1
|
Barry KK, Kranseler JS, Robinson SN. A case of STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy with novel STING1 variant. Pediatr Dermatol 2024; 41:697-700. [PMID: 38369300 DOI: 10.1111/pde.15559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI) is a rare, monogenic interferonopathy caused by gain-of-function variants in STING1 (TMEM173) characterized by systemic inflammation, cutaneous vasculopathy, and interstitial lung disease. We report a case of SAVI attributed to a novel STING1 p.R284T variant who demonstrated characteristic cutaneous features including telangiectasias, livedo and acrocyanotic changes on face and extremities, as well as saddle nose deformity, failure to thrive, inflammatory arthritis and notable lack of pulmonary disease or autoantibody positivity. Due to the risk for progressive and irreversible lung and tissue damage and evolving therapeutic landscape involving the use of Janus kinase inhibitors, it is critical to recognize variable clinical phenotypes to diagnose and consider treatment options for SAVI patients early in their disease course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly K Barry
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie S Kranseler
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah N Robinson
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Korneenko TV, Pestov NB, Nevzorov IA, Daks AA, Trachuk KN, Solopova ON, Barlev NA. At the Crossroads of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING Pathway and the DNA Damage Response: Implications for Cancer Progression and Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1675. [PMID: 38139802 PMCID: PMC10747911 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121675] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved DNA-sensing cGAS-STING innate immunity pathway represents one of the most important cytosolic DNA-sensing systems that is activated in response to viral invasion and/or damage to the integrity of the nuclear envelope. The key outcome of this pathway is the production of interferon, which subsequently stimulates the transcription of hundreds of genes. In oncology, the situation is complex because this pathway may serve either anti- or pro-oncogenic roles, depending on context. The prevailing understanding is that when the innate immune response is activated by sensing cytosolic DNA, such as DNA released from ruptured micronuclei, it results in the production of interferon, which attracts cytotoxic cells to destroy tumors. However, in tumor cells that have adjusted to significant chromosomal instability, particularly in relapsed, treatment-resistant cancers, the cGAS-STING pathway often supports cancer progression, fostering the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we review this intricate pathway in terms of its association with cancer progression, giving special attention to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and gliomas. As the development of new cGAS-STING-modulating small molecules and immunotherapies such as oncolytic viruses involves serious challenges, we highlight several recent fundamental discoveries, such as the proton-channeling function of STING. These discoveries may serve as guiding lights for potential pharmacological advancements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana V. Korneenko
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Nikolay B. Pestov
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Ivan A. Nevzorov
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Alexandra A. Daks
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Kirill N. Trachuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Olga N. Solopova
- Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Nickolai A. Barlev
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ghukasyan R, Liang K, Chau K, Li L, Chan C, Abt ER, Le T, Park JY, Wu N, Premji A, Damoiseaux R, Luu T, Labora A, Rashid K, Link JM, Radu CG, Donahue TR. MEK Inhibition Sensitizes Pancreatic Cancer to STING Agonism by Tumor Cell-intrinsic Amplification of Type I IFN Signaling. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3130-3141. [PMID: 37195712 PMCID: PMC10865884 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists are currently in development for treatment of solid tumors, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Response rates to STING agonists alone have been promising yet modest, and combination therapies will likely be required to elicit their full potency. We sought to identify combination therapies and mechanisms that augment the tumor cell-intrinsic effect of therapeutically relevant STING agonists apart from their known effects on tumor immunity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We screened 430 kinase inhibitors to identify synergistic effectors of tumor cell death with diABZI, an intravenously administered and systemically available STING agonist. We deciphered the mechanisms of synergy with STING agonism that cause tumor cell death in vitro and tumor regression in vivo. RESULTS We found that MEK inhibitors caused the greatest synergy with diABZI and that this effect was most pronounced in cells with high STING expression. MEK inhibition enhanced the ability of STING agonism to induce type I IFN-dependent cell death in vitro and tumor regression in vivo. We parsed NFκB-dependent and NFκB-independent mechanisms that mediate STING-driven type I IFN production and show that MEK signaling inhibits this effect by suppressing NFκB activation. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the cytotoxic effects of STING agonism on PDAC cells that are independent of tumor immunity and that these therapeutic benefits of STING agonism can be synergistically enhanced by MEK inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Razmik Ghukasyan
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Keke Liang
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of General Surgery/Pancreatic and Thyroid Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Kevin Chau
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Luyi Li
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Charlotte Chan
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Evan R. Abt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Ahmanson Translational Imaging Division, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Thuc Le
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Ahmanson Translational Imaging Division, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joon Y. Park
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nanping Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alykhan Premji
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Robert Damoiseaux
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tony Luu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Amanda Labora
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Ahmanson Translational Imaging Division, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jason M. Link
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Caius G. Radu
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Ahmanson Translational Imaging Division, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Timothy R. Donahue
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Ahmanson Translational Imaging Division, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lipid Nanoparticles Delivering Constitutively Active STING mRNA to Stimulate Antitumor Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314504. [PMID: 36498833 PMCID: PMC9739380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Treating immunosuppressive tumors represents a major challenge in cancer therapies. Activation of STING signaling has shown remarkable potential to invigorate the immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironment (TME). However, we have shown that STING is silenced in many human cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In this study, we demonstrated that mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology could be used to efficiently deliver naturally occurring constitutively active STING mutant STINGR284S into these cancer cells to reactivate STING antitumor immunity and trigger robust killing of tumor cells. STING agonists are being actively pursued as cancer immunotherapies. However, traditional STING agonists can induce T cell cytotoxicity, counteracting the desired antitumor immune response. In addition, the antitumor efficacy of traditional STING agonists obligatorily depends on STING expression and does not work in STING-silenced cancers. Importantly, we found that STINGR284S mRNA-LNP does not introduce T cell cytotoxicity. Our studies demonstrated that mRNA-LNP delivery of STINGR284S can reactivate the antitumor response without introducing antiproliferative effects in lymphocytic immune cells, overcoming the toxicity and limitations of conventional STING agonists. Our work therefore identifies a novel therapeutic tool for reactivating antitumor immunity in an array of STING-silenced immunologically "cold" tumors that are refractory to current therapies.
Collapse
|
5
|
Hussain B, Xie Y, Jabeen U, Lu D, Yang B, Wu C, Shang G. Activation of STING Based on Its Structural Features. Front Immunol 2022; 13:808607. [PMID: 35928815 PMCID: PMC9343627 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.808607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cGAS-cGAMP-STING pathway is an important innate immune signaling cascade responsible for the sensing of abnormal cytosolic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which is a hallmark of infection or cancers. Recently, tremendous progress has been made in the understanding of the STING activation mechanism from various aspects. In this review, the molecular mechanism of activation of STING protein based on its structural features is briefly discussed. The underlying molecular mechanism of STING activation will enable us to develop novel therapeutics to treat STING-associated diseases and understand how STING has evolved to eliminate infection and maintain immune homeostasis in innate immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Hussain
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Cell Biology of Shanxi Province, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yufeng Xie
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Uzma Jabeen
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Defen Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Infectious Disease Response, Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China
| | - Changxin Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Cell Biology of Shanxi Province, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Guijun Shang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Infectious Disease Response, Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Guijun Shang,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Human rhinovirus promotes STING trafficking to replication organelles to promote viral replication. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1406. [PMID: 35301296 PMCID: PMC8931115 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28745-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human rhinovirus (HRV), like coronavirus (HCoV), are positive-strand RNA viruses that cause both upper and lower respiratory tract illness, with their replication facilitated by concentrating RNA-synthesizing machinery in intracellular compartments made of modified host membranes, referred to as replication organelles (ROs). Here we report a non-canonical, essential function for stimulator of interferon genes (STING) during HRV infections. While the canonical function of STING is to detect cytosolic DNA and activate inflammatory responses, HRV infection triggers the release of STIM1-bound STING in the ER by lowering Ca2+, thereby allowing STING to interact with phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) and traffic to ROs to facilitates viral replication and transmission via autophagy. Our results thus hint a critical function of STING in HRV viral replication and transmission, with possible implications for other RO-mediated RNA viruses. Evidence exists that the typically antiviral signaling mediator STING is, counterintuitively, needed for optimal human rhinovirus infection. Here the authors confirm this finding and show how human rhinovirus can reduce stored Ca2+ levels to drive this effect.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abt ER, Le TM, Dann AM, Capri JR, Poddar S, Lok V, Li L, Liang K, Creech AL, Rashid K, Kim W, Wu N, Cui J, Cho A, Lee HR, Rosser EW, Link JM, Czernin J, Wu TT, Damoiseaux R, Dawson DW, Donahue TR, Radu CG. Reprogramming of nucleotide metabolism by interferon confers dependence on the replication stress response pathway in pancreatic cancer cells. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110236. [PMID: 35021095 PMCID: PMC8893345 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We determine that type I interferon (IFN) response biomarkers are enriched in a subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors; however, actionable vulnerabilities associated with IFN signaling have not been systematically defined. Integration of a phosphoproteomic analysis and a chemical genomics synergy screen reveals that IFN activates the replication stress response kinase ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) in PDAC cells and sensitizes them to ATR inhibitors. IFN triggers cell-cycle arrest in S-phase, which is accompanied by nucleotide pool insufficiency and nucleoside efflux. In combination with IFN, ATR inhibitors induce lethal DNA damage and downregulate nucleotide biosynthesis. ATR inhibition limits the growth of PDAC tumors in which IFN signaling is driven by stimulator of interferon genes (STING). These results identify a cross talk between IFN, DNA replication stress response networks, and nucleotide metabolism while providing the rationale for targeted therapeutic interventions that leverage IFN signaling in tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan R Abt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thuc M Le
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amanda M Dann
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph R Capri
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Soumya Poddar
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vincent Lok
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Luyi Li
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keke Liang
- Department of General Surgery/Pancreatic and Thyroid Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Amanda L Creech
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Woosuk Kim
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nanping Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jing Cui
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Arthur Cho
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Hailey Rose Lee
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ethan W Rosser
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason M Link
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Johannes Czernin
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ting-Ting Wu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert Damoiseaux
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Samueli School of Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David W Dawson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Timothy R Donahue
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Caius G Radu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Albright ER, Mickelson CK, Kalejta RF. Human Cytomegalovirus UL138 Protein Inhibits the STING Pathway and Reduces Interferon Beta mRNA Accumulation during Lytic and Latent Infections. mBio 2021; 12:e0226721. [PMID: 34903048 PMCID: PMC8669494 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02267-21] [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: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cGAS/STING/TBK1 (cyclic guanine monophosphate-AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes/Tank-binding kinase 1) innate immunity pathway is activated during human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) productive (lytic) replication in fully differentiated cells and during latency within incompletely differentiated myeloid cells. While multiple lytic-phase HCMV proteins neutralize steps along this pathway, none of them are expressed during latency. Here, we show that the latency-associated protein UL138 inhibits the cGAS/STING/TBK1 innate immunity pathway during transfections and infections, in fully differentiated cells and incompletely differentiated myeloid cells, and with loss of function and restoration of function approaches. UL138 inhibits the pathway downstream of STING but upstream of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation and NF-κB function and reduces the accumulation of interferon beta mRNA during both lytic and latent infections. IMPORTANCE While a cellular restriction versus viral countermeasure arms race between innate immunity and viral latency is expected, few examples have been documented. Our identification of the first HCMV latency protein that inactivates the cGAS/STING/TBK1 innate immune pathway opens the door to understanding how innate immunity, or its neutralization, impacts long-term persistence by HCMV and other latent viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Albright
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Clayton K. Mickelson
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Robert F. Kalejta
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
STING-driven interferon signaling triggers metabolic alterations in pancreas cancer cells visualized by [ 18F]FLT PET imaging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2105390118. [PMID: 34480004 PMCID: PMC8433573 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2105390118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) are critical effectors of emerging cancer immunotherapies designed to activate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). A challenge in the clinical translation of these agents is the lack of noninvasive pharmacodynamic biomarkers that indicate increased intratumoral IFN signaling following PRR activation. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging enables the visualization of tissue metabolic activity, but whether IFN signaling-induced alterations in tumor cell metabolism can be detected using PET has not been investigated. We found that IFN signaling augments pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell nucleotide metabolism via transcriptional induction of metabolism-associated genes including thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP). TYMP catalyzes the first step in the catabolism of thymidine, which competitively inhibits intratumoral accumulation of the nucleoside analog PET probe 3'-deoxy-3'-[18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT). Accordingly, IFN treatment up-regulates cancer cell [18F]FLT uptake in the presence of thymidine, and this effect is dependent upon TYMP expression. In vivo, genetic activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING), a PRR highly expressed in PDAC, enhances the [18F]FLT avidity of xenograft tumors. Additionally, small molecule STING agonists trigger IFN signaling-dependent TYMP expression in PDAC cells and increase tumor [18F]FLT uptake in vivo following systemic treatment. These findings indicate that [18F]FLT accumulation in tumors is sensitive to IFN signaling and that [18F]FLT PET may serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for STING agonist-based therapies in PDAC and possibly other malignancies characterized by elevated STING expression.
Collapse
|
10
|
NAD + depletion by type I interferon signaling sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to NAMPT inhibition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2012469118. [PMID: 33597293 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2012469118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that intratumoral interferon (IFN) signaling can trigger targetable vulnerabilities. A hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is its extensively reprogrammed metabolic network, in which nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and its reduced form, NADH, are critical cofactors. Here, we show that IFN signaling, present in a subset of PDAC tumors, substantially lowers NAD(H) levels through up-regulating the expression of NAD-consuming enzymes PARP9, PARP10, and PARP14. Their individual contributions to this mechanism in PDAC have not been previously delineated. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the NAD salvage pathway, a dominant source of NAD in cancer cells. We found that IFN-induced NAD consumption increased dependence upon NAMPT for its role in recycling NAM to salvage NAD pools, thus sensitizing PDAC cells to pharmacologic NAMPT inhibition. Their combination decreased PDAC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and suppressed orthotopic tumor growth and liver metastases in vivo.
Collapse
|
11
|
Tse SW, McKinney K, Walker W, Nguyen M, Iacovelli J, Small C, Hopson K, Zaks T, Huang E. mRNA-encoded, constitutively active STING V155M is a potent genetic adjuvant of antigen-specific CD8 + T cell response. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2227-2238. [PMID: 33677092 PMCID: PMC8261085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines induce potent immune responses in preclinical models and clinical studies. Adjuvants are used to stimulate specific components of the immune system to increase immunogenicity of vaccines. We utilized a constitutively active mutation (V155M) of the stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING), which had been described in a patient with STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI), to act as a genetic adjuvant for use with our lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA vaccines. mRNA-encoded constitutively active STINGV155M was most effective at maximizing CD8+ T cell responses at an antigen/adjuvant mass ratio of 5:1. STINGV155M appears to enhance development of antigen-specific T cells by activating type I IFN responses via the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) pathways. mRNA-encoded STINGV155M increased the efficacy of mRNA vaccines encoding the E6 and E7 oncoproteins of human papillomavirus (HPV), leading to reduced HPV+ TC-1 tumor growth and prolonged survival in vaccinated mice. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated the utility of an mRNA-encoded genetic adjuvant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sze-Wah Tse
- New Venture Labs, Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kristine McKinney
- New Venture Labs, Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - William Walker
- New Venture Labs, Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mychael Nguyen
- New Venture Labs, Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jared Iacovelli
- New Venture Labs, Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Clayton Small
- New Venture Labs, Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kristen Hopson
- New Venture Labs, Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tal Zaks
- New Venture Labs, Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Eric Huang
- New Venture Labs, Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kumar V. A STING to inflammation and autoimmunity. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 106:171-185. [PMID: 30990921 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4mir1018-397rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Various intracellular pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize cytosolic pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), a cytosolic PRR, recognizes cytosolic nucleic acids including dsDNAs. The recognition of dsDNA by cGAS generates cyclic GMP-AMP (GAMP). The cGAMP is then recognized by STING generating type 1 IFNs and NF-κB-mediated generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and molecules. Thus, cGAS-STING signaling mediated recognition of cytosolic dsDNA causing the induction of type 1 IFNs plays a crucial role in innate immunity against cytosolic pathogens, PAMPs, and DAMPs. The overactivation of this system may lead to the development of autoinflammation and autoimmune diseases. The article opens with the introduction of different PRRs involved in the intracellular recognition of dsDNA and gives a brief introduction of cGAS-STING signaling. The second section briefly describes cGAS as intracellular PRR required to recognize intracellular nucleic acids (dsDNA and CDNs) and the formation of cGAMP. The cGAMP acts as a second messenger to activate STING- and TANK-binding kinase 1-mediated generation of type 1 IFNs and the activation of NF-κB. The third section of the article describes the role of cGAS-STING signaling in the induction of autoinflammation and various autoimmune diseases. The subsequent fourth section describes both chemical compounds developed and the endogenous negative regulators of cGAS-STING signaling required for its regulation. Therapeutic targeting of cGAS-STING signaling could offer new ways to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Children's Health Queensland Clinical Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mater Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Patel S, Jin L. TMEM173 variants and potential importance to human biology and disease. Genes Immun 2018; 20:82-89. [PMID: 29728611 PMCID: PMC6212339 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-018-0029-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
TMEM173 gene encodes the protein STING (stimulator of interferon genes), a key player in host defense against pathogens. Mutations in the human TMEM173 gene cause a life-threatening auto-inflammatory disease called SAVI (STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy). Human STING is also a promising therapeutic target for cancers and infectious diseases. Recently, Aduro Biotech and Novartis announced a $250M-plus initiative to develop STING-targeting cancer immunotherapies. Thus, understanding the genetics of the human TMEM173 gene is important for both basic and translational research. The human TMEM173 gene has great heterogeneity and population stratification. R232 of STING is the most common human TMEM173 allele. However, >50% of Americans are not R232/R232. HAQ (R71H-G230A-R293Q) is the second most common human TMEM173 allele. While R232/R232 is the dominant TMEM173 genotype in Europeans, R232/HAQ is the most common TMEM173 genotype in East Asians. Importantly, recent studies suggested that HAQ and H232 are likely loss-of-function TMEM173 alleles. In all, ~30% of East Asians and ~10% of Europeans are HAQ/HAQ, HAQ/H232, or H232/H232. Here, we reviewed human TMEM173 alleles, mutations and their potential impact on human health and medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seema Patel
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Lei Jin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Krapp C, Jønsson K, Jakobsen MR. STING dependent sensing - Does HIV actually care? Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2018; 40:68-76. [PMID: 29548644 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sensing of DNA is essential for the innate immune system to detect threats, like viruses, intracellular bacteria or cellular DNA damage. At the centre of this conserved mammalian mechanism stands the adaptor protein STING. STING is highly regulated and is part of a complex signalling network. This network depends on the sensors cGAS and IFI16 to detect misplaced DNA in the cytoplasm as well as on the kinase TBK1 and the transcription factor IRF3. The DNA sensing machinery has been implicated in many diseases, among others HIV. Here we present a comprehensive review of current status on the STING pathway with all its components and regulations related to HIV pathogenesis. By this, we try to answer the question if STING-mediated DNA sensing plays a role in HIV infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Krapp
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Kasper Jønsson
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Martin R Jakobsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Shekarian T, Valsesia-Wittmann S, Brody J, Michallet M, Depil S, Caux C, Marabelle A. Pattern recognition receptors: immune targets to enhance cancer immunotherapy. Ann Oncol 2017; 28:1756-1766. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
|
16
|
Li Y, Wilson HL, Kiss-Toth E. Regulating STING in health and disease. J Inflamm (Lond) 2017; 14:11. [PMID: 28596706 PMCID: PMC5463399 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-017-0159-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of cytosolic double-stranded DNA molecules can trigger multiple innate immune signalling pathways which converge on the activation of an ER-resident innate immune adaptor named "STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING)". STING has been found to mediate type I interferon response downstream of cyclic dinucleotides and a number of DNA and RNA inducing signalling pathway. In addition to its physiological function, a rapidly increasing body of literature highlights the role for STING in human disease where variants of the STING proteins, as well as dysregulated STING signalling, have been implicated in a number of inflammatory diseases. This review will summarise the recent structural and functional findings of STING, and discuss how STING research has promoted the development of novel therapeutic approaches and experimental tools to improve treatment of tumour and autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Department of Infection; Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX UK
| | - Heather L. Wilson
- Department of Infection; Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX UK
| | - Endre Kiss-Toth
- Department of Infection; Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
STING signaling in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy: A friend or foe? Cancer Lett 2017; 402:203-212. [PMID: 28602976 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a DNA sensor and an important cytoplasmic adaptor for other DNA sensors, such as Z-DNA binding protein 1 (DAI), DEAD-box helicase 41 (DDX41), and interferon-γ-inducible protein 16 (IFI16). The activation of STING signaling leads to the production of type I interferons and some other pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are critical for host defense against viral infection. Recent accumulating evidences suggest that STING is also involved in tumor development. However, the role of STING signaling in tumorigenesis is complicated, and a comprehensive review is still lacking. In this paper, we provided an overview of the dual role of STING signaling in tumor development from clinical significance to fundamental mechanisms, as well as its pre-clinical application in cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
18
|
Disease-associated mutations identify a novel region in human STING necessary for the control of type I interferon signaling. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 140:543-552.e5. [PMID: 28087229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gain-of-function mutations in transmembrane protein 173 (TMEM173) encoding stimulator of interferon genes (STING) underlie a recently described type I interferonopathy called STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI). OBJECTIVES We sought to define the molecular and cellular pathology relating to 3 individuals variably exhibiting the core features of the SAVI phenotype including systemic inflammation, destructive skin lesions, and interstitial lung disease. METHODS Genetic analysis, conformational studies, in vitro assays and ex vivo flow-cytometry were performed. RESULTS Molecular and in vitro data demonstrate that the pathology in these patients is due to amino acid substitutions at positions 206, 281, and 284 of the human STING protein. These mutations confer cGAMP-independent constitutive activation of type I interferon signaling through TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase), independent from the alternative STING pathway triggered by membrane fusion of enveloped RNA viruses. This constitutive activation was abrogated by ex vivo treatment with the janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. CONCLUSIONS Structural analysis indicates that the 3 disease-associated mutations at positions 206, 281, and 284 of the STING protein define a novel cluster of amino acids with functional importance in the regulation of type I interferon signaling.
Collapse
|
19
|
Tao J, Zhou X, Jiang Z. cGAS-cGAMP-STING: The three musketeers of cytosolic DNA sensing and signaling. IUBMB Life 2016; 68:858-870. [PMID: 27706894 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Innate immunity is the first line of host defense against invading pathogens. The detection of aberrant nucleic acids which represent some conserved PAMPs triggers robust type I IFN-mediated innate immune responses. Host- or pathogen-derived cytosolic DNA binds and activates the DNA sensor cGAS, which synthesizes the second messenger 2'3'-cGAMP and triggers STING-dependent downstream signaling. Here, we highlight recent progress in cGAS-cGAMP-STING, the Three Musketeers of cytosolic DNA sensing and signaling, and their essential roles in infection, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. We also focus on the regulation of these critical signal components by variant host/pathogen proteins and update our understanding of this indispensable pathway to provide new insights for drug discovery. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(11):858-870, 2016.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengfan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. .,Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. .,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
The crossroads of autoimmunity and immunodeficiency: Lessons from polygenic traits and monogenic defects. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 137:3-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
21
|
The function of feline stimulator of interferon gene (STING) is evolutionarily conserved. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2016; 169:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|