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Inocencio JF, Mitrasinovic S, Asad M, Parney IF, Zang X, Himes BT. Immune checkpoint pathways in glioblastoma: a diverse and evolving landscape. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1424396. [PMID: 39346924 PMCID: PMC11427296 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1424396] [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: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint (IC) inhibition in glioblastoma (GBM) has not shown promising results in the last decade compared to other solid tumors. Several factors contributing to the lack of immunotherapy response include the profound immunosuppressive nature of GBM, highly redundant signaling pathways underlying immune checkpoints, and the negative immunogenic impact of current standard of care on the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we will discuss various ICs in the context of GBM, their interplay with the tumor immune microenvironment, relevant pre-clinical and clinical studies, and the impact of current treatment modalities on GBM IC blockade therapy. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive ICs, and how they contribute to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is critical in advancing IC inhibition therapy in GBM. Furthermore, revisiting current treatment modalities and their impact on the immune landscape is instrumental in designing future combinatorial therapies that may overcome treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio F Inocencio
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Stefan Mitrasinovic
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Mohammad Asad
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Ian F Parney
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Benjamin T Himes
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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2
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Chen X, Cui Y, Zou L. Treatment advances in high-grade gliomas. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1287725. [PMID: 38660136 PMCID: PMC11039916 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1287725] [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: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
High-grade gliomas (HGG) pose significant challenges in modern tumour therapy due to the distinct biological properties and limitations of the blood-brain barrier. This review discusses recent advancements in HGG treatment, particularly in the context of immunotherapy and cellular therapy. Initially, treatment strategies focus on targeting tumour cells guided by the molecular characteristics of various gliomas, encompassing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy for enhanced precision. Additionally, technological enhancements are augmenting traditional treatment modalities. Furthermore, immunotherapy, emphasising comprehensive tumour management, has gained widespread attention. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines and CAR-T cells exhibit promising efficacy against recurrent HGG. Moreover, emerging therapies such as tumour treating fields (TTFields) offer additional treatment avenues for patients with HGG. The combination of diverse treatments holds promise for improving the prognosis of HGG, particularly in cases of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liqun Zou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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3
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Jo W, Won T, Daoud A, Čiháková D. Immune checkpoint inhibitors associated cardiovascular immune-related adverse events. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1340373. [PMID: 38375475 PMCID: PMC10875074 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1340373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are specialized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target immune checkpoints and their ligands, counteracting cancer cell-induced T-cell suppression. Approved ICIs like cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed death-1 (PD-1), its ligand PD-L1, and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) have improved cancer patient outcomes by enhancing anti-tumor responses. However, some patients are unresponsive, and others experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs), affecting organs like the lung, liver, intestine, skin and now the cardiovascular system. These cardiac irAEs include conditions like myocarditis, atherosclerosis, pericarditis, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy. Ongoing clinical trials investigate promising alternative co-inhibitory receptor targets, including T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3) and T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT). This review delves into the mechanisms of approved ICIs (CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, and LAG-3) and upcoming options like Tim-3 and TIGIT. It explores the use of ICIs in cancer treatment, supported by both preclinical and clinical data. Additionally, it examines the mechanisms behind cardiac toxic irAEs, focusing on ICI-associated myocarditis and atherosclerosis. These insights are vital as ICIs continue to revolutionize cancer therapy, offering hope to patients, while also necessitating careful monitoring and management of potential side effects, including emerging cardiac complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonyoung Jo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Taejoon Won
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Abdel Daoud
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Daniela Čiháková
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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4
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Abdel-Rahman SA, Gabr M. Small Molecule Immunomodulators as Next-Generation Therapeutics for Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:435. [PMID: 38275876 PMCID: PMC10814352 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020435] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive astrocytic glioma, remains a therapeutic challenge despite multimodal approaches. Immunotherapy holds promise, but its efficacy is hindered by the highly immunosuppressive GBM microenvironment. This review underscores the urgent need to comprehend the intricate interactions between glioma and immune cells, shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) in GBM. Immunotherapeutic advancements have shown limited success, prompting exploration of immunomodulatory approaches targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and microglia, constituting a substantial portion of the GBM TME. Converting protumor M2-like TAMs to antitumor M1-like phenotypes emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy for GBM. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses an additional challenge to successful immunotherapy, restricting drug delivery to GBM TME. Research efforts to enhance BBB permeability have mainly focused on small molecules, which can traverse the BBB more effectively than biologics. Despite over 200 clinical trials for GBM, studies on small molecule immunomodulators within the GBM TME are scarce. Developing small molecules with optimal brain penetration and selectivity against immunomodulatory pathways presents a promising avenue for combination therapies in GBM. This comprehensive review discusses various immunomodulatory pathways in GBM progression with a focus on immune checkpoints and TAM-related targets. The exploration of such molecules, with the capacity to selectively target key immunomodulatory pathways and penetrate the BBB, holds the key to unlocking new combination therapy approaches for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somaya A. Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Moustafa Gabr
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
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5
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Worboys JD, Vowell KN, Hare RK, Ambrose AR, Bertuzzi M, Conner MA, Patel FP, Zammit WH, Gali-Moya J, Hazime KS, Jones KL, Rey C, Jonjic S, Rovis TL, Tannahill GM, Cruz De Matos GDS, Waight JD, Davis DM. TIGIT can inhibit T cell activation via ligation-induced nanoclusters, independent of CD226 co-stimulation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5016. [PMID: 37596248 PMCID: PMC10439114 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
TIGIT is an inhibitory receptor expressed on lymphocytes and can inhibit T cells by preventing CD226 co-stimulation through interactions in cis or through competition of shared ligands. Whether TIGIT directly delivers cell-intrinsic inhibitory signals in T cells remains unclear. Here we show, by analysing lymphocytes from matched human tumour and peripheral blood samples, that TIGIT and CD226 co-expression is rare on tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. Using super-resolution microscopy and other techniques, we demonstrate that ligation with CD155 causes TIGIT to reorganise into dense nanoclusters, which coalesce with T cell receptor (TCR)-rich clusters at immune synapses. Functionally, this reduces cytokine secretion in a manner dependent on TIGIT's intracellular ITT-like signalling motif. Thus, we provide evidence that TIGIT directly inhibits lymphocyte activation, acting independently of CD226, requiring intracellular signalling that is proximal to the TCR. Within the subset of tumours where TIGIT-expressing cells do not commonly co-express CD226, this will likely be the dominant mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Worboys
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Roseanna K Hare
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ashley R Ambrose
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Margherita Bertuzzi
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - William H Zammit
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Judit Gali-Moya
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
| | - Khodor S Hazime
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
| | - Katherine L Jones
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Camille Rey
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stipan Jonjic
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Tihana Lenac Rovis
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | | | | | - Daniel M Davis
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK.
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6
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Noorani I, Sidlauskas K, Pellow S, Savage R, Norman JL, Chatelet DS, Fabian M, Grundy P, Ching J, Nicoll JAR, Boche D. Clinical impact of anti-inflammatory microglia and macrophage phenotypes at glioblastoma margins. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad176. [PMID: 37324244 PMCID: PMC10265726 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a devastating brain cancer for which effective treatments are required. Tumour-associated microglia and macrophages promote glioblastoma growth in an immune-suppressed microenvironment. Most recurrences occur at the invasive margin of the surrounding brain, yet the relationships between microglia/macrophage phenotypes, T cells and programmed death-ligand 1 (an immune checkpoint) across human glioblastoma regions are understudied. In this study, we performed a quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of 15 markers of microglia/macrophage phenotypes (including anti-inflammatory markers triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 and CD163, and the low-affinity-activating receptor CD32a), T cells, natural killer cells and programmed death-ligand 1, in 59 human IDH1-wild-type glioblastoma multi-regional samples (n = 177; 1 sample at tumour core, 2 samples at the margins: the infiltrating zone and leading edge). Assessment was made for the prognostic value of markers; the results were validated in an independent cohort. Microglia/macrophage motility and activation (Iba1, CD68), programmed death-ligand 1 and CD4+ T cells were reduced, and homeostatic microglia (P2RY12) were increased in the invasive margins compared with the tumour core. There were significant positive correlations between microglia/macrophage markers CD68 (phagocytic)/triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (anti-inflammatory) and CD8+ T cells in the invasive margins but not in the tumour core (P < 0.01). Programmed death-ligand 1 expression was associated with microglia/macrophage markers (including anti-inflammatory) CD68, CD163, CD32a and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2, only in the leading edge of glioblastomas (P < 0.01). Similarly, there was a positive correlation between programmed death-ligand 1 expression and CD8+ T-cell infiltration in the leading edge (P < 0.001). There was no relationship between CD64 (a receptor for autoreactive T-cell responses) and CD8+/CD4+ T cells, or between the microglia/macrophage antigen presentation marker HLA-DR and microglial motility (Iba1) in the tumour margins. Natural killer cell infiltration (CD335+) correlated with CD8+ T cells and with CD68/CD163/triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 anti-inflammatory microglia/macrophages at the leading edge. In an independent large glioblastoma cohort with transcriptomic data, positive correlations between anti-inflammatory microglia/macrophage markers (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2, CD163 and CD32a) and CD4+/CD8+/programmed death-ligand 1 RNA expression were validated (P < 0.001). Finally, multivariate analysis showed that high triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2, programmed death-ligand 1 and CD32a expression at the leading edge were significantly associated with poorer overall patient survival (hazard ratio = 2.05, 3.42 and 2.11, respectively), independent of clinical variables. In conclusion, anti-inflammatory microglia/macrophages, CD8+ T cells and programmed death-ligand 1 are correlated in the invasive margins of glioblastoma, consistent with immune-suppressive interactions. High triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2, programmed death-ligand 1 and CD32a expression at the human glioblastoma leading edge are predictors of poorer overall survival. Given substantial interest in targeting microglia/macrophages, together with immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer, these data have major clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Noorani
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, The Francis Crick Institute and University College London, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London SO16 6AQ, UK
| | - Kastytis Sidlauskas
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Sean Pellow
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Reece Savage
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jeannette L Norman
- Histochemistry Research Unit, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - David S Chatelet
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mark Fabian
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Grundy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Jeng Ching
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - James A R Nicoll
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Delphine Boche
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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7
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Zhao J, Li L, Yin H, Feng X, Lu Q. TIGIT: An emerging immune checkpoint target for immunotherapy in autoimmune disease and cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110358. [PMID: 37262959 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoints (ICs), also referred to as co-inhibitory receptors (IRs), are essential for regulating immune cell function to maintain tolerance and prevent autoimmunity. IRs, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), have been shown to possess immunoregulatory properties that are relevant to various autoimmune diseases and cancers. Tumors are characterized by suppressive microenvironments with elevated levels of IRs on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Therefore, IR blockade has shown great potential in cancer therapy and has even been approved for clinical use. However, other IRs, including cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), may also represent promising targets for anti-tumor therapy. The increasing importance of IRs in autoimmune diseases has become apparent. In mouse models, TIGIT pathway blockade or TIGIT deficiency has been linked to T cell overactivation and proliferation, exacerbation of inflammation, and increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders. On the other hand, TIGIT activation has been shown to alleviate autoimmune disorders in murine models. Given these findings, we examine the effects of TIGIT and its potential as a therapeutic target for both autoimmune diseases and cancers. It is clear that TIGIT represents an emerging and exciting target for immunotherapy in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Zhao
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Li
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiqi Yin
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwei Feng
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
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8
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Pescia C, Pini G, Olmeda E, Ferrero S, Lopez G. TIGIT in Lung Cancer: Potential Theranostic Implications. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13041050. [PMID: 37109579 PMCID: PMC10145071 DOI: 10.3390/life13041050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
TIGIT (T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains) is a co-inhibitory receptor expressed on various immune cells, including T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells. TIGIT interacts with different ligands, such as CD155 and CD112, which are highly expressed on cancer cells, leading to the suppression of immune responses. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of TIGIT in regulating immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment and its role as a potential therapeutic target, especially in the field of lung cancer. However, the role of TIGIT in cancer development and progression remains controversial, particularly regarding the relevance of its expression both in the tumor microenvironment and on tumor cells, with prognostic and predictive implications that remain to date essentially undisclosed. Here, we provide a review of the recent advances in TIGIT-blockade in lung cancer, and also insights on TIGIT relevance as an immunohistochemical biomarker and its possible theranostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Pescia
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuditta Pini
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Olmeda
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lopez
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
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9
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Jantz-Naeem N, Böttcher-Loschinski R, Borucki K, Mitchell-Flack M, Böttcher M, Schraven B, Mougiakakos D, Kahlfuss S. TIGIT signaling and its influence on T cell metabolism and immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1060112. [PMID: 36874131 PMCID: PMC9982004 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1060112] [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: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the key challenges for successful cancer therapy is the capacity of tumors to evade immune surveillance. Tumor immune evasion can be accomplished through the induction of T cell exhaustion via the activation of various immune checkpoint molecules. The most prominent examples of immune checkpoints are PD-1 and CTLA-4. Meanwhile, several other immune checkpoint molecules have since been identified. One of these is the T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), which was first described in 2009. Interestingly, many studies have established a synergistic reciprocity between TIGIT and PD-1. TIGIT has also been described to interfere with the energy metabolism of T cells and thereby affect adaptive anti-tumor immunity. In this context, recent studies have reported a link between TIGIT and the hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF1-α), a master transcription factor sensing hypoxia in several tissues including tumors that among others regulates the expression of metabolically relevant genes. Furthermore, distinct cancer types were shown to inhibit glucose uptake and effector function by inducing TIGIT expression in CD8+ T cells, resulting in an impaired anti-tumor immunity. In addition, TIGIT was associated with adenosine receptor signaling in T cells and the kynurenine pathway in tumor cells, both altering the tumor microenvironment and T cell-mediated immunity against tumors. Here, we review the most recent literature on the reciprocal interaction of TIGIT and T cell metabolism and specifically how TIGIT affects anti-tumor immunity. We believe understanding this interaction may pave the way for improved immunotherapy to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouria Jantz-Naeem
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Romy Böttcher-Loschinski
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Borucki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marisa Mitchell-Flack
- Department of Oncology, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Martin Böttcher
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI), Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Burkhart Schraven
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI), Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI), Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sascha Kahlfuss
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI), Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
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10
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Nakazawa T, Nagasaka T, Yoshida K, Hasegawa A, Guo F, Wu D, Hiroshima K, Katoh R. Expression of T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT) in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. BMC Endocr Disord 2022; 22:204. [PMID: 35971106 PMCID: PMC9377113 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-022-01113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint proteins have not been fully examined in follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive carcinomas. Even multimodal treatment does not result in favorable clinical outcomes for patients with ATC. Anti-tumor immunity has therefore been highlighted as having therapeutic promise for ATC. METHODS We examined a novel immune checkpoint receptor, T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT), in variable thyroid lesions: adenomatous goiter, follicular adenoma, and thyroid carcinoma (TC) using immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS Our IHC results showed that TIGIT expression was detected in cancer cells of MTC and high-grade TC: poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) and ATC. Neoplastic cells were positive for TIGIT in four of five MTCs (80.0%), 17 of 31 ATCs (54.8%) and in 3 of 12 PDTCs (25.0%). TIGIT was not detected in any adenomatous goiters, thyroid benign tumors, or differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTCs). Intriguingly, ATC cells showing pleomorphic/giant cell features were positive for TIGIT, while ATC cells with other cell morphologies lacked the immunoreactivity. Intra-tumoral immune cell was inclined to be enriched in TIGI-positive ATC. Although coexisting papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) components demonstrated high-grade microscopic features, neither the PTC nor follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) components expressed TIGT in any composite ATCs. CONCLUSION TIGIT was immunohistochemically found in MTC with high frequency and partially in high-grade TC. TIGIT expression in cancer cells may be beneficial for a potential utility in MTC and a subset of high-grade TC, especially ATC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadao Nakazawa
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan.
| | - Takuya Nagasaka
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Keita Yoshida
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Atsuko Hasegawa
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Kenzo Hiroshima
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Ryohei Katoh
- Department of Pathology, Ito Hospital, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-8308, Japan
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11
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Giotta Lucifero A, Luzzi S. Emerging immune-based technologies for high-grade gliomas. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:957-980. [PMID: 35924820 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2110072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The selection of a tailored and successful strategy for high-grade gliomas (HGGs) treatment is still a concern. The abundance of aberrant mutations within the heterogenic genetic landscape of glioblastoma strongly influences cell expansion, proliferation, and therapeutic resistance. Identification of immune evasion pathways opens the way to novel immune-based strategies. This review intends to explore the emerging immunotherapies for HGGs. The immunosuppressive mechanisms related to the tumor microenvironment and future perspectives to overcome glioma immunity barriers are also debated. AREAS COVERED An extensive literature review was performed on the PubMed/Medline and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Only highly relevant articles in English and published in the last 20 years were selected. Data about immunotherapies coming from preclinical and clinical trials were summarized. EXPERT OPINION The overall level of evidence about the efficacy and safety of immunotherapies for HGGs is noteworthy. Monoclonal antibodies have been approved as second-line treatment, while peptide vaccines, viral gene strategies, and adoptive technologies proved to boost a vivid antitumor immunization. Malignant brain tumor-treating fields are ever-changing in the upcoming years. Constant refinements and development of new routes of drug administration will permit to design of novel immune-based treatment algorithms thus improving the overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Giotta Lucifero
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sabino Luzzi
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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12
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Tian X, Ning Q, Yu J, Tang S. T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain in cancer immunotherapy: A focus on tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells. Mol Immunol 2022; 147:62-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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13
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Yasutomi M, Christiaansen AF, Imai N, Martin-Orozco N, Forst CV, Chen G, Ueno H. CD226 and TIGIT Cooperate in the Differentiation and Maturation of Human Tfh Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:840457. [PMID: 35273617 PMCID: PMC8902812 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.840457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Costimulation pathways play an essential role in T cell activation, differentiation, and regulation. CD155 expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) interacts with TIGIT, an inhibitory costimulatory molecule, and CD226, an activating costimulatory molecule, on T cells. TIGIT and CD226 are expressed at varying levels depending on the T cell subset and activation state. T follicular helper cells in germinal centers (GC-Tfh) in human tonsils express high TIGIT and low CD226. However, the biological role of the CD155/TIGIT/CD226 axis in human Tfh cell biology has not been elucidated. To address this, we analyzed tonsillar CD4+ T cell subsets cultured with artificial APCs constitutively expressing CD155. Here we show that CD226 signals promote the early phase of Tfh cell differentiation in humans. CD155 signals promoted the proliferation of naïve CD4+ T cells and Tfh precursors (pre-Tfh) isolated from human tonsils and upregulated multiple Tfh molecules and decreased IL-2, a cytokine detrimental for Tfh cell differentiation. Blocking CD226 potently inhibited their proliferation and expression of Tfh markers. By contrast, while CD155 signals promoted the proliferation of tonsillar GC-Tfh cells, their proliferation required only weak CD226 signals. Furthermore, attenuating CD226 signals rather increased the expression of CXCR5, ICOS, and IL-21 by CD155-stimulated GC-Tfh cells. Thus, the importance of CD226 signals changes according to the differentiation stage of human Tfh cells and wanes in mature GC-Tfh cells. High TIGIT expression on GC-Tfh may play a role in attenuating the detrimental CD226 signals post GC-Tfh cell maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoko Yasutomi
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Allison F Christiaansen
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute Inc. (The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Naoko Imai
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Natalia Martin-Orozco
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute Inc. (The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Christian V Forst
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Department of Microbiology, The Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gang Chen
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute Inc. (The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Hideki Ueno
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,ASHBi Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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14
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Mahmoud AB, Ajina R, Aref S, Darwish M, Alsayb M, Taher M, AlSharif SA, Hashem AM, Alkayyal AA. Advances in immunotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme. Front Immunol 2022; 13:944452. [PMID: 36311781 PMCID: PMC9597698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.944452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor of the central nervous system and has a very poor prognosis. The current standard of care for patients with GBM involves surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, conventional therapies have not resulted in significant improvements in the survival outcomes of patients with GBM; therefore, the overall mortality rate remains high. Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system to fight cancer and has shown success in different types of aggressive cancers. Recently, healthcare providers have been actively investigating various immunotherapeutic approaches to treat GBM. We reviewed the most promising immunotherapy candidates for glioblastoma that have achieved encouraging results in clinical trials, focusing on immune checkpoint inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, nonreplicating viral vectors, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
- Strategic Research and Innovation Laboratories, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, King Saud University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud, ; Almohanad A. Alkayyal,
| | - Reham Ajina
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, King Saud University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Aref
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, King Saud University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar Darwish
- Strategic Research and Innovation Laboratories, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - May Alsayb
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustafa Taher
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
- Strategic Research and Innovation Laboratories, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaker A. AlSharif
- King Fahad Hospital, Ministry of Health, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center; King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Almohanad A. Alkayyal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Research Program, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud, ; Almohanad A. Alkayyal,
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15
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Jansen JA, Omuro A, Lucca LE. T cell dysfunction in glioblastoma: a barrier and an opportunity for the development of successful immunotherapies. Curr Opin Neurol 2021; 34:827-833. [PMID: 34569985 PMCID: PMC8595795 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade have revolutionized cancer treatment, but current approaches have failed to improve outcomes in glioblastoma and other brain tumours. T cell dysfunction has emerged as one of the major barriers for the development of central nervous system (CNS)-directed immunotherapy. Here, we explore the unique requirements that T cells must fulfil to ensure immune surveillance in the CNS, and we analyse T cell dysfunction in glioblastoma (GBM) through the prism of CNS-resident immune responses. RECENT FINDINGS Using comprehensive and unbiased techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing, multiple studies have dissected the transcriptional state of CNS-resident T cells that patrol the homeostatic brain. A similar approach has revealed that in GBM, tumour-infiltrating T cells lack the hallmarks of antigen-driven exhaustion typical of melanoma and other solid tumours, suggesting the need for better presentation of tumour-derived antigens. Consistently, in a mouse model of GBM, increasing lymphatic drainage to the cervical lymph node was sufficient to promote tumour rejection. SUMMARY For the success of future immunotherapy strategies, further work needs to explore the natural history of dysfunction in GBM tumour-infiltrating T cells, establish whether these originate from CNS-resident T cells and how they can be manipulated therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephina A. Jansen
- Departments of Neurology and Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | | | - Liliana E. Lucca
- Departments of Neurology and Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
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16
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Ge Z, Peppelenbosch MP, Sprengers D, Kwekkeboom J. TIGIT, the Next Step Towards Successful Combination Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:699895. [PMID: 34367161 PMCID: PMC8339559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.699895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) is an inhibitory receptor expressed on several types of lymphocytes. Efficacy of antibody blockade of TIGIT in cancer immunotherapy is currently widely being investigated in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. In multiple cancers TIGIT is expressed on tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, regulatory T cells and NK cells, and its main ligand CD155 is expressed on tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells and upregulated on cancer cells, which contributes to local suppression of immune-surveillance. While single TIGIT blockade has limited anti-tumor efficacy, pre-clinical studies indicate that co-blockade of TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 pathway leads to tumor rejection, notably even in anti-PD-1 resistant tumor models. Among inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules, a unique property of TIGIT blockade is that it enhances not only anti-tumor effector T-cell responses, but also NK-cell responses, and reduces the suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells. Numerous clinical trials on TIGIT-blockade in cancer have recently been initiated, predominantly combination treatments. The first interim results show promise for combined TIGIT and PD-L1 co-blockade in solid cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and identify the gaps in our current understanding of TIGIT’s roles in cancer immunity, and provide, based on these insights, recommendations for its positioning in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouhong Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center (MC), Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center (MC), Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dave Sprengers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center (MC), Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap Kwekkeboom
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center (MC), Rotterdam, Netherlands
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17
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Targeting Immune Modulators in Glioma While Avoiding Autoimmune Conditions. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143524. [PMID: 34298735 PMCID: PMC8306848 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143524] [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: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication signals and signaling pathways are often studied in different physiological systems. However, it has become abundantly clear that the immune system is not self-regulated, but functions in close association with the nervous system. The neural-immune interface is complex; its balance determines cancer progression, as well as autoimmune disorders. Immunotherapy remains a promising approach in the context of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The primary obstacle to finding effective therapies is the potent immunosuppression induced by GBM. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, induction of regulatory T cells, and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules are the key mediators for immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoint molecules are ligand-receptor pairs that exert inhibitory or stimulatory effects on immune responses. In the past decade, they have been extensively studied in preclinical and clinical trials in diseases such as cancer or autoimmune diseases in which the immune system has failed to maintain homeostasis. In this review, we will discuss promising immune-modulatory targets that are in the focus of current clinical research in glioblastoma, but are also in the precarious position of potentially becoming starting points for the development of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
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18
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Cocco C, Morandi F, Airoldi I. Immune Checkpoints in Pediatric Solid Tumors: Targetable Pathways for Advanced Therapeutic Purposes. Cells 2021; 10:927. [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] [Grants] [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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irma Airoldi
- Laboratorio Cellule Staminali Post-Natali e Terapie Cellulari, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.)
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19
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TIGIT/CD226 Axis Regulates Anti-Tumor Immunity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030200. [PMID: 33670993 PMCID: PMC7997242 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors escape immune surveillance by inducing various immunosuppressive pathways, including the activation of inhibitory receptors on tumor-infiltrating T cells. While monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) blocking programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) have been approved for multiple cancer indications, only a subset of patients benefit from immune checkpoint blockade therapies, highlighting the need for additional approaches. Therefore, the identification of new target molecules acting in distinct or complementary pathways in monotherapy or combination therapy with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is gaining immense interest. T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domains (TIGIT) has received considerable attention in cancer immunotherapy. Recently, anti-TIGIT mAb (tiragolumab) has demonstrated promising clinical efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer treatment when combined with an anti-PD-L1 drug (Tecentriq), leading to phase III trial initiation. TIGIT is expressed mainly on T and natural killer cells; it functions as an inhibitory checkpoint receptor, thereby limiting adaptive and innate immunity. CD226 competes for binding with the same ligands with TIGIT but delivers a positive stimulatory signal to the immune cells. This review discusses the recent discoveries regarding the roles of TIGIT and CD226 in immune cell function and their potential application in cancer immunotherapy.
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20
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Abstract
Antibody-based therapeutics targeting the inhibitory receptors PD-1, PD-L1, or CTLA-4 have shown remarkable clinical progress on several cancers. However, most patients do not benefit from these therapies. Thus, many efforts are being made to identify new immune checkpoint receptor-ligand pathways that are alternative targets for cancer immunotherapies. Nectin and nectin-like molecules are widely expressed on several types of tumor cells and play regulatory roles in T- and NK-cell functions. TIGIT, CD226, CD96 and CD112R on lymphoid cells are a group of immunoglobulin superfamily receptors that interact with Nectin and nectin-like molecules with different affinities. These receptors transmit activating or inhibitory signals upon binding their cognate ligands to the immune cells. The integrated signals formed by their complex interactions contribute to regu-lating immune-cell functions. Several clinical trials are currently evaluating the efficacy of anti-TIGIT and anti-CD112R blockades for treating patients with solid tumors. However, many questions still need to be answered in order to fully understand the dynamics and functions of these receptor networks. This review addresses the rationale behind targeting TIGIT, CD226, CD96, and CD112R to regulate T- and NK-cell functions and discusses their potential application in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-seung Jin
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Yoon Park
- Theragnosis Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Korea
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21
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Kong K, Zhao Y, Xia L, Jiang H, Xu M, Zheng J. B3GNT3: A prognostic biomarker associated with immune cell infiltration in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:159. [PMID: 33552277 PMCID: PMC7798085 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, one of the most malignant gastrointestinal tumors, is prone to liver metastasis. However, due to the lack of appropriate and comprehensive diagnostic methods, it is difficult to accurately predict the survival outcomes. Therefore, there is a need to identify effective biomarkers, such as UDP-GlcNAc: βGal β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 (B3GNT3), that predict the survival outcome of patients with pancreatic cancer. In the present study, based on data from 171 cases of pancreatic cancer obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas portal, the differential expression of mRNAs was screened by comparing cancerous tissues with adjacent tissues. Univariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that B3GNT3 had prognostic capability and could be an independent prognostic factor for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource tool and Tumor-Immune System Interaction Database, a potential relationship between B3GNT3 expression and immune cell infiltration was identified in pancreatic carcinoma. Furthermore, 177 samples of pancreatic carcinoma were collected and the association of CD68 expression with B3GNT3 was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. B3GNT3 expression was associated with clinical outcomes in pancreatic carcinoma and related to infiltrating levels of immune cells, which indicated that B3GNT3 could be used as an immunotherapy target for PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Kong
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyu Zhao
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Leilei Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Mingjuan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Jianming Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
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22
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Gedeon PC, Champion CD, Rhodin KE, Woroniecka K, Kemeny HR, Bramall AN, Bernstock JD, Choi BD, Sampson JH. Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy for glioblastoma: current progress, challenges and future outlook. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:1147-1158. [PMID: 32862726 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1817737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite maximal surgical resection and chemoradiation, glioblastoma (GBM) continues to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Given success in treating multiple other forms of cancer, checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy remains foremost amongst novel therapeutic strategies that are currently under investigation. AREAS COVERED Through a systematic review of both published literature and the latest preliminary data available from ongoing clinical studies, we provide an up-to-date discussion on the immune system in the CNS, a detailed mechanistic evaluation of checkpoint biology in the CNS along with evidence for disruption of these pathways in GBM, and a summary of available preclinical and clinical data for checkpoint blockade in GBM. We also include a discussion of novel, emerging targets for checkpoint blockade which may play an important role in GBM immunotherapy. EXPERT OPINION Evidence indicates that while clinical success of checkpoint blockade for the treatment of GBM has been limited to date, through improved preclinical models, optimization in the context of standard of care therapies, assay standardization and harmonization, and combinatorial approaches which may include novel targets for checkpoint blockade, checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy may yield a safe and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Gedeon
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cosette D Champion
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kristen E Rhodin
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karolina Woroniecka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hanna R Kemeny
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexa N Bramall
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joshua D Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bryan D Choi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
| | - John H Sampson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, NC, USA
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Rahimi Koshkaki H, Minasi S, Ugolini A, Trevisi G, Napoletano C, Zizzari IG, Gessi M, Giangaspero F, Mangiola A, Nuti M, Buttarelli FR, Rughetti A. Immunohistochemical Characterization of Immune Infiltrate in Tumor Microenvironment of Glioblastoma. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E112. [PMID: 32899203 PMCID: PMC7564919 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain cancer in adults, with very limited therapeutic options. It is characterized by a severe immunosuppressive milieu mostly triggered by suppressive CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor interventions aimed at rescuing anti-tumor immunity has not been proved to date. Thus, it is critically important to investigate the immunomodulatory mechanisms acting within the GBM microenvironment for the better design of immunotherapeutic strategies. METHODS The immunohistochemical analysis of a panel of immune biomarkers (CD3, FoxP3, CD163, IDO, PDL-1, PD-1 and TIGIT) was performed in paired samples of the tumor core (TC) and peritumoral area (PTA) of nine GBM patients. RESULTS CD163+ cells were the most common cell type in both the PTA and TC. IDO and PDL-1 were expressed in most of the TC samples, frequently accompanied by TIGIT expression; on the contrary, they were almost absent in the PTA. CD3+ cells were present in both the TC and PTA, to a lesser extent than CD163+ cells; they often were accompanied by PD-1 expression, especially in the TC. FoxP3 was scarcely present. CONCLUSION Distinct inhibitory mechanisms can act simultaneously in both the TC and PTA to contribute to the strong immunosuppression observed within the GBM microenvironment. Nevertheless, the PTA shows strongly reduced immunosuppression when compared to the TC, thus representing a potential target for immunotherapies. Moreover, our results support the working hypothesis that immunosuppression and T-cell exhaustion can be simultaneously targeted to rescue anti-tumor immunity in GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Rahimi Koshkaki
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324-00161 Rome, Italy; (H.R.K.); (A.U.); (C.N.); (I.G.Z.); (M.N.)
| | - Simone Minasi
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324-00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (F.G.); (F.R.B.)
| | - Alessio Ugolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324-00161 Rome, Italy; (H.R.K.); (A.U.); (C.N.); (I.G.Z.); (M.N.)
| | - Gianluca Trevisi
- Neurosurgical Unit, Ospedale Santo Spirito, Via Fonte Romana, 8-65124 Pescara, Italy; (G.T.); (A.M.)
| | - Chiara Napoletano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324-00161 Rome, Italy; (H.R.K.); (A.U.); (C.N.); (I.G.Z.); (M.N.)
| | - Ilaria G. Zizzari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324-00161 Rome, Italy; (H.R.K.); (A.U.); (C.N.); (I.G.Z.); (M.N.)
| | - Marco Gessi
- Neuropathology Unit, Department of Pathology Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica S.Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324-00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (F.G.); (F.R.B.)
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Annunziato Mangiola
- Neurosurgical Unit, Ospedale Santo Spirito, Via Fonte Romana, 8-65124 Pescara, Italy; (G.T.); (A.M.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, via dei Vestini, 32-66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marianna Nuti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324-00161 Rome, Italy; (H.R.K.); (A.U.); (C.N.); (I.G.Z.); (M.N.)
| | - Francesca R. Buttarelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324-00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (F.G.); (F.R.B.)
| | - Aurelia Rughetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324-00161 Rome, Italy; (H.R.K.); (A.U.); (C.N.); (I.G.Z.); (M.N.)
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Lupo KB, Matosevic S. CD155 immunoregulation as a target for natural killer cell immunotherapy in glioblastoma. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:76. [PMID: 32532329 PMCID: PMC7291472 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00913-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are powerful immune effectors, modulating their anti-tumor function through a balance activating and inhibitor ligands on their cell surface. Though still emerging, cancer immunotherapies utilizing NK cells are proving promising as a modality for the treatment of a number of solid tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM) and other gliomas, but are often limited due to complex immunosuppression associated with the GBM tumor microenvironment which includes overexpression of inhibitory receptors on GBM cells. CD155, or poliovirus receptor (PVR), has recently emerged as a pro-tumorigenic antigen, overexpressed on GBM and contributing to increased GBM migration and aggressiveness. CD155 has also been established as an immunomodulatory receptor, able to both activate NK cells through interactions with CD226 (DNAM-1) and CD96 and inhibit them through interaction with TIGIT. However, NK cell TIGIT expression has been shown to be upregulated in cancer, establishing CD155 as a predominantly inhibitory receptor within the context of GBM and other solid tumors, and rendering it of interest as a potential target for antigen-specific NK cell-based immunotherapy. This review will explore the function of CD155 within GBM as it relates to tumor migration and NK cell immunoregulation, as well as pre-clinical and clinical targeting of CD155/TIGIT and the potential that this pathway holds for the development of emerging NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Antigens, CD/physiology
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/physiology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Cell Adhesion
- Cell Movement
- Glioblastoma/immunology
- Glioblastoma/pathology
- Glioblastoma/therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/transplantation
- Mice
- Neoplasm Invasiveness/immunology
- Neoplasm Invasiveness/prevention & control
- Neoplasm Metastasis
- Oncolytic Virotherapy
- Poliovirus/physiology
- Reassortant Viruses/physiology
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/physiology
- Receptors, Virus/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Virus/immunology
- Rhinovirus/physiology
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle B Lupo
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Sandro Matosevic
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Purdue Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA.
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