of Clinical Research , The Institute of Cancer Research , London , UK
- d Consultant Oncologist , The Royal Marsden Hospital , London , UK
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Majzner RG, Theruvath JL, Nellan A, Heitzeneder S, Cui Y, Mount CW, Rietberg SP, Linde MH, Xu P, Rota C, Sotillo E, Labanieh L, Lee DW, Orentas RJ, Dimitrov DS, Zhu Z, Croix BS, Delaidelli A, Sekunova A, Bonvini E, Mitra SS, Quezado MM, Majeti R, Monje M, Sorensen PHB, Maris JM, Mackall CL. CAR T Cells Targeting B7-H3, a Pan-Cancer Antigen, Demonstrate Potent Preclinical Activity Against Pediatric Solid Tumors and Brain Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:2560-2574. [PMID: 30655315 PMCID: PMC8456711 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 375] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with relapsed pediatric solid tumors and CNS malignancies have few therapeutic options and frequently die of their disease. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown tremendous success in treating relapsed pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but this has not yet translated to treating solid tumors. This is partially due to a paucity of differentially expressed cell surface molecules on solid tumors that can be safely targeted. Here, we present B7-H3 (CD276) as a putative target for CAR T-cell therapy of pediatric solid tumors, including those arising in the central nervous system. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We developed a novel B7-H3 CAR whose binder is derived from a mAb that has been shown to preferentially bind tumor tissues and has been safely used in humans in early-phase clinical trials. We tested B7-H3 CAR T cells in a variety of pediatric cancer models. RESULTS B7-H3 CAR T cells mediate significant antitumor activity in vivo, causing regression of established solid tumors in xenograft models including osteosarcoma, medulloblastoma, and Ewing sarcoma. We demonstrate that B7-H3 CAR T-cell efficacy is largely dependent upon high surface target antigen density on tumor tissues and that activity is greatly diminished against target cells that express low levels of antigen, thus providing a possible therapeutic window despite low-level normal tissue expression of B7-H3. CONCLUSIONS B7-H3 CAR T cells could represent an exciting therapeutic option for patients with certain lethal relapsed or refractory pediatric malignancies, and should be tested in carefully designed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbie G Majzner
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Johanna L Theruvath
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Anandani Nellan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver Anschutz Medical Center, Denver, Colorado
| | - Sabine Heitzeneder
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Yongzhi Cui
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christopher W Mount
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Skyler P Rietberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Miles H Linde
- Immunology Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | | | - Elena Sotillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Daniel W Lee
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Rimas J Orentas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Dimiter S Dimitrov
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Zhongyu Zhu
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, NCI, NIH, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Brad St Croix
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), NCI, NIH, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Alberto Delaidelli
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alla Sekunova
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Siddhartha S Mitra
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver Anschutz Medical Center, Denver, Colorado
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Martha M Quezado
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Poul H B Sorensen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John M Maris
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California.
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
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50
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Aung PP, Parra ER, Barua S, Sui D, Ning J, Mino B, Ledesma DA, Curry JL, Nagarajan P, Torres-Cabala CA, Efstathiou E, Hoang AG, Wong MK, Wargo JA, Lazar AJ, Rao A, Prieto VG, Wistuba I, Tetzlaff MT. B7-H3 Expression in Merkel Cell Carcinoma-Associated Endothelial Cells Correlates with Locally Aggressive Primary Tumor Features and Increased Vascular Density. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:3455-3467. [PMID: 30808776 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-2355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy whose pathogenesis and prognosis are related to the integrity of the host immune system. Despite promising clinical responses to immune-checkpoint blockade, response and resistance remain unpredictable, underscoring a critical need to delineate novel prognostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for this disease.Experimental Design: Expression of immune-regulatory markers (PD-L2, B7-H3, B7-H4, IDO-1, ICOS, TIM3, LAG3, VISTA, and OX-40) was assessed using singlet chromogenic IHC in 10 primary MCCs. Multiplex immunofluorescence quantified CD31 and B7-H3 expression in 52 primary and 25 metastatic MCCs. B7-H3 and CD31 expressions were tabulated as a series of independent (X,Y) cell centroids. A spatial G-function, calculated based on the distribution of distances of B7-H3+ (X,Y) cell centroids around the CD31+ (X,Y) cell centroids, was used to estimate a colocalization index equivalent to the percentage of CD31-positive cell centroids that overlap with a B7-H3-positive cell centroid. RESULTS Primary and metastatic MCCs exhibit a dynamic range of colocalized CD31 and B7-H3 expression. Increasing colocalized expression of B7-H3 with CD31 significantly associated with increased tumor size (P = 0.0060), greater depth of invasion (P = 0.0110), presence of lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.0453), and invasion beyond skin (P = 0.0428) in primary MCC. Consistent with these findings, increasing colocalized expression of B7-H3 and CD31 correlated with increasing vascular density in primary MCC, but not metastatic MCC. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that colocalized expression of B7-H3/CD31 is a poor prognostic indicator and suggest therapies targeting B7-H3 may represent an effective approach to augmenting immune-activating therapies for MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyu P Aung
- Department of Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Edwin Roger Parra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Souptik Barua
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Dawen Sui
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jing Ning
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Barbara Mino
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Debora Alejandra Ledesma
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jonathan L Curry
- Department of Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Carlos A Torres-Cabala
- Department of Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Eleni Efstathiou
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Anh G Hoang
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael K Wong
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Alexander J Lazar
- Department of Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Arvind Rao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas.,Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Victor G Prieto
- Department of Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ignacio Wistuba
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael T Tetzlaff
- Department of Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. .,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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