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Miyamoto S, Hirohashi Y, Morita R, Miyazaki A, Ogi K, Kanaseki T, Ide K, Shirakawa J, Tsukahara T, Murai A, Sasaya T, Koike K, Kina S, Kawano T, Goto T, Ntege EH, Shimizu Y, Torigoe T. Exploring olfactory receptor family 7 subfamily C member 1 as a novel oral cancer stem cell target for immunotherapy. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:3496-3508. [PMID: 37344992 PMCID: PMC10475777 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The mortality rate of oral cancer has not improved over the past three decades despite remarkable advances in cancer therapies. Oral cancers contain a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that share characteristics associated with normal stem cells, including self-renewal and multi-differentiation potential. CSCs are tumorigenic, play a critical role in cancer infiltration, recurrence, and distant metastasis, and significantly contribute to drug resistance to current therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapy. Cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTLs) are key immune cells that effectively recognize peptide antigens presented by the major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer antigen-specific targeting by CTLs effectively regulates CSCs that drive cancer progression. In this study, we utilized data from public domains and performed various bioassays on human oral squamous cell carcinoma clinical samples and cell lines, including HSC-2 and HSC-3, to investigate the potential role of olfactory receptor family 7 subfamily C member 1 (OR7C1), a seven transmembrane G-protein-coupled olfactory receptor that is also expressed in nonolfactory tissues and was previously reported as a novel marker and target of colon cancer initiating cell-targeted immunotherapy, in CSC-targeted treatment against oral cancer. We found that the OR7C1 gene was expressed only in oral CSCs, and that CTLs reacted with human leukocyte antigen-A24-restricted OR7C1 oral CSC-specific peptides. Taken together, our findings suggest that OR7C1 represents a novel target for potent CSC-targeted immunotherapy in oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Miyamoto
- Department of Oral SurgerySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Yoshihiko Hirohashi
- Department of PathologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Rena Morita
- Division of Fundamental Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Social ServicesHealth Sciences University of HokkaidoTobetsu‐ChoJapan
| | - Akihiro Miyazaki
- Department of Oral SurgerySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Kazuhiro Ogi
- Department of Oral SurgerySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Takayuki Kanaseki
- Department of PathologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Kentaro Ide
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Functional Rehabilitation, Graduate School of MedicineUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
| | - Jumpei Shirakawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Functional Rehabilitation, Graduate School of MedicineUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
| | - Tomohide Tsukahara
- Department of PathologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Aiko Murai
- Department of PathologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Takashi Sasaya
- Department of Oral SurgerySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
- Department of PathologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Kazushige Koike
- Department of Oral SurgerySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Shinichiro Kina
- Center for Medical EducationGunma University Graduate School of MedicineMaebashiJapan
| | - Toshihiro Kawano
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Functional Rehabilitation, Graduate School of MedicineUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
| | - Takahiro Goto
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Functional Rehabilitation, Graduate School of MedicineUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
| | - Edward Hosea Ntege
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Functional Rehabilitation, Graduate School of MedicineUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
| | - Yusuke Shimizu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineUniversity of the RyukyusNishiharaJapan
| | - Toshihiko Torigoe
- Department of PathologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
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Loukinov D, Anderson AL, Mkrtichyan M, Ghochikyan A, Rivero-Hinojosa S, Tucker J, Lobanenkov V, Agadjanyan MG, Nelson EL. A Therapeutic Vaccine Targeting Rat BORIS (CTCFL) for the Treatment of Rat Breast Cancer Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5976. [PMID: 36983050 PMCID: PMC10058450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer testis antigens are ideal for tumor immunotherapy due to their testis-restricted expression. We previously showed that an immunotherapeutic vaccine targeting the germ cell-specific transcription factor BORIS (CTCFL) was highly effective in treating aggressive breast cancer in the 4T1 mouse model. Here, we further tested the therapeutic efficacy of BORIS in a rat 13762 breast cancer model. We generated a recombinant VEE-VRP (Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis-derived replicon particle) vector-expressing modified rat BORIS lacking a DNA-binding domain (VRP-mBORIS). Rats were inoculated with the 13762 cells, immunized with VRP-mBORIS 48 h later, and then, subsequently, boosted at 10-day intervals. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Cured rats were re-challenged with the same 13762 cells. We demonstrated that BORIS was expressed in a small population of the 13762 cells, called cancer stem cells. Treatment of rats with VRP-BORIS suppressed tumor growth leading to its complete disappearance in up to 50% of the rats and significantly improved their survival. This improvement was associated with the induction of BORIS-specific cellular immune responses measured by T-helper cell proliferation and INFγ secretion. The re-challenging of cured rats with the same 13762 cells indicated that the immune response prevented tumor growth. Thus, a therapeutic vaccine against rat BORIS showed high efficacy in treating the rat 13762 carcinoma. These data suggest that targeting BORIS can lead to the elimination of mammary tumors and cure animals even though BORIS expression is detected only in cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri Loukinov
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Amanda Laust Anderson
- Center for Immunology, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jo Tucker
- Center for Immunology, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA
| | - Victor Lobanenkov
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Edward L. Nelson
- Center for Immunology, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA
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3
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Wei L, Liu Z, Qin L, Xian L, Chen K, Zhou S, Hu L, Xiong Y, Li B, Qin Y. BORIS variant SF2(C2/A4) promotes the malignant development of liver cancer by activating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and hepatic stellate cells. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:731-742. [PMID: 36929051 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms of metastasis and recurrence of liver cancer remain largely unknown. Here, we found that Brother of the Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) variant SF2(C2/A4) was highly expressed in high metastatic potential hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and clinical tumor samples, related to the formation of satellite nodules. Its over expression promoted self-renewal, the expression of tumor stem cell markers, chemoresistance, wound healing rate, invasion and metastasis of HepG2 and Hep3B cells; reinforced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), decreased the expression of E-cadherin and increased N-cadherin and Vimentin. Subcellular localization experiment showed that BORIS SF2(C2/A4) was localized in nucleus and cytoplasm. Further double luciferase reporter gene experiment confirmed that it bound to TWIST1 gene promoter and significantly increased latter expression. BORIS SF2(C2/A4) knock down induced apoptosis of HCCLM3 and PLC/PRF/5 cells, and increased the protein content of cleaved caspase 3. Additionally, BORIS SF2(C2/A4) over expression increased the expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in HepG2 and Hep3B cells. FGF2 expressed higher in HCC tumor tissues than in paired peri-tumor tissues, and its expression was positively correlated with BORIS SF2(C2/A4). Interestingly, high expression of FGF2 is also associated with the formation of satellite nodules. Moreover, using the medium from BORIS SF2(C2/A4) overexpressed cell lines to coculture hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) line LX-2, the latter could be activated and increased the expression of CD90 and PIGF, which is consistent with the effect of adding bFGF alone. These results indicate that BORIS SF2(C2/A4) plays a role in deterioration of liver cancer by regulating TWIST1 to induce EMT, and by FGF2 to activate HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhongjian Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lu Qin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Longjun Xian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Kefei Chen
- Department of Surgery Division of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Siqi Zhou
- Department of Surgery Division of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lei Hu
- Department of Surgery Division of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yimei Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Surgery Division of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yang Qin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Zhou S, Li L, Zhang M, Qin Y, Li B. The function of brother of the regulator of imprinted sites in cancer development. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:236-244. [PMID: 36376421 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00556-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
As Douglas Hanahan and Robert Weinberg compiled, there are nine hallmarks of cancer that are conducive to cancer cell development and survival. Previous studies showed that brother of the regulator of imprinted sites (BORIS) might promote cancer progression through these aspects. The competition between BORIS and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), which is crucial in the formation of chromatin loops, affects the normal function of CTCF and leads to neoplasia and deformity. In addition, BORIS belongs to the cancer-testis antigen families, which are potential targets in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we discuss the function and mechanisms of BORIS, especially in cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University Medical School, 37 Guo Xue Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lian Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University Medical School, 37 Guo Xue Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University Medical School, 37 Guo Xue Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yang Qin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University Medical School, 37 Guo Xue Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
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5
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Yan J, Long X, Liang Y, Li F, Yu H, Li Y, Li Z, Tian Y, He B, Sun Y. Nanodrug delivery systems and cancer stem cells: From delivery carriers to treatment. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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6
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Zhang Y, Fang M, Li S, Xu H, Ren J, Tu L, Zuo B, Yao W, Liang G. BTApep-TAT peptide inhibits ADP-ribosylation of BORIS to induce DNA damage in cancer. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:158. [PMID: 35918747 PMCID: PMC9344678 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01621-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brother of regulator of imprinted sites (BORIS) is expressed in most cancers and often associated with short survival and poor prognosis in patients. BORIS inhibits apoptosis and promotes proliferation of cancer cells. However, its mechanism of action has not been elucidated, and there is no known inhibitor of BORIS. METHODS A phage display library was used to find the BORIS inhibitory peptides and BTApep-TAT was identified. The RNA sequencing profile of BTApep-TAT-treated H1299 cells was compared with that of BORIS-knockdown cells. Antitumor activity of BTApep-TAT was evaluated in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) xenograft mouse model. BTApep-TAT was also used to investigate the post-translational modification (PTM) of BORIS and the role of BORIS in DNA damage repair. Site-directed mutants of BORIS were constructed and used for investigating PTM and the function of BORIS. RESULTS BTApep-TAT induced DNA damage in cancer cells and suppressed NSCLC xenograft tumor progression. Investigation of the mechanism of action of BTApep-TAT demonstrated that BORIS underwent ADP ribosylation upon double- or single-strand DNA damage. Substitution of five conserved glutamic acid (E) residues with alanine residues (A) between amino acids (AAs) 198 and 228 of BORIS reduced its ADP ribosylation. Inhibition of ADP ribosylation of BORIS by a site-specific mutation or by BTApep-TAT treatment blocked its interaction with Ku70 and impaired the function of BORIS in DNA damage repair. CONCLUSIONS The present study identified an inhibitor of BORIS, highlighted the importance of ADP ribosylation of BORIS, and revealed a novel function of BORIS in DNA damage repair. The present work provides a practical method for the future screening or optimization of drugs targeting BORIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Zhang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
| | - Mengdie Fang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.,College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shouye Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.,Zhejiang Eyoung Pharmaceutical Research and Development Center, Hangzhou, 311258, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Xu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Juan Ren
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Linglan Tu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Bowen Zuo
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Wanxin Yao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Guang Liang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China. .,College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China.
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7
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Yang P, Qiao Y, Meng M, Zhou Q. Cancer/Testis Antigens as Biomarker and Target for the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapy of Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:864159. [PMID: 35574342 PMCID: PMC9092596 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.864159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading type of malignant tumour among cancer-caused death worldwide, and the 5-year survival rate of lung cancer patients is only 18%. Various oncogenes are abnormally overexpressed in lung cancer, including cancer/testis antigens (CTAs), which are restrictively expressed in the male testis but are hardly expressed in other normal tissues, if at all. CTAs are aberrantly overexpressed in various types of cancer, with more than 60 CTAs abnormally overexpressed in lung cancer. Overexpression of oncogenic CTAs drives the initiation, metastasis and progression of lung cancer, and is closely associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Several CTAs, such as XAGE, SPAG9 and AKAP4, have been considered as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognostic prediction of lung cancer. More interestingly, due to the high immunogenicity and specificity of CTAs in cancer, several CTAs, including CT45, BCAP31 and ACTL8, have been targeted for developing novel therapeutics against cancer. CTA-based vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-T) and small molecules have been used in lung cancer treatment in pre-clinical and early clinical trials, with encouraging results being obtained. However, there are still many hurdles to be overcome before these therapeutics can be routinely used in clinical lung cancer therapy. This review summarises the recent rapid progress in oncogenic CTAs, focusing on CTAs as biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis and prognostic prediction, and as targets for novel anti-cancer drug discovery and lung cancer therapy. We also identify challenges and opportunities in CTA-based cancer diagnosis and treatment. Finally, we provide perspectives on the mechanisms of oncogenic CTAs in lung cancer development, and we also suggest CTAs as a new platform for lung cancer diagnosis, prognostic prediction, and novel anti-cancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yingnan Qiao
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mei Meng
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Quansheng Zhou
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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8
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GRIK2 is a target for bladder cancer stem-like cell-targeting immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:795-806. [PMID: 34405274 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03025-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that treatment-resistant cancer stem-like cells (CSCs)/cancer-initiating cells (CICs) can be targeted by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). CTLs recognize antigenic peptides derived from tumor-associated antigens; thus, the identification of tumor-associated antigens expressed by CSCs/CICs is essential. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) ligandome analysis using mass spectrometry enables the analysis of naturally expressed antigenic peptides; however, HLA ligandome analysis requires a large number of cells and is challenging for CSCs/CICs. In this study, we established a novel bladder CSC/CIC model from a bladder cancer cell line (UM-UC-3 cells) using an ALDEFLUOR assay. CSCs/CICs were isolated as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-high cells and several ALDHhigh clone cells were established. ALDHhigh clone cells were enriched with CSCs/CICs by sphere formation and tumorigenicity in immunodeficient mice. HLA ligandome analysis and cap analysis of gene expression using ALDHhigh clone cells revealed a distinctive antigenic peptide repertoire in bladder CSCs/CICs, and we found that a glutamate receptor, ionotropic, kainite 2 (GRIK2)-derived antigenic peptide (LMYDAVHVV) was specifically expressed by CSCs/CICs. A GRIK2 peptide-specific CTL clone recognized GRIK2-overexpressing UM-UC-3 cells and ALDHhigh clone cells, indicating that GRIK2 peptide can be a novel target for bladder CSC/CIC-targeting immunotherapy.
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9
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Yang P, Meng M, Zhou Q. Oncogenic cancer/testis antigens are a hallmarker of cancer and a sensible target for cancer immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188558. [PMID: 33933558 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence shows that numerous cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are uniquely overexpressed in various types of cancer and most CTAs are oncogenic. Overexpression of oncogenic CTAs promotes carcinogenesis, cancer metastasis, and drug resistance. Oncogenic CTAs are generally associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients and are an important hallmark of cancer, making them a crucial target for cancer immunotherapy. CTAs-targeted antibodies, vaccines, and chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-T) have recently been used in cancer treatment and achieved promising outcomes in the preclinical and early clinical trials. However, the efficacy of current CTA-targeted therapeutics is either moderate or low in cancer therapy. CTA-targeted cancer immunotherapy is facing enormous challenges. Several critical scientific problems need to be resolved: (1) the antigen presentation function of MHC-I protein is usually deficient in cancer patients, so that very low amounts of intracellular CTA epitopes are presented to tumor cell membrane surface, leading to weak immune response and subsequent immunity to CTAs; (2) various immunosuppressive cells are rich in tumor tissues leading to diminished tumor immunity; (3) the tumor tissue microenvironment markedly reduces the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In the current review paper, the authors propose new strategies and approaches to overcome the barriers of CTAs-targeted immunotherapy and to develop novel potent immune therapeutics against cancer. Finally, we highlight that the oncogenic CTAs have high tumor specificity and immunogenicity, and are sensible targets for cancer immunotherapy. We predict that CTAs-targeted immunotherapy will bring about breakthroughs in cancer therapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, PR China
| | - Mei Meng
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China; 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Quansheng Zhou
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China; 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China.
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10
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Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells: Developmental origin, tumorigenesis and translational cancer therapeutics. Transl Oncol 2020; 14:100948. [PMID: 33190044 PMCID: PMC7672320 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
While a large and growing body of research has demonstrated that mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) play a dual role in tumor growth and inhibition, studies exploring the capability of MSCs to contribute to tumorigenesis are rare. MSCs are key players during tumorigenesis and cancer development, evident in their faculty to increase cancer stem cells (CSCs) population, to generate the precursors of certain forms of cancer (e.g. sarcoma), and to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition to create the CSC-like state. Indeed, the origin and localization of the native MSCs in their original tissues are not known. MSCs are identified in the primary tumor sites and the fetal and extraembryonic tissues. Acknowledging the developmental origin of MSCs and tissue-resident native MSCs is essential for better understanding of MSC contributions to the cellular origin of cancer. This review stresses that the plasticity of MSCs can therefore instigate further risk in select therapeutic strategies for some patients with certain forms of cancer. Towards this end, to explore the safe and effective MSC-based anti-cancer therapies requires a strong understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of MSC action, ultimately guiding new strategies for delivering treatment. While clinical trial efforts using MSC products are currently underway, this review also provides new insights on the underlying mechanisms of MSCs to tumorigenesis and focuses on the approaches to develop MSC-based anti-cancer therapeutic applications.
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Alhabbab RY. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells by Genetically Engineered Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells. Front Genet 2020; 11:312. [PMID: 32391048 PMCID: PMC7188929 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The term cancer stem cell (CSC) starts 25 years ago with the evidence that CSC is a subpopulation of tumor cells that have renewal ability and can differentiate into several distinct linages. Therefore, CSCs play crucial role in the initiation and the maintenance of cancer. Moreover, it has been proposed throughout several studies that CSCs are behind the failure of the conventional chemo-/radiotherapy as well as cancer recurrence due to their ability to resist the therapy and their ability to re-regenerate. Thus, the need for targeted therapy to eliminate CSCs is crucial; for that reason, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has currently been in use with high rate of success in leukemia and, to some degree, in patients with solid tumors. This review outlines the most common CSC populations and their common markers, in particular CD133, CD90, EpCAM, CD44, ALDH, and EGFRVIII, the interaction between CSCs and the immune system, CAR T cell genetic engineering and signaling, CAR T cells in targeting CSCs, and the barriers in using CAR T cells as immunotherapy to treat solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowa Y. Alhabbab
- Division of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Debaugny RE, Skok JA. CTCF and CTCFL in cancer. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 61:44-52. [PMID: 32334335 PMCID: PMC7893514 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
CTCF plays a key role in organizing chromatin into TAD structures but it can also function as a transcription factor. CTCFL (CTCF-like), the paralog of CTCF, is normally transiently expressed in pre-meiotic male germ cells together with ubiquitously expressed CTCF. It plays a unique role in spermatogenesis by regulating expression of testis-specific genes. Genetic alterations in CTCF and its paralog CTCFL have both been found in numerous cancers, but it remains unknown to what extent CTCFL deregulates transcription on its own or by opposing CTCF. Here, we discuss some of the potential mechanisms by which these two proteins could alter gene regulation and contribute to oncogenic transcriptional programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne E Debaugny
- Dept. of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jane A Skok
- Dept. of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Kochin V, Nishikawa H. <Editors' Choice> Meddling with meddlers: curbing regulatory T cells and augmenting antitumor immunity. NAGOYA JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2019; 81:1-18. [PMID: 30962651 PMCID: PMC6433633 DOI: 10.18999/nagjms.81.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the transcription factor forkhead
box P3 (FoxP3) play an important role in self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Tregs have
evolved to protect the host from aberrant immune responses against self-components and
collateral damages occurring in the process of defense against invading pathogens by
softening immune responses. However, they turned to be a scourge in malignant tumors by
not only allowing and promoting tumor growth but also suppressing effective antitumor
actions, both inherent (host’s immune surveillance) and extrinsic (anticancer therapy). An
increase in the number of Tregs infiltrating into tumor sites and a concomitant decrease
in the number of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes are associated with a poor
prognosis for various types of cancers, marking Tregs as notorious meddlers with an
effective antitumor response. Various cancer immunotherapy approaches are often dampened
by meddling Tregs, making them one of the major targets in the treatment of cancer. The
recent success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that target immune checkpoint
molecules expressed by Tregs or effector T cells implies, that “meddling with meddlers”
represents an effective strategy in cancer immunotherapy. However, clinical responses to
ICIs are effective and durable only in some patients with cancer, whereas more than half
of them do not show significant clinical improvement. This implies that a therapeutic
approach based on the use of a single ICI, or targeting Tregs alone, is insufficient,
highlighting the need for combinatorial approaches. With regard to antitumor immune
stimulation, several approaches, such as vaccination with peptides (or the corresponding
DNA) to stimulate antigen-presenting CD8+ T cells with tumor-specific
neoantigens, cancer/testis antigens, or cancer stem cell antigens, that eventually boost
effective cytotoxic antitumor responses are being tested. This review describes the
immunosuppressive physiology of Tregs and their meddling with the host’s antitumor
immunity; current and prospective approaches to curb Tregs; and approaches to augment
antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly Kochin
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo / Chiba, Japan
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Loukinov D. Targeting CTCFL/BORIS for the immunotherapy of cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1955-1965. [PMID: 30390146 PMCID: PMC11028242 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2251-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines have great potential in the fight against metastatic malignancies. Current anti-tumor immunotherapy is hindered by existing tolerance to tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and tumor escape using various mechanisms, highlighting the need for improved targets for immunotherapy. The cancer-testis antigen CTCFL/BORIS was discovered 16 years ago and possesses all features necessary for an ideal TAA. Recently CTCFL/BORIS has received additional attention as a target expressed in cancer stem cells (CSC). These cells drive tumor growth recurrence, metastasis, and treatment resistance. CTCFL/BORIS silencing leads to senescence and death of CSC. Therefore, an immunotherapeutic strategy that targets CTCFL/BORIS may lead to the selective destruction of CSC and potential eradication of metastatic disease. The high immunotherapeutic potential of CTCFL/BORIS antigen was shown in a stringent 4T1 mouse model of breast cancer. Using these highly metastatic, poorly immunogenic carcinoma cells inoculated into T-helper2 prone mice, we showed that DC fed with recombinant CTCFL/BORIS as an immunogen inhibited tumor growth and reduced the number of metastases in distant organs. About 20% of CTCFL/BORIS immunized animals were tumor free. 50% of animals remained metastasis free. Those having metastasis showed at least tenfold fewer metastases compared to controls. In a rat model of breast cancer, we showed that alphavirus-based CTCFL/BORIS immunotherapy was capable of cancer elimination as we were able to cure 50% of animals. Based on the above data, we believe that translation of CTCFL/BORIS-targeting immunotherapeutic strategies to the clinic will provide new avenues for improving survival of breast cancer patients with advanced metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri Loukinov
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, NIAID/NIH, Twinbrook 1, Room 1329, 5640 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA.
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Dianat-Moghadam H, Heidarifard M, Jahanban-Esfahlan R, Panahi Y, Hamishehkar H, Pouremamali F, Rahbarghazi R, Nouri M. Cancer stem cells-emanated therapy resistance: Implications for liposomal drug delivery systems. J Control Release 2018; 288:62-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Zhao J, Wang Y, Liang Q, Xu Y, Sang J. MAGEA1 inhibits the expression of BORIS via increased promoter methylation. J Cell Sci 2018; 132:jcs.218628. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.218628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma-associated antigen A1 (MAGEA1) and BORIS are members of the cancer testis antigens (CTA) family. Their functions and expression regulation mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we revealed new functions and regulatory mechanisms of MAGEA1 and BORIS in breast cancer cells, which were investigated in parental and genetically manipulated breast cancer cells via gene overexpression or siRNA interference-mediated down-regulation. We identified the interaction between MAGEA1 and CTCF, which was required for the binding of MAGEA1 to BORIS promoter and critical for the recruitment of DNMT3a. A protein complex containing MAGEA1, CTCF and DNMT3a will be formed before or after the conjunction with BORIS promoter. The binding of this complex to the BORIS promoter accounts for the hypermethylation and repression of BORIS expression, which results in cell death in the breast cancer cell lines tested. Multiple approaches are employed, including co-IP, GST-pull down, co-localization, cell death analyses using the Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and caspase3 activation assays, ChIP and bisulfite sequencing PCR assays for methylation. These results have implications in the development of strategies in CTA-based immune therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jizhong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yueqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qianjin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St. R4-W037, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jianli Sang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Identification of antigenic peptides from novel renal cancer stem-like cell antigen, DNAJB8. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 494:693-699. [PMID: 29107688 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.10.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify antigenic peptides of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) antigen, DNAJB8, and establish a mouse CSCs-targeting immunotherapy model. MATERIALS AND METHODS To induce DNAJB8-specific immune reaction, we stimulated human CD8+ lymphocytes with antigen-presenting cells pulsed with a cocktail of three candidate HLA-A*24:02 restricted peptides and assessed peptide specific human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) induction. One of the antigenic peptides showed identical amino acid sequence as corresponding mouse DNAJB8. We evaluated CTL induction with the peptide immunization in mouse model. RESULTS We confirmed peptide-specific interferon-γ secretions and cytotoxic activities of induced human CTLs. In vivo immunization with the peptide to mice, peptide-specific CTL response could be observed in mouse CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, immunization with the peptide showed significant anti-tumor effects compared with negative controls. CONCLUSION DNAJB8-derived peptide is a novel candidate for CSCs-targeting immunotherapy, and mouse models can be used to evaluate CSCs-targeting immunotherapy.
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