1
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Zabeti Touchaei A, Vahidi S. MicroRNAs as regulators of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy: targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 pathways. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:102. [PMID: 38462628 PMCID: PMC10926683 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03293-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the power of the immune system to eliminate tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) block negative regulatory signals that prevent T cells from attacking cancer cells. Two key ICIs target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, which includes programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1). Another ICI targets cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). While ICIs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in various malignancies, only a subset of patients respond favorably. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, play a crucial role in modulating immune checkpoints, including PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. This review summarizes the latest advancements in immunotherapy, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoints and the regulatory role of miRNAs in modulating these pathways. Consequently, understanding the complex interplay between miRNAs and immune checkpoints is essential for developing more effective and personalized immunotherapy strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sogand Vahidi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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2
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Alahdal M, Elkord E. Non-coding RNAs in cancer immunotherapy: Predictive biomarkers and targets. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1425. [PMID: 37735815 PMCID: PMC10514379 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, standardising clinical predictive biomarkers for assessing the response to immunotherapy remains challenging due to variations in personal genetic signatures, tumour microenvironment complexities and epigenetic onco-mechanisms. MAIN BODY Early monitoring of key non-coding RNA (ncRNA) biomarkers may help in predicting the clinical efficacy of cancer immunotherapy and come up with standard predictive ncRNA biomarkers. For instance, reduced miR-125b-5p level in the plasma of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1 predicts a positive outcome. The level of miR-153 in the plasma of colorectal cancer patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor T lymphocyte (CAR-T) cell therapy may indicate the activation of T-cell killing activity. miR-148a-3p and miR-375 levels may forecast favourable responses to CAR-T-cell therapy in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In cancer patients treated with the GPC3 peptide vaccine, serum levels of miR-1228-5p, miR-193a-5p and miR-375-3p were reported as predictive biomarkers of good response and improved overall survival. Therefore, there is a critical need for further studies to elaborate on the key ncRNA biomarkers that have the potential to predict early clinical responses to immunotherapy. CONCLUSION This review summarises important predictive ncRNA biomarkers that were reported in cancer patients treated with different immunotherapeutic modalities, including monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, cancer vaccines and CAR-T cells. In addition, a concise discussion on forthcoming perspectives is provided, outlining technical approaches for the optimal utilisation of immunomodulatory ncRNA biomarkers as predictive tools and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murad Alahdal
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, StPetersburgFloridaUSA
- Department of OncologySydney Kimmel Cancer CenterSchool of MedicineJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Department of Applied BiologyCollege of ScienceUniversity of SharjahUniversity CitySharjahUnited Arab Emirates
- Biomedical Research CenterSchool of ScienceEngineering and EnvironmentUniversity of SalfordManchesterUK
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3
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Song Y, Kelava L, Kiss I. MiRNAs in Lung Adenocarcinoma: Role, Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13302. [PMID: 37686110 PMCID: PMC10487838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer has emerged as a significant public health challenge and remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Among various types of lung malignancies, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) stands as the most prevalent form. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in gene regulation, and their involvement in cancer has been extensively explored. While several reviews have been published on miRNAs and lung cancer, there remains a gap in the review regarding miRNAs specifically in LUAD. In this review, we not only highlight the potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of miRNAs in LUAD, but also present an inclusive overview of the extensive research conducted on miRNAs in this particular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongan Song
- Department of Public Health Medicine, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti Str. 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Leonardo Kelava
- Department of Thermophysiology, Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - István Kiss
- Department of Public Health Medicine, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti Str. 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Yang H, Liu Y, Chen L, Zhao J, Guo M, Zhao X, Wen Z, He Z, Chen C, Xu L. MiRNA-Based Therapies for Lung Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges? Biomolecules 2023; 13:877. [PMID: 37371458 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, posing a serious health risk. Despite new advances in immune checkpoint and targeted therapies in recent years, the prognosis for lung cancer patients, especially those in advanced stages, remains poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to modulate tumor development at multiple levels, and as such, miRNA mimics and molecules aimed at regulating miRNAs have shown promise in preclinical development. More importantly, miRNA-based therapies can also complement conventional chemoradiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies to reverse drug resistance and increase the sensitivity of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and miRNA-based therapies have entered clinical trials and have shown favorable development prospects. Therefore, in this paper, we review recent advances in miRNA-based therapies in lung cancer treatment as well as adjuvant therapy and present the current state of clinical lung cancer treatment. We also discuss the challenges facing miRNA-based therapies in the clinical application of lung cancer treatment to provide new ideas for the development of novel lung cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yang
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Yufang Liu
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Longqing Chen
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhao
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Mengmeng Guo
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Zhenke Wen
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Soochow University, Soochow 563000, China
| | - Zhixu He
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
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5
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Gutierrez AH, Mazariegos MS, Alemany S, Nevzorova YA, Cubero FJ, Sanz-García C. Tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2): A Cot-plicated progression from inflammation to chronic liver disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166660. [PMID: 36764206 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The cytoplasmic protein tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2), also known as cancer Osaka thyroid (Cot), or MAP3K8, is thought to have a significant role in a variety of cancers and illnesses and it is a key component in the activation pathway for the expression of inflammatory mediators. Despite the tight connection between inflammation and TPL2, its function has not been extensively studied in chronic liver disease (CLD), a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Here, we analyze more in detail the significance of TPL2 in CLD to shed light on the pathological and molecular transduction pattern of TPL2 during the progression of CLD. This might result in important advancements and enable progress in the diagnosis and treatment of CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro H Gutierrez
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina S Mazariegos
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Alemany
- Department of Metabolism and Cell Signaling, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Biomedicine Unit (Unidad Asociada al CSIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35001 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Yulia A Nevzorova
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Cubero
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Sanz-García
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Saller J, White D, Hough B, Yoder S, Whiting J, Chen DT, Magliocco A, Coppola D. An miRNA Signature Predicts Grading of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:154-164. [PMID: 36870693 PMCID: PMC9989673 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Grading pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) via mitotic rate and Ki-67 index score is complicated by interobserver variability. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) are useful for predicting tumour progression and may be useful for grading. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twelve PNENs were selected. Four patients had grade (G) 1 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs); 4 had G2 PNETs; and 4 had G3 PNENs (2 PNETs and 2 pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas). Samples were profiled using the miRNA NanoString Assay. RESULTS There were 6 statistically significant DEMs between different grades of PNENs. MiR1285-5p was the sole miRNA differentially expressed (p=0.03) between G1 and G2 PNETs. Six statistically significant DEMs (miR135a-5p, miR200a-3p, miR3151-5p, miR-345-5p, miR548d-5p and miR9-5p) (p<0.05) were identified between G1 PNETs and G3 PNENs. Finally, 5 DEMs (miR155-5p, miR15b-5p, miR222-3p, miR548d-5p and miR9-5p) (p<0.05) were identified between G2 PNETs and G3 PNENs. CONCLUSION The identified miRNA candidates are concordant with their patterns of dysregulation in other tumour types. The reliability of these DEMs as discriminators of PNEN grades support further investigations using larger patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Saller
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, U.S.A
| | - Daley White
- Department of Biomedical Library, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, U.S.A
| | - Brooke Hough
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, U.S.A
| | - Sean Yoder
- Molecular Genomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, U.S.A
| | - Junmin Whiting
- Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, U.S.A
| | - Dung-Tsa Chen
- Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, U.S.A
| | | | - Domenico Coppola
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, U.S.A.; .,Department of Pathology Florida Digestive Health Specialists, Lakewood Ranch, FL, U.S.A
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7
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Dutta S, Ganguly A, Chatterjee K, Spada S, Mukherjee S. Targets of Immune Escape Mechanisms in Cancer: Basis for Development and Evolution of Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020218. [PMID: 36829496 PMCID: PMC9952779 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has emerged as a novel therapeutic tool for cancer therapy in the last decade. Unfortunately, a small number of patients benefit from approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, multiple studies are being conducted to find new ICIs and combination strategies to improve the current ICIs. In this review, we discuss some approved immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1, PD-1, and CTLA-4, and also highlight newer emerging ICIs. For instance, HLA-E, overexpressed by tumor cells, represents an immune-suppressive feature by binding CD94/NKG2A, on NK and T cells. NKG2A blockade recruits CD8+ T cells and activates NK cells to decrease the tumor burden. NKG2D acts as an NK cell activating receptor that can also be a potential ICI. The adenosine A2A and A2B receptors, CD47-SIRPα, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and VISTA are targets that also contribute to cancer immunoresistance and have been considered for clinical trials. Their antitumor immunosuppressive functions can be used to develop blocking antibodies. PARPs, mARTs, and B7-H3 are also other potential targets for immunosuppression. Additionally, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated immunotherapeutic approaches are being investigated with great interest. Pre-clinical and clinical studies project these targets as potential immunotherapeutic candidates in different cancer types for their robust antitumor modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovan Dutta
- The Center for Immunotherapy & Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar 814152, India
| | | | - Sheila Spada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
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8
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Dumitru A, Dobrica EC, Croitoru A, Cretoiu SM, Gaspar BS. Focus on PD-1/PD-L1 as a Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012067. [PMID: 36292922 PMCID: PMC9603705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is considered one of the most aggressive and deadliest gynecological malignancies worldwide. Unfortunately, the therapeutic methods that are considered the gold standard at this moment are associated with frequent recurrences. Survival in ovarian cancer is associated with the presence of a high number of intra tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Therefore, immunomodulation is considered to have an important role in cancer treatment, and immune checkpoint inhibitors may be useful for restoring T cell-mediated antitumor immunity. However, the data presented in the literature until now are not sufficient to allow for the identification and selection of patients who really respond to immunotherapy among those with ovarian cancer. Although there are some studies with favorable results, more prospective trials are needed in this sense. This review focuses on the current and future perspectives of PD-1/L1 blockade in ovarian cancer and analyzes the most important immune checkpoint inhibitors used, with the aim of achieving optimal clinical outcomes. Future studies and trials are needed to maximize the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in ovarian cancer, as well as in all cancers, in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Dumitru
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena-Codruta Dobrica
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, Elias University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adina Croitoru
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Oncology, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sanda Maria Cretoiu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Bogdan Severus Gaspar
- Surgery Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Surgery Clinic, Bucharest Emergency Clinical Hospital, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
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9
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The Features of Immune Checkpoint Gene Regulation by microRNA in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169324. [PMID: 36012588 PMCID: PMC9409052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the search for new promising tools of immunotherapy continues. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) that influence immune checkpoint (IC) gene expression in tumor and T-cells and may be important regulators of immune cells are considered. MiRNAs regulate gene expression by blocking mRNA translation. An important feature of miRNA is its ability to affect the expression of several genes simultaneously, which corresponds to the trend toward the use of combination therapy. The article provides a list of miRNAs acting simultaneously on several ICs and miRNAs that, in addition to IC, can regulate the expression of targeted therapy genes. There is dependence of miRNA interactions with IC genes on the type of cancer. The analysis of the accumulated data demonstrates that only about 14% (95% CI: 9.8–20.1%) of the studied miRNAs regulate the expression of specific IC in more than one type of cancer. That is, there is tumor specificity in the miRNA action on ICs. A number of miRNAs demonstrated high efficiency in vitro and in vivo. This indicates the potential of miRNAs as promising agents for cancer immunotherapy. Additional studies of the miRNA–gene interaction features and the search for an optimal miRNA mimic structure are necessary.
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10
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The Role of the Selected miRNAs as Diagnostic, Predictive and Prognostic Markers in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081227. [PMID: 36013176 PMCID: PMC9410235 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, overtaking colon, breast, and prostate cancer-related deaths. Due to the limited diagnostic possibilities, it is often diagnosed after it has reached an advanced stage. The delayed diagnosis significantly worsens the patient’s prognosis. In recent years, we have observed an increased interest in the use of microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic markers in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The abnormal expression levels of the miRNAs could be used to detect NSCLC in its early stages while it is still asymptomatic. This could drastically improve the clinical outcome. Furthermore, some miRNAs could serve as promising predictive and prognostic factors for NSCLC. Some of the currently available studies have shown a correlation between the miRNAs’ levels and the sensitivity of tumour cells to different treatment regimens. Analysing and modulating the miRNAs’ expression could be a way to predict and improve the treatment’s outcome.
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Cheng S, Li F, Qin H, Ping Y, Zhao Q, Gao Q, Song M, Qu J, Shan J, Zhang K, Zhang Z, Lian J, Liu S, Wang L, Zhang Y. Long Noncoding RNA lncNDEPD1 Regulates PD-1 Expression via miR-3619-5p in CD8 + T Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:1483-1492. [PMID: 35246494 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Therapies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) have gained great success in patients with multiple types of cancer. The regulatory mechanisms underlying PD-1 expression have been extensively explored. However, the impact of long noncoding RNAs on PD-1 expression remains elusive. In this study, we identified the Notch1/lncNDEPD1 axis, which plays a critical role in PD-1 expression in human CD8+ T cells. RNA sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription PCR data showed that lncNDEPD1 was upregulated in activated T cells, especially in PD-1high subsets. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated that lncNDEPD1 was localized in the cytoplasm. A mechanistic study showed that lncNDEPD1 could bind with miR-3619-5p and PDCD1 mRNA to prevent PDCD1 mRNA degradation and then upregulate PD-1 expression. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that Notch1 directly binds to the promoter of lncNDEPD1 instead of PDCD1 Furthermore, chimeric Ag receptor T cells expressing lncNDEPD1-specific short hairpin RNAs were generated. Chimeric Ag receptor T cells with decreased lncNDEPD1 expression showed enhanced tumoricidal effects when PD-L1 was present. Our work uncovered a new regulatory mechanism of PD-1 expression and thus provided a potential target to decrease PD-1 without affecting T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Cheng
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Li
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiming Qin
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Ping
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qitai Zhao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Gao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengjia Song
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Qu
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiqi Shan
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyao Lian
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shasha Liu
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Wang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China;
| | - Yi Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China;
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China; and
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
With the development of precision medicine, the efficiency of tumor treatment has been significantly improved. More attention has been paid to targeted therapy and immunotherapy as the key to precision treatment of cancer. Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has become one of the most important targeted treatments for various cancers. Comparing with traditional chemotherapy drugs, targeting EGFR is highly selective in killing tumor cells with better safety, tolerability and less side effect. In addition, tumor immunotherapy has become the fourth largest tumor therapy after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, these treatments still produce a certain degree of drug resistance. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) were found to play a key role in carcinogenesis, treatment and regulation of the efficacy of anticancer drugs in the past few years. Therefore, in this review, we aim to summarize the targeted treatment of cancers and the functions of ncRNAs in cancer treatment.
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Alemohammad H, Najafzadeh B, Asadzadeh Z, Baghbanzadeh A, Ghorbaninezhad F, Najafzadeh A, Safarpour H, Bernardini R, Brunetti O, Sonnessa M, Fasano R, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. The importance of immune checkpoints in immune monitoring: A future paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112516. [PMID: 34906767 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth and development of cancer are directly correlated to the suppression of the immune system. A major breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy depends on various mechanisms to detect immunosuppressive factors that inhibit anti-tumor immune responses. Immune checkpoints are expressed on many immune cells such as T-cells, regulatory B cells (Bregs), dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer cells (NKs), regulatory T (Tregs), M2-type macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Immune inhibitory molecules, including CTLA-4, TIM-3, TIGIT, PD-1, and LAG-3, normally inhibit immune responses via negatively regulating immune cell signaling pathways to prevent immune injury. However, the up-regulation of inhibitory immune checkpoints during tumor progression on immune cells suppresses anti-tumor immune responses and promotes immune escape in cancer. It has recently been indicated that cancer cells can up-regulate various pathways of the immune checkpoints. Therefore, targeting immune inhibitory molecules through antibodies or miRNAs is a promising therapeutic strategy and shows favorable results. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are introduced as a new immunotherapy strategy that enhance immune cell-induced antitumor responses in many patients. In this review, we highlighted the function of each immune checkpoint on different immune cells and therapeutic strategies aimed at using monoclonal antibodies and miRNAs against inhibitory receptors. We also discussed current challenges and future strategies for maximizing these FDA-approved immunosuppressants' effectiveness and clinical success in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Alemohammad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Basira Najafzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Arezoo Najafzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Safarpour
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, Catania, Italy
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncological Unite, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Margherita Sonnessa
- Functional Biomorphology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Rossella Fasano
- Medical Oncological Unite, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncological Unite, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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14
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Kumar S, Sarthi P, Mani I, Ashraf MU, Kang MH, Kumar V, Bae YS. Epitranscriptomic Approach: To Improve the Efficacy of ICB Therapy by Co-Targeting Intracellular Checkpoint CISH. Cells 2021; 10:2250. [PMID: 34571899 PMCID: PMC8466810 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy has recently emerged as a fourth pillar in cancer treatment co-joining surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Where, the discovery of immune checkpoint blockage or inhibition (ICB/ICI), anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA4-based, therapy has revolutionized the class of cancer treatment at a different level. However, some cancer patients escape this immune surveillance mechanism and become resistant to ICB-therapy. Therefore, a more advanced or an alternative treatment is required urgently. Despite the functional importance of epitranscriptomics in diverse clinico-biological practices, its role in improving the efficacy of ICB therapeutics has been limited. Consequently, our study encapsulates the evidence, as a possible strategy, to improve the efficacy of ICB-therapy by co-targeting molecular checkpoints especially N6A-modification machineries which can be reformed into RNA modifying drugs (RMD). Here, we have explained the mechanism of individual RNA-modifiers (editor/writer, eraser/remover, and effector/reader) in overcoming the issues associated with high-dose antibody toxicities and drug-resistance. Moreover, we have shed light on the importance of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS/CISH) and microRNAs in improving the efficacy of ICB-therapy, with brief insight on the current monoclonal antibodies undergoing clinical trials or already approved against several solid tumor and metastatic cancers. We anticipate our investigation will encourage researchers and clinicians to further strengthen the efficacy of ICB-therapeutics by considering the importance of epitranscriptomics as a personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Parth Sarthi
- University Department of Botany, M.Sc. Biotechnology, Ranchi University, Ranchi 834008, India;
| | - Indra Mani
- Department of Microbiology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110049, India;
| | - Muhammad Umer Ashraf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Myeong-Ho Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Vishal Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru 560078, India;
| | - Yong-Soo Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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15
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MicroRNA-326 attenuates immune escape and prevents metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma by targeting PD-L1 and B7-H3. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:145. [PMID: 34131111 PMCID: PMC8206349 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00527-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating T cells are highly expressive of inhibitory receptor/immune checkpoint molecules that bind to ligand expressed by tumor cells and antigen-presenting cells, and eventually lead to T cell dysfunction. It is a hot topic to restore T cell function by targeting immune checkpoint. In recent years, immunotherapy of blocking immune checkpoint and its receptor, such as PD-L1/PD-1 targeted therapy, has made effective progress, which brings hope for patients with advanced malignant tumor. However, only a few patients benefit from directly targeting these checkpoints or their receptors by small compounds or antibodies. Since the complexity of the regulation of immune checkpoints in tumor cells, further research is needed to identify the novel endogenous regulators of immune checkpoints which can help for developing effective drug target to improve the effect of immunotherapy. Here, we verified that microRNA-326 (miR-326) repressed the gene expression of immune checkpoint molecules PD-L1 and B7-H3 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We detected that the expression of miR-326 in LUAD tissue was negatively correlated with PD-L1/B7-H3. The repression of PD-L1 and B7-H3 expression through miR-326 overexpression leads to the modification the cytokine profile of CD8+ T cells and decreased migration capability of tumor cells. Meanwhile, the downregulation of miR-326 promoted tumor cell migration. Moreover, blocking PD-L1 and B7-H3 attenuated the tumor-promoting effect induced by miR-326 inhibitor. In tumor-bearing mice, the infiltration of CD8+ T cells was significantly increased and the expression of TNF-α, and IFN-γ was significantly enhanced which contributed to tumor progression after miR-326 overexpression. Collectively, miR-326 restrained tumor progression by downregulating PD-L1 and B7-H3 expression and increasing T cell cytotoxic function in LUAD. Our findings revealed a novel perspective on the complex regulation of immune checkpoint molecules. A new strategy of using miR-326 in tumor immunotherapy is proposed.
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Gkountakos A, Delfino P, Lawlor RT, Scarpa A, Corbo V, Bria E. Harnessing the epigenome to boost immunotherapy response in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:17588359211006947. [PMID: 34104224 PMCID: PMC8161860 DOI: 10.1177/17588359211006947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapy for non-oncogene addicted non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has significantly transformed the treatment landscape of the disease. Inhibitors of the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoint axis, which were initially considered as a late-line treatment option, gradually became the standard of care as first-line treatment for subgroups of NSCLC patients. However, a significant fraction of patients either fails to respond or progresses after a partial response to ICI treatment. Thus, the identification of mechanisms responsible for innate and acquired resistance to immunotherapy within a rapidly evolving tumor microenvironment (TME) is urgently required, as is the identification of reliable predictive biomarkers beyond PD-L1 expression. The deregulation of the epigenome is a key driver of cancer initiation and progression, and it has also been shown to drive therapeutic resistance. Tumor education of infiltrating myeloid cells towards an immuno-suppressive phenotype as well as induction of T-cell dysfunction in the TME is also driven by epigenome reprogramming. As it stands and, given their dynamic nature, epigenetic changes in cancer and non-cancer cells represent an attractive target to increase immunotherapy activity in NSCLC. Accordingly, clinical trials of combinatorial immuno-epigenetic drug regimens have been associated with tumor response in previously immunotherapy-resistant NSCLC patients irrespective of their PD-L1 status. Moreover, epigenetic signatures might represent valuable theragnostic biomarkers as they can be assayed easily in liquid biopsy and provide multiple layers of information. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding the dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms contributing to immunotherapy resistance in NSCLC. Although the clinical data are still maturing, we highlight the attractive perspective that the synergistic model of immuno-epigenetic strategies might overcome the current limitations of immunotherapy alone and will be translated into durable clinical benefit for a broader NSCLC population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Gkountakos
- ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Pietro Delfino
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rita T. Lawlor
- ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Emilio Bria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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17
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Xing Y, Wang Z, Lu Z, Xia J, Xie Z, Jiao M, Liu R, Chu Y. MicroRNAs: immune modulators in cancer immunotherapy. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2021; 1:ltab006. [PMID: 35919742 PMCID: PMC9327120 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of endogenous small non-coding RNA of 18–25 nucleotides and plays regulatory roles in both physiological and pathological processes. Emerging evidence support that miRNAs function as immune modulators in tumors. MiRNAs as tumor suppressors or oncogenes are also found to be able to modulate anti-tumor immunity or link the crosstalk between tumor cells and immune cells surrounding. Based on the specific regulating function, miRNAs can be used as predictive, prognostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets in immunotherapy. Here, we review new findings about the role of miRNAs in modulating immune responses, as well as discuss mechanisms underlying their dysregulation, and their clinical potentials as indicators of tumor prognosis or to sensitize cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Xing
- Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zhou Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jie Xia
- Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zhangjuan Xie
- Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Mengxia Jiao
- Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Ronghua Liu
- Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yiwei Chu
- Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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18
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Gramantieri L, Giovannini C, Piscaglia F, Fornari F. MicroRNAs as Modulators of Tumor Metabolism, Microenvironment, and Immune Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:369-385. [PMID: 34012928 PMCID: PMC8126872 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s268292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Molecular heterogeneity and absence of biomarkers helping patient allocation to the best therapeutic option contribute to poor prognosis in advanced stages. MicroRNAs’ (miRNAs) deregulated expression contributes to tumor development and progression and influences drug resistance in HCC. Accordingly, miRNAs have been extensively investigated as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The diagnostic and prognostic roles of circulating miRNAs have been ascertained, though with some inconsistencies across studies. From a therapeutic perspective, miRNA-based approaches demonstrated safety profiles and antitumor efficacy in HCC animal models. Nevertheless, caution should be used when transferring preclinical findings to the clinic, due to possible molecular inconsistency between animal models and the heterogeneous patterns of human diseases. A wealth of information is offered by preclinical studies exploring the mechanisms driving miRNAs’ aberrant expression, the molecular cascades triggered by miRNAs and the corresponding phenotypic changes. Ex-vivo analyses confirmed these results, further shedding light on the intricacy of the human disease often overcoming pre-clinical models. This complexity seems to be ascribed to the intrinsic heterogeneity of HCC, to different risk factors driving its development, as well as to changes across stages and previous treatments. Preliminary findings suggest that miRNAs associated with specific risk factors might be more informative in defined patients’ subgroups. The first issue to be considered when trying to envisage a possible translational perspective is the molecular context that often drives different miRNA functions, as clearly evidenced by “dual” miRNAs. Concerning the possible roles of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, we will focus on miRNAs’ involvement in metabolic pathways and in the modulation of tumor microenvironment, to support their exploitation in defined contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gramantieri
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Catia Giovannini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, St. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Fornari
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, St. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department for Life Quality Studies (QuVi), University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
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Mondal P, Kaur B, Natesh J, Meeran SM. The emerging role of miRNA in the perturbation of tumor immune microenvironment in chemoresistance: Therapeutic implications. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 124:99-113. [PMID: 33865701 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is a major hindrance in cancer chemotherapies, a leading cause of tumor recurrence and cancer-related deaths. Cancer cells develop numerous strategies to elude immune attacks and are regulated by immunological factors. Cancer cells can alter the expression of several immune modulators to upregulate the activities of immune checkpoint pathways. Targeting the immune checkpoint inhibitors is a part of the cancer immunotherapy altered during carcinogenesis. These immune modulators have the capability to reprogram the tumor microenvironment, thereby change the efficacy of chemotherapeutics. In general, the sensitivity of drugs is reduced in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, resulting in chemoresistance and tumor relapse. The regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is well established in cancer initiation, progression, and therapy. Intriguingly, miRNA affects cancer immune surveillance and immune response by targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors in the tumor microenvironment. miRNAs alter the gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, which modulates both innate and adaptive immune systems. Alteration of tumor immune microenvironment influences drug sensitivity towards cancer cells. Besides, the expression profile of immune-modulatory miRNAs can be used as a potential biomarker to predict the response and clinical outcomes in cancer immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Recent evidences have revealed that cancer-derived immune-modulatory miRNAs might be promising targets to counteract cancer immune escape, thereby increasing drug efficacy. In this review, we have compiled the role of miRNAs in overcoming the chemoresistance by modulating tumor microenvironment and discussed their preclinical and clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Mondal
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore 570020, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Bhavjot Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore 570020, India
| | - Jagadish Natesh
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore 570020, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Syed Musthapa Meeran
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore 570020, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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Tomei S, Volontè A, Ravindran S, Mazzoleni S, Wang E, Galli R, Maccalli C. MicroRNA Expression Profile Distinguishes Glioblastoma Stem Cells from Differentiated Tumor Cells. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11040264. [PMID: 33916317 PMCID: PMC8066769 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11040264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most common and aggressive tumor of the brain. Despite the fact that several studies have recently addressed the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, its etiology and pathogenesis are still poorly understood. GBM displays poor prognosis and its resistance to common therapeutic approaches makes it a highly recurrent tumor. Several studies have identified a subpopulation of tumor cells, known as GBM cancer stem cells (CSCs) characterized by the ability of self-renewal, tumor initiation and propagation. GBM CSCs have been shown to survive GBM chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Thus, targeting CSCs represents a promising approach to treat GBM. Recent evidence has shown that GBM is characterized by a dysregulated expression of microRNA (miRNAs). In this study we have investigated the difference between human GBM CSCs and their paired autologous differentiated tumor cells. Array-based profiling and quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) were performed to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in CSCs. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were also interrogated, and functional interpretation analysis was performed. We have identified 14 miRNAs significantly differentially expressed in GBM CSCs (p < 0.005). MiR-21 and miR-95 were among the most significantly deregulated miRNAs, and their expression was also associated to patient survival. We believe that the data provided here carry important implications for future studies aiming at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tomei
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha PO26999, Qatar; (S.R.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +974-4003-7681
| | - Andrea Volontè
- Unit of Immuno-Biotherapy of Melanoma and Solid Tumors, Division of Molecular Oncology, San Raffaele Foundation Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Shilpa Ravindran
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha PO26999, Qatar; (S.R.); (C.M.)
| | - Stefania Mazzoleni
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Ena Wang
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, and Center for Human Immunology (CHI) National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Rossella Galli
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Cristina Maccalli
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha PO26999, Qatar; (S.R.); (C.M.)
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LINC00461/miR-4478/E2F1 feedback loop promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and migration. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:221872. [PMID: 31934717 PMCID: PMC7042125 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20191345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prevalent subtype of lung cancer, whose mortality is high. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have caught rising attentions because of their intricate roles in regulating cancerization and cancer progression. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 461 (LINC00461) has recently shown oncogenic potential in several cancers, but the function of LINC00461 in NSCLC remains to be investigated. Our study planned to unveil the regulatory role of LINC00461 in NSCLC. It was validated that LINC00461 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines and exhibited prognostic significance. Furthermore, LINC00461 expression in advanced stage was much higher than in early stage. Loss-of-function experiments suggested that LINC00461 knockdown impaired cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Subcellular fractionation revealed the predominant location of LINC00461 in cytoplasm. Mechanistically, LINC00461 up-regulated E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) expression through sponging miR-4478. Besides, E2F1 bound to the promoter of LINC00461 to induce its transcription. Finally, rescue experiments verified that LINC00461 aggravated proliferation, migration, and EMT through targeting miR-4478/E2F1 axis. In consequence, the present study illustrated that LINC00461/miR-4478/E2F1 feedback loop promoted NSCLC cell proliferation and migration, providing a new prognostic marker for NSCLC.
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22
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Spatial and Temporal Changes in PD-L1 Expression in Cancer: The Role of Genetic Drivers, Tumor Microenvironment and Resistance to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197139. [PMID: 32992658 PMCID: PMC7583014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies blocking immune inhibitory receptors programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) on T-cells have dramatically improved patient outcomes in a range of advanced cancers. However, the lack of response, and the development of resistance remain major obstacles to long-term improvements in patient outcomes. There is significant interest in the clinical use of biomarkers to improve patient selection, and the expression of PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) is often reported as a potential biomarker of response. However, accumulating evidence suggests that the predictive value of PD-L1 expression in tumor biopsies is relatively low due, in part, to its complex biology. In this review, we discuss the biological consequences of PD-L1 expression by various cell types within the tumor microenvironment, and the complex mechanisms that regulate PD-L1 expression at the genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic levels.
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23
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PD-1/PD-L1 axis regulation in cancer therapy: The role of long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs. Life Sci 2020; 256:117899. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Gao C, Wei J, Tang T, Huang Z. Role of microRNA-33a in malignant cells. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:2537-2556. [PMID: 32782572 PMCID: PMC7399786 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer causes most of the mortality and morbidity worldwide, with a significant increase in incidence during recent years. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are non-coding small RNAs capable of regulating gene expression. They regulate crucial cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, metastasis and apoptosis. Therefore, abnormal miRNA expression is associated with multiple diseases, including cancer. There are two types of cancer-associated miRNAs, oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs, depending on their roles and expression patterns in cancer. Accordingly, miRNAs are considered to be targets for cancer prevention and treatment. miR-33a controls cellular cholesterol uptake and synthesis, which are both closely associated with carcinogenesis. The present review thoroughly describes the roles of miR-33a in more than a dozen types of cancer and the underlying mechanisms. Accordingly, the present review may serve as a guide for researchers studying the involvement of miR-33a in diverse cancer settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Gao
- Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Research Platform Service Management Center, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
| | - Jiaen Wei
- Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Research Platform Service Management Center, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Tang
- Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Research Platform Service Management Center, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
| | - Zunnan Huang
- Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Research Platform Service Management Center, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China.,Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
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25
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Skafi N, Fayyad-Kazan M, Badran B. Immunomodulatory role for MicroRNAs: Regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoints expression. Gene 2020; 754:144888. [PMID: 32544493 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The development and progression of different pathologies including, cancer, are associated with suppressed immune responses. This restrained immune activity could be associated with the activation of different immune checkpoint pathways that mediate immunosuppressive functions. Therapeutic Protocols based on abolishing the activity of immune check points provided a promising potential for treating cancer. Among the distinct known immune checkpoints, PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, are the most studied and have been the focus for development of different blocking agents. Monoclonal antibodies that can block PD-1, PD-L1 or CTLA4 have been approved for treatment of different cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), short non-coding regulatory RNA molecules, could repress mRNA expression at a post-transcriptional level. Many miRNAs have been reported to modulate the expression of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1, either directly or indirectly, in multiple pathological cases, mainly cancer. In this review, after a brief introduction about T cell activation and immune checkpoints, the miRNAs regulating the expression of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 are discussed with highlights on their role in cancer. Many of these miRNAs could serve as novel treatments in different types of cancer as detailed throughout the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najwa Skafi
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Fayyad-Kazan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bassam Badran
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon.
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26
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Danbaran GR, Aslani S, Sharafkandi N, Hemmatzadeh M, Hosseinzadeh R, Azizi G, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Babaie F, Mohammadi H. How microRNAs affect the PD-L1 and its synthetic pathway in cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 84:106594. [PMID: 32416456 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a glycoprotein that is expressed on the cell surface of both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells. PD-L1 play a role in the immune tolerance and protect self-tissues from immune system attack. Dysfunction of this molecule has been highlighted in the pathogenesis of tumors, autoimmunity, and infectious disorders. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous molecules that are classified as small non-coding RNA with approximately 20-22 nucleotides (nt) length. The function of miRNAs is based on complementary interactions with target mRNA via matching completely or incompletely. The result of this function is decay of the target mRNA or preventing mRNA translation. In the past decades, several miRNAs have been discovered which play an important role in the regulation of PD-L1 in various malignancies. In this review, we discuss the effect of miRNAs on PD-L1 expression and consider the effect of miRNAs on the synthetic pathway of PD-L1, especially during cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saeed Aslani
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nadia Sharafkandi
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Hemmatzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ramin Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Azizi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Babaie
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
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27
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Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Tumor Initiation and Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082774. [PMID: 32316322 PMCID: PMC7215285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer affecting society today. Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), through the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic changes they impose, have been found to be dysregulated to affect lung cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. This review will briefly summarize hallmarks involved in lung cancer initiation and progression. For initiation, these hallmarks include tumor initiating cells, immortalization, activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressors. Hallmarks involved in lung cancer progression include metastasis and drug tolerance and resistance. The targeting of these hallmarks with non-coding RNAs can affect vital metabolic and cell signaling pathways, which as a result can potentially have a role in cancerous and pathological processes. By further understanding non-coding RNAs, researchers can work towards diagnoses and treatments to improve early detection and clinical response.
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28
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The miR-582/ CD1B Axis Is Involved in Regulation of Dendritic Cells and Is Associated with Clinical Outcomes in Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4360930. [PMID: 32258122 PMCID: PMC7103041 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4360930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of lung cancer has been extensively studied. However, the potential molecular mechanisms through which the tumor immune response affects drug resistance are still unclear. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated deviations in the immune cell landscape among patients with different stages of lung adenocarcinoma to identify key microRNAs and their targets associated with patient outcomes. CIBERSORT was used for estimating the proportions of immune cells in various lung tissues. Significantly different adaptive and innate immune cell types, including memory B cells, CD8+ T cells, resting dendritic cells, and resting mast cells, were selected. Comparative studies and survival analyses were carried out. We found that potential genes and microRNAs involved in immune responses were associated with patient outcomes. Specifically, miR-582/CD1B, which are involved in resting and activated dendritic cells, may be potential novel biomarkers for immunotherapy. An independent dataset of miRNA microarray profiles was used to validate the expression of mature miR-582-5p in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. Alternative treatments, including immunotherapies and chemotherapy, are urgently needed to improve outcomes in patients with lung cancer. Thus, our findings could provide insights into the selection of novel microRNAs targeting immune genes and could improve the efficacy of immunotherapy by disrupting tumor function and promoting immune infiltration in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.
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29
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Han Y, Liu D, Li L. PD-1/PD-L1 pathway: current researches in cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:727-742. [PMID: 32266087 PMCID: PMC7136921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been accompanied by promising results over the past few years. Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1) plays a vital role in inhibiting immune responses and promoting self-tolerance through modulating the activity of T-cells, activating apoptosis of antigen-specific T cells and inhibiting apoptosis of regulatory T cells. Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a trans-membrane protein that is considered to be a co-inhibitory factor of the immune response, it can combine with PD-1 to reduce the proliferation of PD-1 positive cells, inhibit their cytokine secretion and induce apoptosis. PD-L1 also plays an important role in various malignancies where it can attenuate the host immune response to tumor cells. Based on these perspectives, PD-1/PD-L1 axis is responsible for cancer immune escape and makes a huge effect on cancer therapy. This review is aimed to summarize the role of PD-1 and PD-L1 in cancer, looking forward to improve the therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Han
- Pathology Department of Dalian Medical UniversityLiaoning 116044, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- The Fourth Medical Center of The General Hospital of The Chinese People’s Liberation ArmyBeijing 100048, China
| | - Lianhong Li
- Pathology Department of Dalian Medical UniversityLiaoning 116044, China
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30
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Regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway in Cancer by Noncoding RNAs. Pathol Oncol Res 2019; 26:651-663. [PMID: 31748880 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-019-00735-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has demonstrated significant anti-tumor immunity in an array of cancer types, yet the underlying regulatory mechanism of it is still obscure, and many problems remain to be solved. As an inhibitory costimulatory signal of T-cells, the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway can paralyze T-cells at the tumor site, enabling the immune escape of tumor cells. Although many antibodies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have been developed to block their interaction for the treatment of cancer, the reduced response rate and resistance to the therapies call for further comprehension of this pathway in the tumor microenvironment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two main types of noncoding RNAs that play critical parts in the regulation of immune response in tumorigenesis, including the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Here we summarize the most recent studies on the control of this pathway by noncoding RNAs in cancer and hopefully will offer new insights into immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
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31
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Omar HA, El‐Serafi AT, Hersi F, Arafa EA, Zaher DM, Madkour M, Arab HH, Tolba MF. Immunomodulatory MicroRNAs in cancer: targeting immune checkpoints and the tumor microenvironment. FEBS J 2019; 286:3540-3557. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hany A. Omar
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy Beni‐Suef University Egypt
| | - Ahmed T. El‐Serafi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine Suez Canal University Ismailia Egypt
| | - Fatema Hersi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
| | - El‐Shaimaa A. Arafa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Ajman University UAE
| | - Dana M. Zaher
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
| | - Mohamed Madkour
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
| | - Hany H. Arab
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University Egypt
- Biochemistry Division and GTMR Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy Taif University Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai F. Tolba
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy Ain Shams University Cairo Egypt
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Engineering The American University in Cairo New Cairo Egypt
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32
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Shen X, Zhang L, Li J, Li Y, Wang Y, Xu ZX. Recent Findings in the Regulation of Programmed Death Ligand 1 Expression. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1337. [PMID: 31258527 PMCID: PMC6587331 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With the recent approvals for the application of monoclonal antibodies that target the well-characterized immune checkpoints, immune therapy shows great potential against both solid and hematologic tumors. The use of these therapeutic monoclonal antibodies elicits inspiring clinical results with durable objective responses and improvements in overall survival. Agents targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1; also known as PDCD1) and its ligand (PD-L1) achieve a great success in immune checkpoints therapy. However, the majority of patients fail to respond to PD-1/PD-L1 axis inhibitors. Expression of PD-L1 on the membrane of tumor and immune cells has been shown to be associated with enhanced objective response rates to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition. Thus, an improved understanding of how PD-L1 expression is regulated will enable us to better define its role as a predictive marker. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the regulation of PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfeng Shen
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jicheng Li
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yulin Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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33
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Zhang Z, Peng Z, Cao J, Wang J, Hao Y, Song K, Wang Y, Hu W, Zhang X. Long noncoding RNA PXN-AS1-L promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression via regulating PXN. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:20. [PMID: 30679933 PMCID: PMC6341638 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-0734-0] [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: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasingly evidences suggest that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in various cancers. LncRNA PXN-AS1-L is recently revealed to act as on oncogene in liver cancer. However, the expression, functions, and mechanisms of action of PXN-AS-L in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. Methods The expression of PXN-AS1-L in primary NSCLC tissues, NSCLC bone metastasis tissues, and cell lines was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The correlations between PXN-AS1-L expression and clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC patients were analyzed by Pearson Chi square test and log-rank test. The roles of PXN-AS1-L in cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of NSCLC cells, and in vivo NSCLC tumor growth were investigated by a series of gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays. The regulatory roles of PXN-AS1-L on PXN were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. Results PXN-AS1-L was up-regulated in NSCLC tissues compared with noncancerous lung tissues, and PXN-AS1-L was further up-regulated in NSCLC bone metastasis tissues. Increased expression of PXN-AS1-L was positively associated with advanced TNM stages and poor prognosis. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays showed that PXN-AS1-L increased cell viability, promoted cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis, and promoted cell migration of NSCLC cells. Xenograft assays showed that PXN-AS1-L also promoted NSCLC tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that PXN-AS1-L, as an antisense transcript of PXN, up-regulated the expression of PXN. PXN was also up-regulated in NSCLC tissues. The expression of PXN and PXN-AS1-L was positively correlated in NSCLC tissues. Furthermore, PXN knockdown attenuated the roles of PXN-AS1-L in increasing cell viability, promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and promoting cell migration of NSCLC cells. Conclusions Our data revealed that PXN-AS1-L is up-regulated and acts as an oncogene in NSCLC via up-regulating PXN. Our data suggested that PXN-AS1-L might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifa Zhang
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100000 China
| | - Zhaohui Peng
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003 China.,3Department of Radiology, Jinan Military General Hospital, Jinan, 250031 Shandong China
| | - Junying Cao
- 4Department of Ultrasonography, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Shenyang, 110016 Liaoning China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- 5Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning China
| | - Yongyu Hao
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100000 China
| | - Kai Song
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100000 China
| | - Yan Wang
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100000 China
| | - Wei Hu
- 6Department of General Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Xuesong Zhang
- 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100000 China
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Fabrizio FP, Trombetta D, Rossi A, Sparaneo A, Castellana S, Muscarella LA. Gene code CD274/PD-L1: from molecular basis toward cancer immunotherapy. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2018; 10:1758835918815598. [PMID: 30574211 PMCID: PMC6299305 DOI: 10.1177/1758835918815598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) are key molecules of immune checkpoint mechanisms in cancer and actually represent one of the main targets of immunotherapy. The predictive and prognostic values of PD-L1 expression alone in cancer patients is currently under debate due to the methodological assessment of PD-L1 expression and its temporal variations. Better detailed studies about the molecular basis of immunotherapy biomarkers are necessary. Here we summarize the current knowledge of PD-L1 gene modifications at genetic and epigenetic levels in different tumors, thus highlighting their reported correlation with cellular processes and potential impact on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Pio Fabrizio
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Angelo Sparaneo
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Stefano Castellana
- Bioinformatic Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Lucia Anna Muscarella
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
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35
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Pyo JS, Park MJ, Kim CN. TPL2 expression is correlated with distant metastasis and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. Hum Pathol 2018; 79:50-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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36
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Iqbal MA, Arora S, Prakasam G, Calin GA, Syed MA. MicroRNA in lung cancer: role, mechanisms, pathways and therapeutic relevance. Mol Aspects Med 2018; 70:3-20. [PMID: 30102929 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the cardinal cause of cancer-related deaths with restricted recourse of therapy throughout the world. Clinical success of therapies is not very promising due to - late diagnosis, limited therapeutic tools, relapse and the development of drug resistance. Recently, small ∼20-24 nucleotides molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) have come into the limelight as they play outstanding role in the process of tumorigenesis by regulating cell cycle, metastasis, angiogenesis, metabolism and apoptosis. miRNAs essentially regulate gene expression via post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA. Nevertheless, few studies have conceded the role of miRNAs in activation of gene expression. A large body of data generated by numerous studies is suggestive of their tumor-suppressing, oncogenic, diagnostic and prognostic biomarker roles in lung cancer. They have also been implicated in regulating cancer cell metabolism and resistance or sensitivity towards chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Further, miRNAs have also been convoluted in regulation of immune checkpoints - Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1). These molecules play a significant role in tumor immune escape leading to the generation of a microenvironment favouring tumor growth and progression. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the expression of miRNA and understand its relevance in lung cancer and development of anti-cancer strategies (anti - miRs, miR mimics and micro RNA sponges). In view of the above, the role of miRNA in lung cancer has been dissected and the associated mechanisms and pathways are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Askandar Iqbal
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi-110025, India.
| | - Shweta Arora
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi-110025, India.
| | - Gopinath Prakasam
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX-77030, USA.
| | - Mansoor Ali Syed
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi-110025, India.
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