1
|
Hu Z, Yuan L, Yang X, Yi C, Lu J. The roles of long non-coding RNAs in ovarian cancer: from functions to therapeutic implications. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1332528. [PMID: 38725621 PMCID: PMC11079149 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1332528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are multifunctional and participate in a variety of biological processes and gene regulatory networks. The deregulation of lncRNAs has been extensively implicated in diverse human diseases, especially in cancers. Overwhelming evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs are essential to the pathophysiological processes of ovarian cancer (OC), acting as regulators involved in metastasis, cell death, chemoresistance, and tumor immunity. In this review, we illustrate the expanded functions of lncRNAs in the initiation and progression of OC and elaborate on the signaling pathways in which they pitch. Additionally, the potential clinical applications of lncRNAs as biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of OC were emphasized, cementing the bridge of communication between clinical practice and basic research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Lijin Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Huangshi Puren Hospital, Huangshi, Hubei, China
| | - Xiu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Huangshi, Hubei, China
| | - Cunjian Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Jinzhi Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu S, Li X, Luo Z, Ding M, Shi S, Zhang T. Combined immunochemotherapy achieving targeted co-delivery of chlorogenic acid and doxorubicin by sialic acid-modified liposomes enhances anti-cancer efficacy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:718-729. [PMID: 37679600 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01426-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a high-grade aggressive skin tumor with an increasing incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin have limited efficacy against melanoma due to their poor sensitivity, severe side effects, and drug resistance. Recent studies have shown that combinations of immunotherapy and chemotherapy have a synergistic effect in enhancing the anti-tumor effect. Here, we have developed liposomes co-loaded with chlorogenic acid (CA) and doxorubicin (DOX), modified with sialic acid-octadecylamine conjugate (SA-ODA), designated CA-DOX-SAL, that facilitate drug delivery by recognizing Siglec-1 receptor on TAMs. The physicochemical studies revealed the particle size and zeta potential of CA-DOX-SAL as 128.3 ± 0.8 nm and - 4.33 ± 0.50 mV, respectively. In vitro, CA-DOX-SAL demonstrated robust cellular uptake through SA receptor-mediated tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) targeting and exerted greater cytotoxicity on tumor cells. In vivo, targeted liposomes were found to accumulate in the tumor area, leading to an improvement in anti-tumor efficacy. In addition, CA-DOX-SAL effectively inhibited B16F10 melanoma tumor growth by stimulating the transition from tumor-promoting M2-type to anti-tumor M1-type and directly killing tumor cells. Overall, the co-delivery of immunomodulatory CA and chemotherapeutic DOX presents a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance clinical outcomes in the treatment of melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunyao Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Xixi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Ziyi Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Meihong Ding
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Senlin Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Stühler V, Alemi B, Rausch S, Stenzl A, Schwab M, Schaeffeler E, Bedke J. Analysis of the immunological markers BTLA, TIM-3, and PD-L1 at the invasion front and tumor center in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. World J Urol 2024; 42:53. [PMID: 38244072 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-023-04721-4] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are then backbone in the therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The aim of this analysis was to explore the different expression of the ICI PD-L1, BTLA, and TIM-3 at the different tumor locations of the invasion front and the tumor center. METHODS Large-area sections of the tumor center and invasion front of 44 stage pT1-4 clear cell RCCs were examined immunohistochemically using antibodies against BTLA, TIM-3, and PD-L1 and subsequently correlated with clinicopathologic data. RESULTS TIM-3 was most strongly expressed at the invasion front (mean ± SD: 84.1 ± 46.6, p = 0.094). BTLA expression was highest in normal tissue, with weak staining in the tumor center and at the invasion front [110.2 vs. 18.6 (p < 0.001) vs. 32.2 (p = 0.248)]. PD-L1 was weakly expressed at the tumor center (n = 5/44) and at the invasion front (n = 5/44). Correlation with clinicopathological parameters revealed significantly higher BTLA expression in ≥ T3 tumors compared to T1/2 tumors (tumor center p = 0.009; invasion front p = 0.005). BTLA-positive tumors at the tumor center correlated with worse CSS (median 48.46 vs. 68.91 months, HR 4.43, p = 0.061). PD-L1 expression was associated with worse CSS (median 1.66 vs. 4.5 years, HR 1.63, p = 0.652). For TIM-3, there were no significant associations with clinicopathological parameters and survival. CONCLUSION The present results show heterogeneous intratumoral and intertumoral expression of the investigated checkpoint receptors PD-L1, BTLA, and TIM-3. In the clinical practice tumor sampling should include different tumor locations, and multiple inhibition of different checkpoint receptors seems reasonable to increase the therapeutic success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Stühler
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bilal Alemi
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Steffen Rausch
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Arnulf Stenzl
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elke Schaeffeler
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jens Bedke
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department of Urology and Transplantation Surgery, Klinikum Stuttgart, Kriegsbergstraße 60, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Andrzejczak A, Karabon L. BTLA biology in cancer: from bench discoveries to clinical potentials. Biomark Res 2024; 12:8. [PMID: 38233898 PMCID: PMC10795259 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00556-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints play a critical role in maintaining the delicate balance of immune activation in order to prevent potential harm caused by excessive activation, autoimmunity, or tissue damage. B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is one of crucial checkpoint, regulating stimulatory and inhibitory signals in immune responses. Its interaction with the herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) plays an essential role in negatively regulating immune responses, thereby preserving immune homeostasis. In cancer, abnormal cells evade immune surveillance by exploiting checkpoints like BTLA. Upregulated BTLA expression is linked to impaired anti-tumor immunity and unfavorable disease outcomes. In preclinical studies, BTLA-targeted therapies have shown improved treatment outcomes and enhanced antitumor immunity. This review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of BTLA's biology, its role in various cancers, and its potential as a prognostic factor. Additionally, it explores the latest research on BTLA blockade in cancer immunotherapy, offering hope for more effective cancer treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Andrzejczak
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Karabon
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gao X, Gao Y, Pan S, Yang L. Clinical significance of BTLA gene expression and rs1982809 polymorphism in pan-cancer. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023:1-12. [PMID: 38117093 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2023.2296615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The association between the B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) gene rs1982809 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility has been reported, but these findings are inconsistent. In addition to clarifying the relationship between the rs1982809 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility, the current study also explored the clinical significance of BTLA gene expression. The GSCA tool and Stata software were used to explore the association between BTLA gene expression and tumor stage, immune infiltration, survival prognosis, and drug sensitivity for pan-cancer, and the association of BTLA gene rs1982809 polymorphism with cancer susceptibility, respectively. BTLA gene expression was associated not only with the pathologic stages of thyroid carcinoma, skin cutaneous melanoma, and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, but also with immune infiltration in 33 types of cancers. In addition, BTLA gene expression was linked to survival prognosis in 8 types of cancers and the sensitivity of 255 drugs such as 5-Fluorouracil, docetaxel, and methotrexate. A meta-analysis of 7 relevant studies with 4002 cancer patients and 5278 healthy controls showed that the BTLA gene rs1982809 polymorphism was unrelated to cancer susceptibility under all genetic models. However, a country-based stratification analysis suggested that the rs1982809 polymorphism could reduce cancer susceptibility in Polish and Tunisian populations. In conclusion, BTLA is expected to serve as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for certain cancers, and the rs1982809 polymorphism is expected to serve as a cancer susceptibility marker in Polish and Tunisian populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueren Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Yancheng Teachers' University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yichang Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shiyu Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Yancheng Teachers' University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Yancheng Teachers' University, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang X, Eichhorn PJA, Thiery JP. TGF-β, EMT, and resistance to anti-cancer treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:1-11. [PMID: 37944215 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling regulates cell-specific programs involved in embryonic development, wound-healing, and immune homeostasis. Yet, during tumor progression, these TGF-β-mediated programs are altered, leading to epithelial cell plasticity and a reprogramming of epithelial cells into mesenchymal lineages through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical developmental program in morphogenesis and organogenesis. These changes, in turn, lead to enhanced carcinoma cell invasion, metastasis, immune cell differentiation, immune evasion, and chemotherapy resistance. Here, we discuss EMT as one of the critical programs associated with carcinoma cell plasticity and the influence exerted by TGF-β on carcinoma status and function. We further explore the composition of carcinoma and other cell populations within the tumor microenvironment, and consider the relevant outcomes related to the programs associated with cancer treatment resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuecong Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Pieter Johan Adam Eichhorn
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599 Singapore, Singapore
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Neuperger P, Szalontai K, Gémes N, Balog JÁ, Tiszlavicz L, Furák J, Lázár G, Puskás LG, Szebeni GJ. Single-cell mass cytometric analysis of peripheral immunity and multiplex plasma marker profiling of non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving PD-1 targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors in comparison with platinum-based chemotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243233. [PMID: 37901220 PMCID: PMC10611454 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The effect of platinum-based chemotherapy (Chem.) and second- or multiple- line immune checkpoint PD-1 blocking therapy by Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab (ICI) was assayed in the peripheral blood of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods Flow cytometry was used to detect NSCLC-related antigen binding IgG antibodies. The Luminex MagPix multiplex bead-based cytokine/chemokine detecting system was used to quantitatively measure 17 soluble markers in the plasma samples. Single-cell mass cytometry was applied for the immunophenotyping of peripheral leukocytes. Results The incubation of patient derived plasma with human NSCLC tumor cell lines, such as A549, H1975, and H1650, detected NSCLC-specific antibodies reaching a maximum of up to 32% reactive IgG-positive NSCLC cells. The following markers were detected in significantly higher concentration in the plasma of Chem. group versus healthy non-smoker and smoker controls: BTLA, CD27, CD28, CD40, CD80, CD86, GITRL, ICOS, LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L1, and TLR-2. The following markers were detected in significantly higher concentration in the plasma of ICI group versus healthy non-smoker and smoker controls: CD27, CD28, CD40, GITRL, LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L1, and TLR-2. We showed the induction of CD69 and IL-2R on CD4+ CD25+ T-cells upon chemotherapy; the exhaustion of one CD8+ T-cell population was detected by the loss of CD127 and a decrease in CD27. CD19+CD20+, CD79B+, or activated B-cell subtypes showed CD69 increase and downregulation of BTLA, CD27, and IL-2R in NSCLC patients following chemotherapy or ICI. Discussion Peripheral immunophenotype caused by chemotherapy or PD-1 blocking was shown in the context of advanced NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Neuperger
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- PhD School in Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Nikolett Gémes
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- PhD School in Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - József Á. Balog
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - József Furák
- Department of Surgery, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - György Lázár
- Department of Surgery, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László G. Puskás
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Avicor Ltd., Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor J. Szebeni
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- CS-Smartlab Devices Ltd., Kozármisleny, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Taghiloo S, Asgarian-Omran H. Current Approaches of Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1408-1438. [PMID: 37561383 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01129-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Increasing understanding of the complex interaction between leukemic and immune cells, which is responsible for tumor progression and immune evasion, has paved the way for the development of novel immunotherapy approaches in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). One of the well-known immune escape mechanisms of tumor cells is the up-regulation of immune checkpoint molecules. In recent years, targeting immune checkpoint receptors is the most clinically effective immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In this regard, various immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) drugs are currently been investigating for their potential effects on improving anti-tumor immune response and clinical efficacy in the hematological malignancies; however, their effectiveness in patients with CLL has shown less remarkable success, and ongoing research is focused on identifying strategies to enhance the efficacy of ICB in CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Taghiloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Banerjee A, Narasimhulu CA, Singla DK. Immune interactions in pembrolizumab (PD-1 inhibitor) cancer therapy and cardiovascular complications. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H751-H767. [PMID: 37594487 PMCID: PMC10659324 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00378.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The use of immunotherapies like pembrolizumab (PEM) is increasingly common for the management of numerous cancer types. The use of PEM to bolster T-cell response against tumor growth is well documented. However, the interactions PEM has on other immune cells to facilitate tumor regression and clearance is unknown and warrants further investigation. In this review, we present literature findings that have reported the interactions of PEM in stimulating innate and adaptive immune cells, which enhance cytotoxic phenotypes. This triggers secretion of cytokines and chemokines, which have both beneficial and detrimental effects. We also describe how this leads to the development of rare but underreported occurrence of PEM-induced immune-related cardiovascular complications that arise suddenly and progress rapidly to debilitating and fatal consequences. This review encourages further research and investigation of PEM-induced cardiovascular complications and other immune cell interactions in patients with cancer. As PEM therapy in treating cancer types is expanding, we expect that this review will inform health care professionals of diverse specializations of medicine like dermatology (melanoma skin cancers), ophthalmology (eye cancers), and pathology (hematological malignancies) about PEM-induced cardiac complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abha Banerjee
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States
| | - Chandrakala Aluganti Narasimhulu
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States
| | - Dinender K Singla
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kuncewicz K, Bojko M, Battin C, Karczyńska A, Sieradzan A, Sikorska E, Węgrzyn K, Wojciechowicz K, Wardowska A, Steinberger P, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S, Spodzieja M. BTLA-derived peptides as inhibitors of BTLA/HVEM complex formation - design, synthesis and biological evaluation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115161. [PMID: 37473684 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints can be divided into co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules that regulate the activation and effector functions of T cells. The co-inhibitory pathways mediated by ICPs are used by cancer cells to escape from immune surveillance, and therefore the blockade of these receptor/ligand interactions is one of the strategies used in the treatment of cancer. The two main pathways currently under investigation are CTLA-4/CD80/CD86 and PD-1/PD-L1, and the monoclonal Abs targeting them have shown potent immunomodulatory effects and activity in clinical environments. Another interesting target in cancer treatment is the BTLA/HVEM complex. Binding of BTLA protein on T cells to HVEM on cancer cells leads to inhibition of T cell proliferation and cytokine production. In the presented work, we focused on blocking the HVEM protein using BTLA-derived peptides. Based on the crystal structure of the BTLA/HVEM complex and MM/GBSA analysis performed here, we designed and synthesized peptides, specifically fragments of BTLA protein. We subsequently checked the inhibitory capacities of these compounds using ELISA and a cellular reporter platform. Two of these peptides, namely BTLA(35-43) and BTLA(33-64)C58Abu displayed the most promising properties, and we therefore performed further studies to evaluate their affinity to HVEM protein, their stability in plasma and their effect on viability of human PBMCs. In addition, the 3D structure for the peptide BTLA(33-64)C58Abu was determined using NMR. Obtained data confirmed that the BTLA-derived peptides could be the basis for future drugs and their immunomodulatory potential merits further examination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bojko
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Claire Battin
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Immunology, Division of Immune Receptors and T cell Activation, Lazarettgasse 19, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Agnieszka Karczyńska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Adam Sieradzan
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Emilia Sikorska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- University of Gdańsk, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of the University of Gdańsk and the Medical University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Karolina Wojciechowicz
- Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Physiopathology, Dębinki 7, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Wardowska
- Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Physiopathology, Dębinki 7, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Immunology, Division of Immune Receptors and T cell Activation, Lazarettgasse 19, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Marta Spodzieja
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sordo-Bahamonde C, Lorenzo-Herrero S, Granda-Díaz R, Martínez-Pérez A, Aguilar-García C, Rodrigo JP, García-Pedrero JM, Gonzalez S. Beyond the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 era: promising role of the BTLA/HVEM axis as a future target for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:142. [PMID: 37649037 PMCID: PMC10466776 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01845-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent introduction of monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints to harness antitumor immunity has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape. The therapeutic success of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based therapies mainly relies on PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockade. However, the limited overall responses and lack of reliable predictive biomarkers of patient´s response are major pitfalls limiting immunotherapy success. Hence, this reflects the compelling need of unveiling novel targets for immunotherapy that allow to expand the spectrum of ICB-based strategies to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy and benefit for cancer patients. This review thoroughly dissects current molecular and functional knowledge of BTLA/HVEM axis and the future perspectives to become a target for cancer immunotherapy. BTLA/HVEM dysregulation is commonly found and linked to poor prognosis in solid and hematological malignancies. Moreover, circulating BTLA has been revealed as a blood-based predictive biomarker of immunotherapy response in various cancers. On this basis, BTLA/HVEM axis emerges as a novel promising target for cancer immunotherapy. This prompted rapid development and clinical testing of the anti-BTLA blocking antibody Tifcemalimab/icatolimab as the first BTLA-targeted therapy in various ongoing phase I clinical trials with encouraging results on preliminary efficacy and safety profile as monotherapy and combined with other anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the intricate signaling network constituted by BTLA/HVEM/CD160/LIGHT involved in immune response regulation, tumor development and tumor microenvironment could limit therapeutic success. Therefore, in-depth functional characterization in different cancer settings is highly recommended for adequate design and implementation of BTLA-targeted therapies to guarantee the best clinical outcomes to benefit cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sordo-Bahamonde
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Seila Lorenzo-Herrero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rocío Granda-Díaz
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Martínez-Pérez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Candelaria Aguilar-García
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan P Rodrigo
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juana M García-Pedrero
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kamali AN, Bautista JM, Eisenhut M, Hamedifar H. Immune checkpoints and cancer immunotherapies: insights into newly potential receptors and ligands. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2023; 11:25151355231192043. [PMID: 37662491 PMCID: PMC10469281 DOI: 10.1177/25151355231192043] [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: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint markers and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been increasingly identified and developed as potential immunotherapeutic targets in various human cancers. Despite valuable efforts to discover novel immune checkpoints and their ligands, the precise roles of their therapeutic functions, as well as the broad identification of their counterpart receptors, remain to be addressed. In this context, it has been suggested that various putative checkpoint receptors can be induced upon activation. In the tumor microenvironment, T cells, as crucial immune response against malignant diseases as well as other immune central effector cells, such as natural killer cells, are regulated via co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory signals from immune or tumor cells. Studies have shown that exposure of T cells to tumor antigens upregulates the expression of inhibitory checkpoint receptors, leading to T-cell dysfunction or exhaustion. Although targeting immune checkpoint regulators has shown relative clinical efficacy in some tumor types, most trials in the field of cancer immunotherapies have revealed unsatisfactory results due to de novo or adaptive resistance in cancer patients. To overcome these obstacles, combinational therapies with newly discovered inhibitory molecules or combined blockage of several checkpoints provide a rationale for further research. Moreover, precise identification of their receptors counterparts at crucial checkpoints is likely to promise effective therapies. In this review, we examine the prospects for the application of newly emerging checkpoints, such as T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3, lymphocyte activation gene-3, T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), new B7 family proteins, and B- and T-cell lymphocyte attenuator, in association with immunotherapy of malignancies. In addition, their clinical and biological significance is discussed, including their expression in various human cancers, along with their roles in T-cell-mediated immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali N. Kamali
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Simin Dasht Industrial Area, Karaj, Iran
- CinnaGen Research and Production Co., Alborz 3165933155, Iran
| | - José M. Bautista
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael Eisenhut
- Department of Pediatrics, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Luton, UK
| | - Haleh Hamedifar
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- CinnaGen Research and Production Co., Alborz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sun WZ, Lin HW, Chen WY, Chien CL, Lai YL, Chen J, Chen YL, Cheng WF. Dual inhibition of BTLA and PD-1 can enhance therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel on intraperitoneally disseminated tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006694. [PMID: 37463789 PMCID: PMC10357656 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expression of immune checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment is one mechanism underlying paclitaxel (PTX) chemoresistance. This study aimed to investigate whether the addition of checkpoint blockade to PTX can improve the therapeutic efficacy against apparently disseminated intraperitoneal tumors. METHODS We analyzed the in vivo expression of various immune checkpoints in CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells from tumor-bearing mice treated with or without PTX and validated the tumor-killing activities of selected checkpoint-expressing T-cell subpopulations ex vivo. The regulation of selected checkpoints was investigated in vitro. The therapeutic effects of inhibition of a targeted checkpoint pathway with antibodies added to PTX therapy were examined. RESULTS CD3+CD8+ T cells expressed with herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM), programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), and T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) in tumor-bearing hosts treated with PTX had effective tumoricidal activities. In addition to PTX and cytokines, B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) or homologous to lymphotoxin, exhibits inducible expression and competes with herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein D for binding to HVEM, a receptor expressed on T lymphocytes (LIGHT) interacting with HVEM can regulate the expression of PD-1 on CD3+CD8+ T cells. Interleukin (IL)-15 increased the percentage of HVEMhighgranzyme B (GZMB)+ cells among CD3+CD8+ T cells, which was suppressed by the BTLA/HVEM signal. LIGHT induced the percentage of HVEM+GZMB+ cells but not HVEMhighGZMB+ cells among CD3+CD8+ T cells. Expression of IL-15, BTLA, or LIGHT was detected in CD19+ B cells and regulated by damage-associated molecular patterns/Toll-like receptor interactions. In the tumor-bearing hosts treated with PTX, certain proportions of BTLA+ B or PD-1+ T lymphocytes were still noted. When dual inhibition of BTLA and PD-1 was added to PTX, the antitumor effects on intraperitoneally disseminated tumors can be significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS Dual blockade of BTLA on B cells and PD-1 on cytotoxic T cells may have clinical potential for enhancing the efficacy of PTX in the treatment of tumors with intraperitoneal spread, including epithelial ovarian carcinomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Zen Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Wei Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Chen
- Graduate Institute of Oncology,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Liang Chien
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ling Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin‑Chu, Taiwan
| | - Jung Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Li Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yun‑Lin county, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Fang Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Oncology,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ma GL, Lin WF. Immune checkpoint inhibition mediated with liposomal nanomedicine for cancer therapy. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:20. [PMID: 37106400 PMCID: PMC10142459 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00455-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy for cancer has achieved great success both in clinical results and on the market. At the same time, success drives more attention from scientists to improve it. However, only a small portion of patients are responsive to this therapy, and it comes with a unique spectrum of side effects termed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The use of nanotechnology could improve ICBs' delivery to the tumor, assist them in penetrating deeper into tumor tissues and alleviate their irAEs. Liposomal nanomedicine has been investigated and used for decades, and is well-recognized as the most successful nano-drug delivery system. The successful combination of ICB with liposomal nanomedicine could help improve the efficacy of ICB therapy. In this review, we highlighted recent studies using liposomal nanomedicine (including new emerging exosomes and their inspired nano-vesicles) in associating ICB therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Long Ma
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Wei-Feng Lin
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy or combined with other small molecule-targeted agents in ovarian cancer. Expert Rev Mol Med 2023; 25:e6. [PMID: 36691778 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2023.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal female reproductive system tumour. Despite the great advances in surgery and systemic chemotherapy over the past two decades, almost all patients in stages III and IV relapse and develop resistance to chemotherapy after first-line treatment. Ovarian cancer has an extraordinarily complex immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment in which immune checkpoints negatively regulate T cells activation and weaken antitumour immune responses by delivering immunosuppressive signals. Therefore, inhibition of immune checkpoints can break down the state of immunosuppression. Indeed, Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionised the therapeutic landscape of many solid tumours. However, ICIs have yielded modest benefits in ovarian cancer. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanistic basis of the immune checkpoints is needed to improve the efficacy of ICIs in ovarian cancer. In this review, we systematically introduce the mechanisms and expression of immune checkpoints in ovarian cancer. Moreover, this review summarises recent updates regarding ICI monotherapy or combined with other small-molecule-targeted agents in ovarian cancer.
Collapse
|
16
|
Andrzejczak A, Partyka A, Wiśniewski A, Porębska I, Pawełczyk K, Ptaszkowski K, Kuśnierczyk P, Jasek M, Karabon L. The association of BTLA gene polymorphisms with non-small lung cancer risk in smokers and never-smokers. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1006639. [PMID: 36741370 PMCID: PMC9893504 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1006639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lung cancer is the predominant cause of death among cancer patients and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type. Cigarette smoking is the prevailing risk factor for NSCLC, nevertheless, this cancer is also diagnosed in never-smokers. B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) belongs to immunological checkpoints which are key regulatory molecules of the immune response. A growing body of evidence highlights the important role of BTLA in cancer. In our previous studies, we showed a significant association between BTLA gene variants and susceptibility to chronic lymphoblastic leukemia and renal cell carcinoma in the Polish population. The present study aimed to analyze the impact of BTLA polymorphic variants on the susceptibility to NSCLC and NSCLC patients' overall survival (OS). Methods Using TaqMan probes we genotyped seven BTLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs2705511, rs1982809, rs9288952, rs9288953, rs1844089, rs11921669 and rs2633582 with the use of ViiA 7 Real-Time PCR System. Results We found that rs1982809 within BTLA is associated with NSCLC risk, where carriers of rs1982809G allele (AG+GG genotypes) were more frequent in patients compared to controls. In subgroup analyses, we also noticed that rs1982809G carriers are significantly overrepresented in never-smokers, but not in smokers compared to controls. Additionally, the global distribution of the haplotypes differed between the never-smokers and smokers, where haplotypes A G G C A, C G A C G, and C G A T G were more frequent in never-smoking patients. Furthermore, the presence rs1982809G (AG+GG genotypes) allele as well as the presence of rs9288953T allele (CT+TT genotypes) increased NSCLC risk in females' patients. After stratification by histological type, we noticed that rs1982809G and rs2705511C carriers were more frequent among adenocarcinoma patients. Moreover, rs1982809G and rs2705511C correlated with the more advanced stages of NSCLC (stage II and III), but not with stage IV. Furthermore, we showed that rs2705511 and rs1982809 significantly modified OS, while rs9288952 tend to be associated with patients' survival. Conclusion Our results indicate that BTLA polymorphic variants may be considered low penetrating risk factors for NSCLC especially in never-smokers, and in females, and are associated with OS of NSCLC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Andrzejczak
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland,*Correspondence: Anna Andrzejczak, ; Lidia Karabon,
| | - Anna Partyka
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Wiśniewski
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Irena Porębska
- Department of Pulmonology and Lung Oncology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Konrad Pawełczyk
- Departament of Thoracic Surgery, Lower Silesian Centre of Oncology, Pulmonology and Haematology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kuba Ptaszkowski
- Department of Clinical Biomechanics and Physiotherapy in Motor System Disorders, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Piotr Kuśnierczyk
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Jasek
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Lidia Karabon
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland,*Correspondence: Anna Andrzejczak, ; Lidia Karabon,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Soldi LR, Silva VLC, Rabelo DH, Uehara IA, Silva MJB. Reactivation of natural killer cells with monoclonal antibodies in the microenvironment of malignant neoplasms. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04575-8. [PMID: 36633682 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04575-8] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer cells are critical players in the antitumor immune response due to their ability to destroy target cells through cytotoxic activity and other means. However, this response is inhibited in the tumor microenvironment, where a crippling hypoxic environment and several inhibitory molecules bind to NK cells to trigger an anergic state. Inhibitory receptors such as PD-1, NK2GA, KIR, TIGIT, and LAG-3 have been associated with inhibition of NK cells in multiple cancer types. Binding to these receptors leads to loss of cytotoxicity, lower proliferation and metabolic rates, and even apoptosis. While these receptors are important for avoiding auto-immunity, in a pathological setting like malignant neoplasms they are disadvantageous for the individual's immune system to combat cancer cells. The use of monoclonal antibodies to block these receptors contributes to cancer therapy by preventing the inhibition of NK cells. In this review, the impact of NK cell inhibition and activation on cancer therapy was summarized and an overview of the blockade of inhibitory pathways by monoclonal antibodies was provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Ricardo Soldi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Applied Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Victor Luigi Costa Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Diogo Henrique Rabelo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Applied Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Isadora Akemi Uehara
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo José Barbosa Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil. .,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Saadi W, Fatmi A, Pallardó FV, García-Giménez JL, Mena-Molla S. Long Non-Coding RNAs as Epigenetic Regulators of Immune Checkpoints in Cancer Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010184. [PMID: 36612180 PMCID: PMC9819025 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cancer treatment has undergone significant changes, predominantly in the shift towards immunotherapeutic strategies using immune checkpoint inhibitors. Despite the clinical efficacy of many of these inhibitors, the overall response rate remains modest, and immunotherapies for many cancers have proved ineffective, highlighting the importance of knowing the tumor microenvironment and heterogeneity of each malignancy in patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted increasing attention for their ability to control various biological processes by targeting different molecular pathways. Some lncRNAs have a regulatory role in immune checkpoints, suggesting they might be utilized as a target for immune checkpoint treatment. The focus of this review is to describe relevant lncRNAs and their targets and functions to understand key regulatory mechanisms that may contribute in regulating immune checkpoints. We also provide the state of the art on super-enhancers lncRNAs (selncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which have recently been reported as modulators of immune checkpoint molecules within the framework of human cancer. Other feasible mechanisms of interaction between lncRNAs and immune checkpoints are also reported, along with the use of miRNAs and circRNAs, in generating new tumor immune microenvironments, which can further help avoid tumor evasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiam Saadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature, Life and Earth Sciences, University of Djillali Bounaama, Khemis Miliana 44225, Algeria
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (S.M.-M.)
| | - Ahlam Fatmi
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Federico V. Pallardó
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis García-Giménez
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador Mena-Molla
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (S.M.-M.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cheng TY, Liu YJ, Yan H, Xi YB, Duan LQ, Wang Y, Zhang TT, Gu YM, Wang XD, Wu CX, Gao S. Tumor Cell-Intrinsic BTLA Receptor Inhibits the Proliferation of Tumor Cells via ERK1/2. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244021. [PMID: 36552785 PMCID: PMC9777428 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is an immune checkpoint molecule that mediates the escape of tumor cells from immunosurveillance. Consequently, BTLA and its ligand herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) are potentially immunotherapeutic targets. However, the potential effects of BTLA on tumor cells remain incompletely unknown. Here, we show that BTLA is expressed across a broad range of tumor cells. The depletion of BTLA or HVEM promotes cell proliferation and colony formation, which is reversed by the overexpression of BTLA in BTLA knockout cells. In contrast, overexpression of BTLA or HVEM inhibits tumor cell proliferation and colony formation. Furthermore, the proliferation of a subpopulation with high BTLA was also significantly slower than that of the low BTLA subpopulation. Mechanistically, the coordination of BTLA and HVEM inhibits its major downstream extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) signaling pathway, thus preventing tumor cell growth. This study demonstrates that tumor cell-intrinsic BTLA/HVEM is a potential tumor suppressor and is likely to have a potential antagonist for immunotherapy, thus representing a potential biomarker for the optimal cancer immunotherapeutic treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-You Cheng
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan 030032, China
| | - Ya-Juan Liu
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan 030032, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan 030032, China
| | - Yi-Bo Xi
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan 030032, China
| | - Li-Qiang Duan
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan 030032, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan 030032, China
| | - Tian-Tian Zhang
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan 030032, China
| | - Yin-Min Gu
- Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Wang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China
| | - Chang-Xin Wu
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan 030032, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan 030032, China
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hu X, Wu L, Yao Y, Ma J, Li X, Shen H, Liu L, Dai H, Wang W, Chu X, Sheng C, Yang M, Zheng H, Song F, Chen K, Liu B. The integrated landscape of eRNA in gastric cancer reveals distinct immune subtypes with prognostic and therapeutic relevance. iScience 2022; 25:105075. [PMID: 36157578 PMCID: PMC9490034 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The comprehensive regulation effect of eRNA on tumor immune cell infiltration and the outcome remains obscure. We comprehensively identify the eRNA-mediated immune infiltration patterns of gastric cancer (GC) samples. We creatively proposed a random forest machine-learning (ML) algorithm to map eRNA to mRNA expression patterns. The eRNA score was constructed using principal component analysis algorithms and validated in an independent cohort. Three subtypes with distinct eRNA expression patterns were determined in GC. There were significant differences between the three subtypes in the overall survival rate, immune cell infiltration characteristics, and immunotherapy response indicators. The patients in the high eRNA score group have a higher overall survival rate and might benefit from immunotherapy. This work revealed that eRNA regulation might be a new prognostic index and might offer a potential biomarker in the response of immunotherapy. Evaluating the eRNA regulation manner of GC will contribute to guiding more effective immunotherapy strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Liuxing Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yanxin Yao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Junfu Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiangchun Li
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongru Shen
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Luyang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Hongji Dai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xinlei Chu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Chao Sheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Tianjin Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Fengju Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Ben Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin 300060, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yu L, Sun M, Zhang Q, Zhou Q, Wang Y. Harnessing the immune system by targeting immune checkpoints: Providing new hope for Oncotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:982026. [PMID: 36159789 PMCID: PMC9498063 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.982026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the goal of harnessing the host’s immune system to provide long-lasting remission and cures for various cancers, the advent of immunotherapy revolutionized the cancer therapy field. Among the current immunotherapeutic strategies, immune checkpoint blockades have greatly improved the overall survival rates in certain patient populations. Of note, CTLA4 and PD-1/PD-L1 are two major non-redundant immune checkpoints implicated in promoting cancer immune evasion, and ultimately lead to relapse. Antibodies or inhibitors targeting these two c+heckpoints have achieved some encouraging clinical outcomes. Further, beyond the canonical immune checkpoints, more inhibitory checkpoints have been identified. Herein, we will summarize recent progress in immune checkpoint blockade therapies, with a specific focus on key pre-clinical and clinical results of new immune checkpoint therapies for cancer. Given the crucial roles of immune checkpoint blockade in oncotherapy, drugs targeting checkpoint molecules expressed by both cancer and immune cells are in clinical trials, which will be comprehensively summarized in this review. Taken together, investigating combinatorial therapies targeting immune checkpoints expressed by cancer cells and immune cells will greatly improve immunotherapies that enhance host elimination of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Minghan Sun
- Central of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiao Zhou, ; Yi Wang,
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiao Zhou, ; Yi Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang N, Gao X, Ji H, Ma S, Wu J, Dong J, Wang F, Zhao H, Liu Z, Yan X, Li B, Du J, Zhang J, Hu S. Machine learning-based screening of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related long non-coding RNA signature reveals lower-grade glioma prognosis and the tumor microenvironment and predicts antitumor therapy response. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:942966. [PMID: 36090045 PMCID: PMC9459009 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.942966] [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: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers high invasive and migratory capacity to cancer cells, which limits the effectiveness of tumor therapy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate the dynamic process of EMT at different levels through various complex regulatory networks. We aimed to comprehensively analyze and screen EMT-related lncRNAs to characterize lower-grade glioma (LGG) tumor biology and provide new ideas for current therapeutic approaches. We retrieved 1065 LGG samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas by machine learning algorithms, identified three hub lncRNAs including CRNDE, LINC00665, and NEAT1, and established an EMT-related lncRNA signature (EMTrLS). This novel signature had strong prognostic value and potential clinical significance. EMTrLS described LGG genomic alterations and clinical features including gene mutations, tumor mutational burden, World Health Organization (WHO) grade, IDH status, and 1p/19q status. Notably, stratified analysis revealed activation of malignancy-related and metabolic pathways in the EMTrLS-high cohort. Moreover, the population with increased EMTrLS scores had increased cells with immune killing function. However, this antitumor immune function may be suppressed by increased Tregs and macrophages. Meanwhile, the relatively high expression of immune checkpoints explained the immunosuppressive state of patients with high EMTrLS scores. Importantly, we validated this result by quantifying the course of antitumor immunity. In particular, EMTrLS stratification enabled assessment of the responsiveness of LGG to chemotherapeutic drug efficacy and PD1 blockade. In conclusion, our findings complement the foundation of molecular studies of LGG, provide valuable insight into our understanding of EMT-related lncRNAs, and offer new strategies for LGG therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hang Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiasheng Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiawei Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongtao Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiuwei Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taizhou First People’s Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Jianyang Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Jiheng Zhang, ; Jianyang Du, ; Shaoshan Hu,
| | - Jiheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Jiheng Zhang, ; Jianyang Du, ; Shaoshan Hu,
| | - Shaoshan Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Jiheng Zhang, ; Jianyang Du, ; Shaoshan Hu,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kuzevanova A, Apanovich N, Mansorunov D, Korotaeva A, Karpukhin A. The Features of Checkpoint Receptor—Ligand Interaction in Cancer and the Therapeutic Effectiveness of Their Inhibition. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092081. [PMID: 36140182 PMCID: PMC9495440 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, certain problems have been identified in cancer immunotherapy using the inhibition of immune checkpoints (ICs). Despite the excellent effect of cancer therapy in some cases when blocking the PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) ligand and the immune cell receptors PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) and CTLA4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) with antibodies, the proportion of patients responding to such therapy is still far from desirable. This situation has stimulated the exploration of additional receptors and ligands as targets for immunotherapy. In our article, based on the analysis of the available data, the TIM-3 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3), LAG-3 (lymphocyte-activation gene 3), TIGIT (T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domains), VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation), and BTLA (B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator) receptors and their ligands are comprehensively considered. Data on the relationship between receptor expression and the clinical characteristics of tumors are presented and are analyzed together with the results of preclinical and clinical studies on the therapeutic efficacy of their blocking. Such a comprehensive analysis makes it possible to assess the prospects of receptors of this series as targets for anticancer therapy. The expression of the LAG-3 receptor shows the most unambiguous relationship with the clinical characteristics of cancer. Its inhibition is the most effective of the analyzed series in terms of the antitumor response. The expression of TIGIT and BTLA correlates well with clinical characteristics and demonstrates antitumor efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies, which indicates their high promise as targets for anticancer therapy. At the same time, the relationship of VISTA and TIM-3 expression with the clinical characteristics of the tumor is contradictory, and the results on the antitumor effectiveness of their inhibition are inconsistent.
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang Z, Bu L, Luo J, Guo J. Targeting protein kinases benefits cancer immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188738. [PMID: 35660645 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule kinase inhibitors have been well established and successfully developed in the last decades for cancer target therapies. However, intrinsic or acquired drug resistance is becoming the major barrier for their clinical application. With the development of immunotherapies, in particular the discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the combination of ICIs with other therapies have recently been extensively explored, among which combination of ICIs with kinase inhibitors achieves promising clinical outcome in a plethora of cancer types. Here we comprehensively summarize the potent roles of protein kinases in modulating immune checkpoints both in tumor and immune cells, and reshaping tumor immune microenvironments by evoking innate immune response and neoantigen generation or presentation. Moreover, the clinical trial and approval of combined administration of kinase inhibitors with ICIs are collected, highlighting the precise strategies to benefit cancer immune therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengkun Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Lang Bu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Junhang Luo
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Jianping Guo
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhou X, Ren T, Zan H, Hua C, Guo X. Novel Immune Checkpoints in Esophageal Cancer: From Biomarkers to Therapeutic Targets. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864202. [PMID: 35669786 PMCID: PMC9163322 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer ranks as the sixth most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Due to the limited efficacy of conventional therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, treatments are still far from satisfactory in terms of survival, prompting the search for novel treatment methods. Immune checkpoints play crucial roles in immune evasion mediated by tumor cells, and successful clinical outcomes have been achieved via blocking these pathways. However, only a small fraction of patients can benefit from current immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4. Unfortunately, some patients show primary and/or acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Until now, novel immune checkpoint pathways have rarely been studied in esophageal cancer, and there is a great need for biomarkers to predict who will benefit from existing strategies. Herein, we primarily discuss the roles of new immune checkpoints as predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for esophageal cancer. In addition, we summarize the ongoing clinical trials and provide future research directions targeting these pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueyin Zhou
- School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ting Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyuan Zan
- School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Hua
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chunyan Hua, ; Xufeng Guo,
| | - Xufeng Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Chunyan Hua, ; Xufeng Guo,
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sibilio P, Belardinilli F, Licursi V, Paci P, Giannini G. An integrative in-silico analysis discloses a novel molecular subset of colorectal cancer possibly eligible for immune checkpoint immunotherapy. Biol Direct 2022; 17:10. [PMID: 35534873 PMCID: PMC9082922 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-022-00324-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historically, the molecular classification of colorectal cancer (CRC) was based on the global genomic status, which identified microsatellite instability in mismatch repair (MMR) deficient CRC, and chromosomal instability in MMR proficient CRC. With the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the microsatellite and chromosomal instability classification regained momentum as the microsatellite instability condition predicted sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors, possibly due to both high tumor mutation burden (TMB) and high levels of infiltrating lymphocytes. Conversely, proficient MMR CRC are mostly resistant to immunotherapy. To better understand the relationship between the microsatellite and chromosomal instability classification, and eventually discover additional CRC subgroups relevant for therapeutic decisions, we developed a computational pipeline that include molecular integrative analysis of genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic data. RESULTS The first step of the pipeline was based on unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of copy number variations (CNVs) versus hypermutation status that identified a first CRC cluster with few CNVs enriched in Hypermutated and microsatellite instability samples, a second CRC cluster with a high number of CNVs mostly including non-HM and microsatellite stable samples, and a third cluster (7.8% of the entire dataset) with low CNVs and low TMB, which shared clinical-pathological features with Hypermutated CRCs and thus defined Hypermutated-like CRCs. The mutational features, DNA methylation profile and base substitution fingerprints of these tumors revealed that Hypermutated-like patients are molecularly distinct from Hypermutated and non-Hypermutated tumors and are likely to develop and progress through different genetic events. Transcriptomic analysis highlighted further differences amongst the three groups and revealed an inflamed tumor microenvironment and modulation Immune Checkpoint Genes in Hypermutated-like CRCs. CONCLUSION Therefore, our work highlights Hypermutated-like tumors as a distinct and previously unidentified CRC subgroup possibly responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors. If further validated, these findings can lead to expanding the fraction of patients eligible to immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Sibilio
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science Antonio Ruberti, National Research Council, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valerio Licursi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", University La Sapienza, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council of Italy, Via degli Apuli, 4, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Paci
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science Antonio Ruberti, National Research Council, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Department of Computer Engineering, Automation and Management, University La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy. .,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lange A, Cajander S, Magnuson A, Strålin K, Hultgren O. Sustained elevation of soluble B- and T- lymphocyte attenuator predicts long-term mortality in patients with bacteremia and sepsis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265818. [PMID: 35312715 PMCID: PMC8936450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble B and T lymphocyte attenuator (sBTLA) has been shown to be associated with severity and outcome, in critically ill septic patients. We aimed to assess the dynamic expression of sBTLA, as a prognostic biomarker of long-term mortality in patients with bloodstream infection (BSI) and sepsis, and to evaluate its association with biomarkers indicative of inflammation and immune dysregulation. Secondarily, sBTLA was evaluated in association with severity and bacterial etiology. Patients with BSI (n = 108) were prospectively included, and serially sampled from admission to day 28. Blood and plasma donors (n = 31), sampled twice 28 days apart, served as controls. sBTLA concentration in plasma was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associations between sBTLA on day 1-2 and 7, and mortality at 90 days and 1 year, were determined with unadjusted, and adjusted Cox regression. Differences related to severity was assessed with linear regression. Mixed model was used to assess sBTLA dynamics over time, and sBTLA associations with bacterial etiology and other biomarkers. sBTLA on day 1-2 and 7 was associated with mortality, in particular failure to normalize sBTLA by day 7 was associated with an increased risk of death before day 90, adjusted HR 17 (95% CI 1.8-160), and one year, adjusted HR 15 (95% CI 2.8-76). sBTLA was positively associated with CRP, and negatively with lymphocyte count. sBTLA on day 1-2 was not linearly associated with baseline SOFA score increase. High SOFA (≥4) was however associated with higher mean sBTLA than SOFA ≤3. sBTLA was not associated with bacterial etiology. We show that sustained elevation of sBTLA one week after hospital admission is associated with late mortality in patients with BSI and sepsis, and that sBTLA concentration is associated with CRP and decreased lymphocyte count. This suggests that sBTLA might be an indicator of sustained immune-dysregulation, and a prognostic tool in sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lange
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Sara Cajander
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Anders Magnuson
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Strålin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olof Hultgren
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Al-Mterin MA, Alsalman A, Elkord E. Inhibitory Immune Checkpoint Receptors and Ligands as Prognostic Biomarkers in COVID-19 Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870283. [PMID: 35432324 PMCID: PMC9008255 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2. During T-cell activation, the immune system uses different checkpoint pathways to maintain co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory signals. In COVID-19, expression of immune checkpoints (ICs) is one of the most important manifestations, in addition to lymphopenia and inflammatory cytokines, contributing to worse clinical outcomes. There is a controversy whether upregulation of ICs in COVID-19 patients might lead to T-cell exhaustion or activation. This review summarizes the available studies that investigated IC receptors and ligands in COVID-19 patients, as well as their effect on T-cell function. Several IC receptors and ligands, including CTLA-4, BTLA, TIM-3, VISTA, LAG-3, TIGIT, PD-1, CD160, 2B4, NKG2A, Galectin-9, Galectin-3, PD-L1, PD-L2, LSECtin, and CD112, were upregulated in COVID-19 patients. Based on the available studies, there is a possible relationship between disease severity and increased expression of IC receptors and ligands. Overall, the upregulation of some ICs could be used as a prognostic biomarker for disease severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alhasan Alsalman
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dendritic cell-based cancer immunotherapy in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors: From bench to bedside. Life Sci 2022; 297:120466. [PMID: 35271882 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) can present tumoral antigens to T-cells and stimulate T-cell-mediated anti-tumoral immune responses. In addition to uptaking, processing, and presenting tumoral antigens to T-cells, co-stimulatory signals have to be established between DCs with T-cells to develop anti-tumoral immune responses. However, most of the tumor-infiltrated immune cells are immunosuppressive in the tumor microenvironment (TME), paving the way for immune evasion of tumor cells. This immunosuppressive TME has also been implicated in suppressing the DC-mediated anti-tumoral immune responses, as well. Various factors, i.e., immunoregulatory cells, metabolic factors, tumor-derived immunosuppressive factors, and inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules, have been implicated in developing the immunosuppressive TME. Herein, we aimed to review the biology of DCs in developing T-cell-mediated anti-tumoral immune responses, the significance of immunoregulatory cells in the TME, metabolic barriers contributing to DCs dysfunction in the TME, tumor-derived immunosuppressive factors, and inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules in DC-based cell therapy outcomes. With reviewing the ongoing clinical trials, we also proposed a novel therapeutic strategy to increase the efficacy of DC-based cell therapy. Indeed, the combination of DC-based cell therapy with monoclonal antibodies against novel immune checkpoint molecules can be a promising strategy to increase the response rate of patients with cancers.
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhang J, Wang N, Wu J, Gao X, Zhao H, Liu Z, Yan X, Dong J, Wang F, Ba Y, Ma S, Jin J, Du J, Ji H, Hu S. 5-Methylcytosine Related LncRNAs Reveal Immune Characteristics, Predict Prognosis and Oncology Treatment Outcome in Lower-Grade Gliomas. Front Immunol 2022; 13:844778. [PMID: 35309316 PMCID: PMC8927645 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.844778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
5-Methylcytosine (m5C) methylation is an important RNA modification pattern that can participate in oncogenesis and progression of cancers by affecting RNA stability, expression of oncogenes, and the activity of cancer signaling pathways. Alterations in the expression pattern of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potentially correlated with abnormalities in the m5C regulation features of cancers. Our aim was to reveal the mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulated the m5C process, to explore the impact of aberrant regulation of m5C on the biological properties of lower-grade gliomas (LGG), and to optimize current therapeutic. By searching 1017 LGG samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas, we first clarified the potential impact of m5C regulators on LGG prognosis in this study and used univariate Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to explore clinically meaningful lncRNAs. Consequently, we identified four lncRNAs, including LINC00265, CIRBP-AS1, GDNF-AS1, and ZBTB20-AS4, and established a novel m5C-related lncRNAs signature (m5CrLS) that was effective in predicting prognosis. Notably, mutation rate, WHO class II, IDH mutation, 1p/19q co-deletion and MGMT promoter methylation were increased in the low m5CrLS score group. Patients with increased m5CrLS scores mostly showed activation of tumor malignancy-related pathways, increased immune infiltrating cells, and decreased anti-tumor immune function. Besides, the relatively high expression of immune checkpoints also revealed the immunosuppressed state of patients with high m5CrLS scores. In particular, m5CrLS stratification was sensitive to assess the efficacy of LGG to temozolomide and the responsiveness of immune checkpoint blockade. In conclusion, our results revealed the molecular basis of LGG, provided valuable clues for our understanding of m5C-related lncRNAs, and filled a gap between epigenetics and tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiasheng Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongtao Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiuwei Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yixu Ba
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaqi Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jianyang Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hang Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoshan Hu, ; Hang Ji,
| | - Shaoshan Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoshan Hu, ; Hang Ji,
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhang C, Wang F, Sun N, Zhang Z, Zhang G, Zhang Z, Luo Y, Che Y, Cheng H, Li J, He J. The combination of novel immune checkpoints HHLA2 and ICOSLG: A new system to predict survival and immune features in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Genes Dis 2022; 9:415-428. [PMID: 35224157 PMCID: PMC8843897 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting B7-CD28 family pathways in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have shown promising results. However, a comprehensive understanding of B7-CD28 family members in ESCC is still limited. This study aimed to construct a novel B7-CD28 family-based prognosis system to predict survival in patients with ESCC. We collected 179 cases from our previously published microarray data and 86 cases with qPCR data. Specifically, 119 microarray data (GSE53624) were used as a training set, whereas the remaining 60 microarray data (GSE53622), all 179 microarray data (GSE53625) and an independent cohort with 86 qPCR data were used for validation. The underlying mechanism and immune landscape of the system were also explored using bioinformatics and immunofluorescence. We examined 13 well-defined B7-CD28 family members and identified 2 genes (ICSOLG and HHLA2) with the greatest prognostic value. A system based on the combination HHLA2 and ICOSLG (B7-CD28 signature) was constructed to distinguish patients as high- or low-risk of an unfavorable outcome, which was further confirmed as an independent prognostic factor. As expected, the signature was well validated in the entire cohort and in the independent cohort, as well as in different clinical subgroups. The signature was found to be closely related to immune-specific biological processes and pathways. Additionally, high-risk group samples demonstrated high infiltration of Tregs and fibroblasts and distinctive immune checkpoint panels. Collectively, we built the first, practical B7-CD28 signature for ESCC that could independently identify high-risk patients. Such information may help inform immunotherapy-based treatment decisions for patients with ESCC.
Collapse
|
32
|
Archilla-Ortega A, Domuro C, Martin-Liberal J, Muñoz P. Blockade of novel immune checkpoints and new therapeutic combinations to boost antitumor immunity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:62. [PMID: 35164813 PMCID: PMC8842574 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02264-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for boosting antitumoral immunity. Blockade of immune checkpoints (ICs), which regulate the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells has proven clinical benefits. Antibodies targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 are IC-blockade drugs approved for the treatment of various solid and hematological malignancies. However, a large subset of patients does not respond to current anti-IC immunotherapy. An integrative understanding of tumor-immune infiltrate, and IC expression and function in immune cell populations is fundamental to the design of effective therapies. The simultaneous blockade of newly identified ICs, as well as of previously described ICs, could improve antitumor response. We review the potential for novel combinatory blockade strategies as antitumoral therapy, and their effects on immune cells expressing the targeted ICs. Preclinical evidence and clinical trials involving the blockade of the various ICs are reported. We finally discuss the rationale of IC co-blockade strategy with respect to its downstream signaling in order to improve effective antitumoral immunity and prevent an increased risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
Collapse
|
33
|
Expression of Immunomodulatory Checkpoint Molecules in Drug-Resistant Neuroblastoma: An Exploratory Study. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030751. [PMID: 35159017 PMCID: PMC8833944 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuroblastoma is a common childhood cancer with poor prognosis. Prior studies suggest that inhibition of molecules called checkpoint proteins, which normally prevent one’s own immune system from attacking itself, has been successfully used for treatment of multiple advanced adult cancers but has yet to be fully explored in neuroblastoma. Cancer can hijack these pathways to prevent the immune system from recognizing and destroying cancer cells. We investigated checkpoint protein expression in pediatric neuroblastoma and its role in drug resistance. We created drug-resistant neuroblastoma cell lines and compared expression of checkpoint proteins between drug-resistant and parental cell lines. In total, 13 checkpoint proteins were expressed by all cell lines regardless of drug resistance. Although PD-L1 and checkpoint proteins do not necessarily impart drug resistance, they may be potential targets for drug therapy. Benchmarking checkpoint proteins provides the basis for future studies identifying targets for directed therapy and biomarkers for cancer detection or prognosis. Abstract Neuroblastoma is a common childhood cancer with poor prognosis when at its advanced stage. Checkpoint molecule inhibition is successful in treating multiple advanced adult cancers. We investigated PD-L1 and other checkpoint molecule expression to determine their roles in drug resistance and usefulness as targets for drug therapy. We developed three doxorubicin-resistant (DoxR) cell lines from parental cell lines. Matrigel in vitro invasion assays were used to compare invasiveness. Western blot assays were used to compare PD-L1 expression. Immuno-oncology checkpoint protein panels were used to compare concentrations of 17 checkpoint molecules both cellular and soluble. PD-L1 and 12 other checkpoint molecules were present in all cell lysates of each cell line without significantly different levels. Three were solubilized in the media of each cell line. PD-L1 is expressed in all DoxR and parental neuroblastoma cells and may be a potential target for drug therapy although its role in drug resistance remains unclear. Benchmarking checkpoint molecules provides the basis for future studies identifying targets for directed therapy and biomarkers for cancer detection or prognosis.
Collapse
|
34
|
Yu Y, Tang H, Franceschi D, Mujagond P, Acharya A, Deng Y, Lethaus B, Savkovic V, Zimmerer R, Ziebolz D, Li S, Schmalz G. Immune Checkpoint Gene Expression Profiling Identifies Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 Centered Immunologic Subtypes of Oral and Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Favorable Survival. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:759605. [PMID: 35127742 PMCID: PMC8810827 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.759605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to identify the programmed death ligand-1 (PDL1, also termed as CD274) and its positively correlated immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) and to determine the immune subtypes of CD274-centered ICG combinations in oral and squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and Methods Firstly, the 95 ICGs obtained via literature reviews were identified in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database in relation to OSCC, and such 88 ICG expression profiles were extracted. ICGs positively correlated with CD274 were utilized for subsequent analysis. The relationship between ICGs positively correlated with CD274 and immunotherapy biomarkers (tumor mutation burden (TMB), and adaptive immune resistance pathway genes) was investigated, and the relationships of these genes with OSCC clinical features were explored. The prognostic values of CD274 and its positively correlated ICGs and also their associated gene pairs were revealed using the survival analysis. Results Eight ICGs, including CTLA4, ICOS, TNFRSF4, CD27, B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), ADORA2A, CD40LG, and CD28, were found to be positively correlated with CD274. Among the eight ICGs, seven ICGs (CTLA4, ICOS, TNFRSF4, CD27, BTLA, CD40LG, and CD28) were significantly negatively correlated with TMB. The majority of the adaptive immune resistance pathway genes were positively correlated with ICGs positively correlated with CD274. The survival analysis utilizing the TCGA-OSCC data showed that, although CD274 was not significantly associated with overall survival (OS), the majority of ICGs positively correlated with CD274 (BTLA, CD27, CTLA4, CD40LG, CD28, ICOS, and TNFRSF4) were significantly correlated with OS, whereby their low-expression predicted a favorable prognosis. The survival analysis based on the gene pair subtypes showed that the combination subtypes of CD274_low/BTLA_low, CD274_low/CD27_low, CD274_low/CTLA4_low, CD8A_high/BTLA_low, CD8A_high/CD27_low, and CD8A_high/CTLA4_low predicted favorable OS. Conclusion The results in this study provide a theoretical basis for prognostic immune subtyping of OSCC and highlight the importance of developing future immunotherapeutic strategies for treating oral cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Department of Stomatology, Qunli Branch, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Yu
| | - Huiwen Tang
- Department of Stomatology, Qunli Branch, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Debora Franceschi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Prabhakar Mujagond
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, 3rd Milestone Gurgaon-Faridabad Expressway, Faridabad, India
| | - Aneesha Acharya
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Yupei Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, China Tibetology Research Center, Beijing Tibetan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bernd Lethaus
- Department of Cranio Maxillofacial Surgery, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Vuk Savkovic
- Department of Cranio Maxillofacial Surgery, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Zimmerer
- Department of Cranio Maxillofacial Surgery, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dirk Ziebolz
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simin Li
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gerhard Schmalz
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Świderska J, Kozłowski M, Gaur M, Pius-Sadowska E, Kwiatkowski S, Machaliński B, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. Clinical Significance of BTLA, CD27, CD70, CD28 and CD80 as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers in Ovarian Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020251. [PMID: 35204342 PMCID: PMC8871082 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is very important to find new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. A total of 79 patients were enrolled in the study. The study group consisted of 37 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, and the control group consisted of 42 patients with benign ovarian lesions. Five proteins involved in the immune response were studied: BTLA, CD27, CD70, CD28, CD80. The study material was serum and peritoneal fluid. The ROC curve was plotted, and the area under the curve was calculated to characterize the sensitivity and specificity of the studied parameters. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed simultaneously using the Cox regression model. The cut-off level of CD27 was 120.6 pg/mL, with the sensitivity and specificity of 66 and 84% (p = 0.014). Unfavorable prognostic factors determined in serum were: CD27 (for PFS: HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.21–1.29, p = 0.047; for OS: HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.15–1.22, p = 0.014). Unfavorable prognostic factors determined in peritoneal fluid were: BTLA (for OS: HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.25–1.31, p = 0.033). We conclude that CD27 should be considered as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. BTLA and CD27 are unfavorable prognostic factors for ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janina Świderska
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ś.); (M.G.); (A.C.-P.)
| | - Mateusz Kozłowski
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ś.); (M.G.); (A.C.-P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Gaur
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ś.); (M.G.); (A.C.-P.)
| | - Ewa Pius-Sadowska
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (E.P.-S.); (B.M.)
| | - Sebastian Kwiatkowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Bogusław Machaliński
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (E.P.-S.); (B.M.)
| | - Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ś.); (M.G.); (A.C.-P.)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Murase W, Kamakura Y, Kawakami S, Yasuda A, Wagatsuma M, Kubota A, Kojima H, Ohta T, Takahashi M, Mutoh M, Tanaka T, Maeda H, Miyashita K, Terasaki M. Fucoxanthin Prevents Pancreatic Tumorigenesis in C57BL/6J Mice That Received Allogenic and Orthotopic Transplants of Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13620. [PMID: 34948416 PMCID: PMC8707761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413620] [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: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fucoxanthin (Fx) is a marine carotenoid with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties in various animal models of carcinogenesis. However, there is currently no information on the effects of Fx in animal models of pancreatic cancer. We investigated the chemopreventive effects of Fx in C57BL/6J mice that received allogenic and orthotopic transplantations of cancer cells (KMPC44) derived from a pancreatic cancer murine model (Ptf1aCre/+; LSL-krasG12D/+). Using microarray, immunofluorescence, western blot, and siRNA analyses, alterations in cancer-related genes and protein expression were evaluated in pancreatic tumors of Fx-administered mice. Fx administration prevented the adenocarcinoma (ADC) development of pancreatic and parietal peritoneum tissues in a pancreatic cancer murine model, but not the incidence of ADC. Gene and protein expressions showed that the suppression of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 21 (CCL21)/chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) axis, its downstream of Rho A, B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), N-cadherin, αSMA, pFAK(Tyr397), and pPaxillin(Tyr31) were significantly suppressed in the pancreatic tumors of mice treated with Fx. In addition, Ccr7 knockdown significantly attenuated the growth of KMPC44 cells. These results suggest that Fx is a promising candidate for pancreatic cancer chemoprevention that mediates the suppression of the CCL21/CCR7 axis, BTLA, tumor microenvironment, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and adhesion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Murase
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan; (W.M.); (Y.K.); (S.K.); (A.Y.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Yukino Kamakura
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan; (W.M.); (Y.K.); (S.K.); (A.Y.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Serina Kawakami
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan; (W.M.); (Y.K.); (S.K.); (A.Y.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Ayaka Yasuda
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan; (W.M.); (Y.K.); (S.K.); (A.Y.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Momoka Wagatsuma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan; (W.M.); (Y.K.); (S.K.); (A.Y.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Atsuhito Kubota
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan; (W.M.); (Y.K.); (S.K.); (A.Y.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Hiroyuki Kojima
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan; (W.M.); (Y.K.); (S.K.); (A.Y.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (H.K.)
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan;
| | - Tohru Ohta
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan;
| | - Mami Takahashi
- Central Animal Division, National Cancer Center, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan;
| | - Michihiro Mutoh
- Department of Molecular-Targeting Prevention, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan;
| | - Takuji Tanaka
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Research Center of Diagnostic Pathology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu 500-8513, Japan;
| | - Hayato Maeda
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Aomori 036-8561, Japan;
| | - Kazuo Miyashita
- Center for Industry-University Collaboration, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan;
| | - Masaru Terasaki
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan; (W.M.); (Y.K.); (S.K.); (A.Y.); (M.W.); (A.K.); (H.K.)
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan;
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Radwan SM, Elleboudy NS, Nabih NA, El-kholy A, Kamal AM. The prospective prognostic value of the immune checkpoint BTLA expression in adult acute myeloid leukemia patients. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-021-00198-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
One of the crucial functions of the immune system is to prevent tumorigenesis, yet cancer occurs when malignant cells manage to evade immune surveillance via multiple strategies. Accordingly, this study aimed at assessing the potential significance of the novel immune checkpoint B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) as a prognostic marker in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), in addition to how it relates to response to treatment and patients’ survival. Thus, mRNA expression of BTLA was investigated on peripheral blood in 60 AML patients and 15 healthy controls.
Results
BTLA expression was found to be significantly elevated (p = 0.024) in the tested AML cases in comparison with healthy controls. Moreover, BTLA was over-expressed in the CD13, CD33, and HLA-DR positive cases as compared to their negative counterparts (p = 0.003; p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively), and cases showing BTLA over-expression had significantly poorer overall survival times (p = 0.001) as confirmed by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.
Conclusion
These observations suggest that BTLA over-expression may be associated with reduced immunity against tumors and could be recommended as a promising biomarker for unfavorable prognosis in AML.
Collapse
|
38
|
Jiang TT, Kruglov O, Lin GHY, Minic A, Jordan K, Uger RA, Wong M, Shou Y, Akilov OE. Clinical Response to Anti-CD47 Immunotherapy Is Associated with Rapid Reduction of Exhausted Bystander CD4 + BTLA + T Cells in Tumor Microenvironment of Mycosis Fungoides. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235982. [PMID: 34885092 PMCID: PMC8656720 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The identification of the events that accompany cancer progression is essential for developing new therapies. We have used mycosis fungoides, the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma, as a model for our study. We have shown that cancer progression is accompanied by the expansion of exhausted immune cells around malignant cells. Those exhausted cells prevent immune activation, blocking cancer clearance by the immune system. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that novel anti-CD47 immunotherapy with mycosis fungoides leads to the reduction of exhausted T cells accompanied by the expansion of NK and CD8+ T cells. These therapeutic benefits of CD47 blockade were further facilitated by interferon-α, which stimulates cytotoxic cells. Thus, we showed that CD47 might serve as an effective therapeutic target in treating mycosis fungoides. Abstract Cancer progression in mycosis fungoides, the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, occurs in a predictable, sequential pattern that starts from patches and that evolves to plaques and later to tumors. Therefore, unlocking the relationship between the microarchitecture of mycosis fungoides and the clinical counterparts of that microstructure represents important steps for the design of targeted therapies. Using multispectral fluorescent imaging, we show that the progression of mycosis fungoides from plaque to tumor parallels the cutaneous expansion of the malignant CD4+ T cells that express TOX. The density of exhausted BTLA+ CD4+ T cells around malignant CD4+TOX+ cells was higher in tumors than it was in plaques, suggesting that undesired safeguards are in place within the tumor microenvironment that prevent immune activation and subsequent cancer eradication. Overriding the CD47 checkpoint with an intralesional SIRPαFc fusion decoy receptor induced the resolution of mycosis fungoides in patients that paralleled an amplified expansion of NK and CD8+ T cells in addition to a reduction of the exhausted BTLA+ CD4+ T cells that were engaged in promiscuous intercellular interactions. These therapeutic benefits of the CD47 blockade were further unleashed by adjuvant interferon-α, which stimulates cytotoxic cells, underscoring the importance of an inflamed microenvironment in facilitating the response to immunotherapy. Collectively, these findings support CD47 as a therapeutic target in treating mycosis fungoides and demonstrate a synergistic role of interferon-α in exploiting these clinical benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tony T. Jiang
- Cutaneous Lymphoma Program, Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (T.T.J.); (O.K.)
| | - Oleg Kruglov
- Cutaneous Lymphoma Program, Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (T.T.J.); (O.K.)
| | - Gloria H. Y. Lin
- Trillium Therapeutics Inc., Mississauga, ON L5L 1J9, Canada; (G.H.Y.L.); (R.A.U.); (M.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Angela Minic
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (A.M.); (K.J.)
| | - Kimberly Jordan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (A.M.); (K.J.)
| | - Robert A. Uger
- Trillium Therapeutics Inc., Mississauga, ON L5L 1J9, Canada; (G.H.Y.L.); (R.A.U.); (M.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Mark Wong
- Trillium Therapeutics Inc., Mississauga, ON L5L 1J9, Canada; (G.H.Y.L.); (R.A.U.); (M.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yaping Shou
- Trillium Therapeutics Inc., Mississauga, ON L5L 1J9, Canada; (G.H.Y.L.); (R.A.U.); (M.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Oleg E. Akilov
- Cutaneous Lymphoma Program, Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (T.T.J.); (O.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-412-648-9982
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Khan M, Arooj S, Wang H. Soluble B7-CD28 Family Inhibitory Immune Checkpoint Proteins and Anti-Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:651634. [PMID: 34531847 PMCID: PMC8438243 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.651634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-inhibitory B7-CD28 family member proteins negatively regulate T cell responses and are extensively involved in tumor immune evasion. Blockade of classical CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4) and PD-1 (programmed cell death protein-1) checkpoint pathways have become the cornerstone of anti-cancer immunotherapy. New inhibitory checkpoint proteins such as B7-H3, B7-H4, and BTLA (B and T lymphocyte attenuator) are being discovered and investigated for their potential in anti-cancer immunotherapy. In addition, soluble forms of these molecules also exist in sera of healthy individuals and elevated levels are found in chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Soluble forms are generated by proteolytic shedding or alternative splicing. Elevated circulating levels of these inhibitory soluble checkpoint molecules in cancer have been correlated with advance stage, metastatic status, and prognosis which underscore their broader involvement in immune regulation. In addition to their potential as biomarker, understanding their mechanism of production, biological activity, and pathological interactions may also pave the way for their clinical use as a therapeutic target. Here we review these aspects of soluble checkpoint molecules and elucidate on their potential for anti-cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Khan
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sumbal Arooj
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Su R, Jin C, Zhou L, Cao Y, Kuang M, Li L, Xiang J. Construction of a ceRNA network of hub genes affecting immune infiltration in ovarian cancer identified by WGCNA. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:970. [PMID: 34461858 PMCID: PMC8404317 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08711-w] [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: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecological malignancies. Immunotherapy has demonstrated potential effects in ovarian cancer. However, few studies on immune-related prognostic signatures in ovarian cancer have been reported. This study aimed to identify hub genes associated with immune infiltrates to provide insight into the immune regulatory mechanisms in ovarian cancer. Methods Raw data and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Xena websites. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify hub genes. Kaplan-Meier analysis and differential expression analysis were applied to explore the real hub genes. Results Through ssGSEA and WGCNA, 7 hub genes (LY9, CD5, CXCL9, IL2RG, SLAMF1, SLAMF6, and SLAMF7) were identified. Finally, LY9 and SLAMF1 were recognized as the real hub genes in immune infiltrates of ovarian cancer. LY9 and SLAMF1 are classified as SLAM family receptors involved in the activation of hematopoietic cells and the pathogenesis of multiple malignancies. Furthermore, 12 lncRNAs and 43 miRNAs significantly related to the 2 hub genes were applied to construct a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network shows upstream regulatory sites of the 2 hub genes. Conclusions These findings improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of and reveal potential immune checkpoints for immunotherapy for ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongjia Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 650 Xin Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chengjuan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 650 Xin Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Lina Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 650 Xin Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yannan Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 650 Xin Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Menghua Kuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 650 Xin Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Linxia Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 650 Xin Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jiangdong Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 650 Xin Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang PH, Chen CP, Huang MC. Introduce the outstanding research paper awards of the Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Hsu Chien-Tien Cancer Foundation in 2020. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 59:477-478. [PMID: 32653115 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Female Cancer Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Ping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical and Community Health Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial, Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China; Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chao Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Tang X, Zhang M, Sun L, Xu F, Peng X, Zhang Y, Deng Y, Wu S. The Biological Function Delineated Across Pan-Cancer Levels Through lncRNA-Based Prognostic Risk Assessment Factors for Pancreatic Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:694652. [PMID: 34195204 PMCID: PMC8236889 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.694652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in tumors and function not only as important molecular markers for cancer prognosis, but also as molecular characteristics at the pan-cancer level. Because of the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer, accurate assessment of prognosis is a key issue in the development of treatment plans for pancreatic cancer. Here we analyzed pancreatic cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and The Genotype Tissue Expression database using Cox regression and lasso regression in analyses using a combination of the two databases as well as only The Cancer Genome Atlas database (Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network et al., 2013). A prognostic risk score model with significant correlation with pancreatic cancer survival was constructed, and two lncRNAs were investigated. Additional analysis of 33 cancers using the two lncRNAs showed that lncRNA TsPOAP1-AS1 was a prognostic marker of seven cancers, among which pancreatic cancer was the most significant, and lncRNA mi600hg was a prognostic marker of ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer. LncRNA TsPOAP1-AS1 is associated with clinical stage and tumor mutation burden of some cancers as well as a strong degree of immune infiltration in many cancers, while a strong correlation between lncRNA mi600hg and microsatellite instability was observed in several cancers. The results of this study help further our understanding of the different functions of lncRNAs in cancer and may aid in the clinical application of lncRNAs as prognostic factors for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Tang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mengyan Zhang
- Computational Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Liang Sun
- Department of Human Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Fengyan Xu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Computational Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Ying Deng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuliang Wu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chi A, He X, Hou L, Nguyen NP, Zhu G, Cameron RB, Lee JM. Classification of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer's Tumor Immune Micro-Environment and Strategies to Augment Its Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13122924. [PMID: 34208113 PMCID: PMC8230820 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has become a major treatment for lung cancer. Better understanding of the tumor immune micro-environment (TIME) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is urgently needed to better treat it with this type of therapy. In this review, we describe and explore how NSCLC’s TIME relates to response to ICB, as well as how to treat those with unresponsive types of TIME, which will significantly impact future research in lung cancer immunotherapy. Abstract Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with checkpoint inhibitors has led to significant and durable response in a subset of patients with advanced stage EGFR and ALK wild-type non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This has been consistently shown to be correlated with the unique characteristics of each patient’s tumor immune micro-environment (TIME), including the composition and distribution of the tumor immune cell infiltrate; the expression of various checkpoints by tumor and immune cells, such as PD-L1; and the presence of various cytokines and chemokines. In this review, the classification of various types of TIME that are present in NSCLC and their correlation with response to ICB in NSCLC are discussed. This is conducted with a focus on the characteristics and identifiable biomarkers of different TIME subtypes that may also be used to predict NSCLC’s clinical response to ICB. Finally, treatment strategies to augment response to ICB in NSCLC with unresponsive types of TIME are explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Chi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101100, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (X.H.)
| | - Xia He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (X.H.)
| | - Lin Hou
- Center for Statistical Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Nam P. Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20060, USA;
| | - Guangying Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China;
| | - Robert B. Cameron
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (R.B.C.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Jay M. Lee
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (R.B.C.); (J.M.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Deng Z, Zheng Y, Cai P, Zheng Z. The Role of B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator in Respiratory System Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:635623. [PMID: 34163466 PMCID: PMC8215117 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.635623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), an immunomodulatory molecule widely expressed on the surface of immune cells, can influence various signaling pathways and negatively regulate the activation and proliferation of immune cells by binding to its ligand herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM). BTLA plays an important role in immunoregulation and is involved in the pathogenesis of various respiratory diseases, including airway inflammation, asthma, infection, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung cancer. In recent years, some studies have found that BTLA also has played a positive regulatory effect on immunity system in the occurrence and development of respiratory diseases. Since severe pulmonary infection is a risk factor for sepsis, this review also summarized the new findings on the role of BTLA in sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Deng
- General Department, Hunan Institute for Tuberculosis Control, Changsha, China.,General Department, Hunan Chest Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Pei Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zheng Zheng
- General Department, Hunan Institute for Tuberculosis Control, Changsha, China.,General Department, Hunan Chest Hospital, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gorgulho J, Roderburg C, Heymann F, Schulze-Hagen M, Beier F, Vucur M, Kather JN, Laleh NG, Tacke F, Brümmendorf TH, Luedde T, Loosen SH. Serum levels of soluble B and T lymphocyte attenuator predict overall survival in patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for solid malignancies. Int J Cancer 2021; 149:1189-1198. [PMID: 33890289 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can lead to durable tumor control in patients with various advanced stage malignancies. However, this is not the case for all patients, leading to an ongoing search for biomarkers predicting response and outcome to ICI. The B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is an immune checkpoint expressed on immune cells that was shown to modulate therapeutic responses. Here, we evaluate circulating levels of its soluble form, soluble B and T lymphocyte attenuator (sBTLA), as a biomarker for the prediction of treatment response and outcome to ICI therapy. Serum levels of sBTLA were analyzed by multiplex immunoassay in n = 84 patients receiving ICI therapy for solid malignancies and 32 healthy controls. BTLA expression was evaluated on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a subset of patients (n = 6) using multicolor flow cytometry. Baseline sBTLA serum levels were significantly higher in cancer patients compared to healthy controls. Importantly, circulating sBTLA levels were an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS). As such, patients with initial sBTLA levels above the calculated prognostic cutoff value (311.64 pg/mL) had a median OS of only 138 days compared to 526 for patients with sBTLA levels below this value (P = .001). Uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed the prognostic role of sBTLA in the context of ICI therapy. Finally, we observed a significant correlation between sBTLA levels and the frequency of CD3 + CD8 + BTLA+ T cells in peripheral blood. Thus, our data suggest that circulating sBTLA could represent a noninvasive biomarker to predict outcome to ICI therapy, helping to select eligible therapy candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joao Gorgulho
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Hepatobiliary Oncology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Roderburg
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felix Heymann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Schulze-Hagen
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabian Beier
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mihael Vucur
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jakob N Kather
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim H Brümmendorf
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tom Luedde
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven H Loosen
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cocco C, Morandi F, Airoldi I. Immune Checkpoints in Pediatric Solid Tumors: Targetable Pathways for Advanced Therapeutic Purposes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040927. [PMID: 33920505 PMCID: PMC8074115 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a complex network between tumor cells and a variety of components including immune, stromal and vascular endothelial cells as well as the extracellular matrix. A wide panel of signals and interactions here take place, resulting in a bi-directional modulation of cellular functions. Many stimuli, on one hand, induce tumor growth and the spread of metastatic cells and, on the other hand, contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive environment. The latter feature is achieved by soothing immune effector cells, mainly cytotoxic T lymphocytes and B and NK cells, and/or through expansion of regulatory cell populations, including regulatory T and B cells, tumor-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In this context, immune checkpoints (IC) are key players in the control of T cell activation and anti-cancer activities, leading to the inhibition of tumor cell lysis and of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Thus, these pathways represent promising targets for the development of effective and innovative therapies both in adults and children. Here, we address the role of different cell populations homing the TME and of well-known and recently characterized IC in the context of pediatric solid tumors. We also discuss preclinical and clinical data available using IC inhibitors alone, in combination with each other or administered with standard therapies.
Collapse
|
47
|
BTLA/HVEM Axis Induces NK Cell Immunosuppression and Poor Outcome in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081766. [PMID: 33917094 PMCID: PMC8067870 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) represents the most frequent B cell malignancy in Western countries and still remains as an incurable disease. Despite recent advances in targeted therapies including ibrutinib, idelalisib or venetoclax, resistance mechanisms have been described and patients develop a progressive immunosuppression. Since immune checkpoint blockade has demonstrated to reinvigorate T and NK cell-mediated anti-tumor responses, the aim of this work was to elucidate whether this immunosuppression relies, at least in part, in BTLA/HVEM axis in patients with CLL. Our results demonstrate that BTLA and HVEM expression is deeply dysregulated on leukemic and NK cells and correlates with poor outcome. Moreover, soluble BTLA levels correlated with adverse cytogenetics and shorter time to treatment. BTLA blockade restored, at least in part, NK cell-mediated responses in patients with CLL. Altogether, our results provide the rationale to further investigate the role of BTLA/HVEM axis in the pathogenesis of CLL. Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by progressive immunosuppression and diminished cancer immunosurveillance. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based therapies, a major breakthrough against cancer, have emerged as a powerful tool to reinvigorate antitumor responses. Herein, we analyzed the role of the novel inhibitory checkpoint BTLA and its ligand, HVEM, in the regulation of leukemic and natural killer (NK) cells in CLL. Flow cytometry analyses showed that BTLA expression is upregulated on leukemic cells and NK cells from patients with CLL, whereas HVEM is downregulated only in leukemic cells, especially in patients with advanced Rai-Binet stage. In silico analysis revealed that increased HVEM, but not BTLA, mRNA expression in leukemic cells correlated with diminished overall survival. Further, soluble BTLA (sBTLA) was found to be increased in the sera of patients with CLL and highly correlated with poor prognostic markers and shorter time to treatment. BTLA blockade with an anti-BTLA monoclonal antibody depleted leukemic cells and boosted NK cell-mediated responses ex vivo by increasing their IFN-γ production, cytotoxic capability, and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC). In agreement with an inhibitory role of BTLA in NK cells, surface BTLA expression on NK cells was associated with poor outcome in patients with CLL. Overall, this study is the first to bring to light a role of BTLA/HVEM in the suppression of NK cell-mediated immune responses in CLL and its impact on patient’s prognosis, suggesting that BTLA/HVEM axis may be a potential therapeutic target in this disease.
Collapse
|
48
|
Ning Z, Liu K, Xiong H. Roles of BTLA in Immunity and Immune Disorders. Front Immunol 2021; 12:654960. [PMID: 33859648 PMCID: PMC8043046 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.654960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is one of the most important cosignaling molecules. It belongs to the CD28 superfamily and is similar to programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) in terms of its structure and function. BTLA can be detected in most lymphocytes and induces immunosuppression by inhibiting B and T cell activation and proliferation. The BTLA ligand, herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), does not belong to the classic B7 family. Instead, it is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily. The association of BTLA with HVEM directly bridges the CD28 and TNFR families and mediates broad and powerful immune effects. Recently, a large number of studies have found that BTLA participates in numerous physiopathological processes, such as tumor, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and transplantation rejection. Therefore, the present work aimed to review the existing knowledge about BTLA in immunity and summarize the diverse functions of BTLA in various immune disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaochen Ning
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Keyan Liu
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Yin L, Yang Y, Zhu W, Xian Y, Han Z, Huang H, Peng L, Zhang K, Zhao Y. Heat Shock Protein 90 Triggers Multi-Drug Resistance of Ovarian Cancer via AKT/GSK3β/β-Catenin Signaling. Front Oncol 2021; 11:620907. [PMID: 33738259 PMCID: PMC7960917 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.620907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecologic tumor, with which multi-drug resistance as the major therapeutic hindrance. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) has been involved in cancer malignant behaviors. However, its role and mechanism in multi-drug resistance of ovarian cancer remains poorly understood. Our results demonstrated that Hsp90 was overexpressed in multi-drug resistant ovarian cancer cells. Hsp90 downregulation by shHsp90 or inhibitor BIIB021 increased the sensitivity of multi-drug resistant ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel and cisplatin, and augmented the drugs-induced apoptosis. Hsp90 positively regulated the expressions of multi-drug resistance protein 1 (P-gp/MDR1), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), Survivin and Bcl-2 expressions closely associated with multi-drug resistance. Moreover, overexpression of Hsp90 promoted β-catenin accumulation, while Hsp90 downregulation decreased the accumulation, nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of β-catenin. We also identified that β-catenin was responsible for Hsp90-mediated expressions of P-gp, BCRP, Survivin, and Bcl-2. Furthermore, Hsp90 enhanced the AKT/GSK3β signaling, and AKT signaling played a critical role in Hsp90-induced accumulation and transcriptional activity of β-catenin, as well as multi-drug resistance to paclitaxel and cisplatin. In conclusion, Hsp90 enhanced the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling to induce multi-drug resistance of ovarian cancer. Suppressing Hsp90 chemosensitized multi-drug resistant ovarian cancer cells via impairing the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for a successful treatment of ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yin
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanglong Zhu
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Xian
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengyu Han
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Houyi Huang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Liaotian Peng
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Dong X, Song J, Chen B, Qi Y, Jiang W, Li H, Zheng D, Wang Y, Zhang X, Liu H. Exploration of the Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Value of B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator in Skin Cutaneous Melanoma. Front Oncol 2021; 10:592811. [PMID: 33718105 PMCID: PMC7953043 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.592811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is a newly identified immune checkpoint molecular belonging to the CD28 immunoglobulin superfamily. However, the expression and clinical value of BTLA in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) has not been widely characterized. We found that BTLA levels were upregulated in metastatic melanoma compared to normal skin tissues and primary melanoma. Higher BTLA was also correlated with improved prognosis in SKCM based on several datasets. The multivariate Cox regression model revealed that BTLA was an independent survival indicator in metastatic melanoma. Tumor microenvironment analysis indicated BTLA was positively associated with the infiltrating levels of different immune cells and the activity of the anti-cancer immunity cycle. Importantly, BTLA accurately predicted the outcome of melanoma patients treated with MAGE-A3 blocker or first-line anti-PD-1. The present findings disclose that BTLA is a reliable biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapeutic response and might contribute to developing novel SKCM immunological treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xubin Dong
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Song
- Department of Children’s Health Care, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Buran Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yufeng Qi
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Jiang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huihui Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Danni Zheng
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yinghao Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haiguang Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|