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Liu D, Li M, Zhao Z, Zhou L, Zhi F, Guo Z, Cui J. Targeting the TRIM14/USP14 Axis Enhances Immunotherapy Efficacy by Inducing Autophagic Degradation of PD-L1. Cancer Res 2024; 84:2806-2819. [PMID: 38924473 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-3971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has greatly improved cancer treatment in recent years by harnessing the immune system to target cancer cells. The first immunotherapeutic agent approved by the FDA was IFNα. Treatment with IFNα can lead to effective immune activation and attenuate tumor immune evasion, but persistent treatment has been shown to elicit immunosuppressive effects. Here, we identified an autophagy-dependent mechanism by which IFNα triggers tumor immune evasion by upregulating PD-L1 to suppress the antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, IFNα increased the transcription of TRIM14, which recruited the deubiquitinase USP14 to inhibit the autophagic degradation of PD-L1. USP14 removed K63-linked ubiquitin chains from PD-L1, impairing its recognition by the cargo receptor p62 (also known as SQSTM1) for subsequent autophagic degradation. Combining the USP14 inhibitor IU1 with IFNα and anti-CTLA4 treatment effectively suppressed tumor growth without significant toxicity. This work suggests a strategy for targeting selective autophagy to abolish PD-L1-mediated cancer immune evasion. Significance: IFNα-induced TRIM14 transcription suppresses antitumor immunity by recruiting USP14 to inhibit autophagic degradation of PD-L1, indicating that targeting this axis could be an effective immunotherapeutic approach for treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Joint Lab of First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengqiu Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Joint Lab of First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyao Zhao
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Joint Lab of First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Zhi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyong Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Joint Lab of First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Joint Lab of First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Bugide S, Reddy DS, Malvi P, Gupta R, Wajapeyee N. ALK inhibitors suppress HCC and synergize with anti-PD-1 therapy and ABT-263 in preclinical models. iScience 2024; 27:109800. [PMID: 38741708 PMCID: PMC11089374 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109800] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) currently lacks effective therapies, leaving a critical need for new treatment options. A previous study identified the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) amplification in HCC patients, raising the question of whether ALK inhibitors could be a viable treatment. Here, we showed that both ALK inhibitors and ALK knockout effectively halted HCC growth in cell cultures. Lorlatinib, a potent ALK inhibitor, suppressed HCC tumor growth and metastasis across various mouse models. Additionally, in an advanced immunocompetent humanized mouse model, when combined with an anti-PD-1 antibody, lorlatinib more potently suppressed HCC tumor growth, surpassing individual drug efficacy. Lorlatinib induced apoptosis and senescence in HCC cells, and the senolytic agent ABT-263 enhanced the efficacy of lorlatinib. Additional studies identified that the apoptosis-inducing effect of lorlatinib was mediated via GGN and NRG4. These findings establish ALK inhibitors as promising HCC treatments, either alone or in combination with immunotherapies or senolytic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Bugide
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Dhana Sekhar Reddy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Parmanand Malvi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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Zanuso V, Pirozzi A, Balsano R, Pressiani T, Rimassa L. Safety and Efficacy of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab Combination as a First Line Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1689-1708. [PMID: 37808223 PMCID: PMC10557510 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s347932] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common leading causes of cancer death worldwide. As most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease, systemic therapy remains the backbone of treatment. In recent years, we have witnessed the transformation of advanced HCC treatment landscapes from single-agent targeted therapies to immunotherapy combinations, with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab becoming the new first-line standard of care with an increase in overall survival, progression-free survival, and objective response rate compared to sorafenib, and a positive impact on quality of life. Although the efficacy and safety of this combination have been confirmed regardless of ethnicity, age, and etiology, only a subgroup of patients seems to benefit the most from this treatment. Currently, predictive serum and tissue biomarkers to select patients who are most likely to respond to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab are lacking. Moreover, the optimal subsequent therapy for patients who progress on first-line atezolizumab plus bevacizumab remains unknown, clinical trials are ongoing, and real-world data are needed to determine the most effective treatment sequence. Importantly, careful evaluation of bleeding risk and preservation of adequate liver function are fundamental to improve patients' prognosis, especially when subsequent treatments are administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Zanuso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Pirozzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Balsano
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pressiani
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Tajiri K, Tsukada K, Tokimitsu Y, Motofuji Y, Kawai K, Muraishi N, Murayama A, Hayashi Y, Shimizu Y, Yasuda I. Objective Response and Progression-Free Survival Contribute to Prolong Overall Survival in Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab Treatment for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Oncology 2023; 102:131-140. [PMID: 37666216 DOI: 10.1159/000533952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) is a standard treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to its good antitumor and survival prolongation effects. Post-progression survival (PPS) has been reported to be a great contributor in the treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors for unresectable HCC. This study aimed to clarify the significance of progression-free survival (PFS) or PPS of Atez/Bev treatment for HCC. METHODS We analyzed the correlations of PFS and PPS with overall survival (OS) in studies of HCC patients treated with Atez/Bev and evaluated the contribution to OS in Atez/Bev treatment with patients at our institutions as clinical practice. RESULTS Analysis of 18 studies involving 3,752 patients treated with Atez/Bev found that PPS had a stronger correlation with OS (R2 = 0.872, p < 0.001) than did PFS (R2 = 0.605, p = 0.001). Analysis of 80 patients with unresectable HCC treated with Atez/Bev found that presence of antitumor responses during Atez/Bev was the most significant contributor to OS, and post-progression treatment after Atez/Bev also significantly contribute to OS. CONCLUSION The presence of antitumor response with tumor shrinkage during Atez/Bev treatment contributes to good OS through its durable response. Atez/Bev treatment could be considered as first-line treatment for unresectable HCC. However, there is a need for optimal biomarkers for good antitumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuto Tajiri
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Tsukada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kouseiren Takaoka Hospital, Takaoka, Japan
| | | | - Yuchi Motofuji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shinseikai Toyama Hospital, Imizu, Japan
| | - Kengo Kawai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanto Municipal Hospital, Nanto, Japan
| | - Nozomu Muraishi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Aiko Murayama
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yuka Hayashi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanto Municipal Hospital, Nanto, Japan
| | - Ichiro Yasuda
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Martina D, Segelov E. Improving Equity Across Cancer Care Continuum in Asia Pacific. JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2300056. [PMID: 37364219 PMCID: PMC10497248 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Diah Martina
- Division of Psychosomatic and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Eva Segelov
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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