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Bayati F, Mohammadi M, Valadi M, Jamshidi S, Foma AM, Sharif-Paghaleh E. The Therapeutic Potential of Regulatory T Cells: Challenges and Opportunities. Front Immunol 2021; 11:585819. [PMID: 33519807 PMCID: PMC7844143 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.585819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an immunosuppressive subgroup of CD4+ T cells which are identified by the expression of forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3). The modulation capacity of these immune cells holds an important role in both transplantation and the development of autoimmune diseases. These cells are the main mediators of self-tolerance and are essential for avoiding excessive immune reactions. Tregs play a key role in the induction of peripheral tolerance that can prevent autoimmunity, by protecting self-reactive lymphocytes from the immune reaction. In contrast to autoimmune responses, tumor cells exploit Tregs in order to prevent immune cell recognition and anti-tumor immune response during the carcinogenesis process. Recently, numerous studies have focused on unraveling the biological functions and principles of Tregs and their primary suppressive mechanisms. Due to the promising and outstanding results, Tregs have been widely investigated as an alternative tool in preventing graft rejection and treating autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, targeting Tregs for the purpose of improving cancer immunotherapy is being intensively evaluated as a desirable and effective method. The purpose of this review is to point out the characteristic function and therapeutic potential of Tregs in regulatory immune mechanisms in transplantation tolerance, autoimmune diseases, cancer therapy, and also to discuss that how the manipulation of these mechanisms may increase the therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Bayati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research & Development Department, Aryogen Pharmed, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahsa Mohammadi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Valadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Jamshidi
- Research & Development Department, Aryogen Pharmed, Karaj, Iran
| | - Arron Munggela Foma
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Sharif-Paghaleh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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He S, Cai T, Yuan J, Zheng X, Yang W. Lipid Metabolism in Tumor-Infiltrating T Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1316:149-167. [PMID: 33740249 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-33-6785-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
T cells recognize "foreign" antigens and induce durable humoral and cellular immune responses, which are indispensable for defending pathogens, as well as maintaining the integrity and homeostasis of tissues and organs. T cells are the major immune cell population in the tumor microenvironment which play a critical role in the antitumor immune response and cancer immune surveillance. Defective immune response of tumor-infiltrating T cells is the main cause of cancer immune evasion. The antitumor response of T cells is affected by multiple factors in the tumor microenvironment, including immunosuppressive cells, immune inhibitory cytokines, tumor-derived suppressive signals like PD-L1, immnuogenicity of tumor cells, as well as metabolic factors like hypoxia and nutrient deprivation. Abundant studies in past decades have proved the metabolic regulations of the immune response of T cells and the tumor-infiltrating T cells. In this chapter, we will discuss the regulations of the antitumor response of tumor-infiltrating T cells by lipid metabolism, which is one of the main components of metabolic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangwen He
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Cai
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Yuan
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Zheng
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Ludwig N, Lotze MT. A treatise on endothelial biology and exosomes: homage to Theresa Maria Listowska Whiteside. HNO 2020; 68:71-79. [PMID: 31965194 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-019-00803-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are the current primary research focus of Dr. Theresa L. Whiteside. They are key mediators of intercellular communication in the head and neck, as well as other sites. Their effects in the tumor microenvironment are manifold and include suppression of immunity, promotion of angiogenesis, enabling of metastasis, as well as reprogramming of fibroblasts and mesenchymal stromal cells. The aim of this communication is to summarize Dr. Whiteside's contribution to the field of exosome research and details the interactions of exosomes with endothelial cells leading to recent findings on how to target endothelial cells using exosomes as a therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ludwig
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Departments of Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Bioengineering and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M T Lotze
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, G.27A, 5150 Centre Ave, 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Departments of Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Bioengineering and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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4
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Whiteside TL, Demaria S, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Zarour HM, Melero I. Emerging Opportunities and Challenges in Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:1845-55. [PMID: 27084738 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy strategies against cancer are emerging as powerful weapons for treatment of this disease. The success of checkpoint inhibitors against metastatic melanoma and adoptive T-cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor T cells against B-cell-derived leukemias and lymphomas are only two examples of developments that are changing the paradigms of clinical cancer management. These changes are a result of many years of intense research into complex and interrelated cellular and molecular mechanisms controling immune responses. Promising advances come from the discovery of cancer mutation-encoded neoantigens, improvements in vaccine development, progress in delivery of cellular therapies, and impressive achievements in biotechnology. As a result, radical transformation of cancer treatment is taking place in which conventional cancer treatments are being integrated with immunotherapeutic agents. Many clinical trials are in progress testing potential synergistic effects of treatments combining immunotherapy with other therapies. Much remains to be learned about the selection, delivery, and off-target effects of immunotherapy used alone or in combination. The existence of numerous escape mechanisms from the host immune system that human tumors have evolved still is a barrier to success. Efforts to understand the rules of immune cell dysfunction and of cancer-associated local and systemic immune suppression are providing new insights and fuel the enthusiasm for new therapeutic strategies. In the future, it might be possible to tailor immune therapy for each cancer patient. The use of new immune biomarkers and the ability to assess responses to therapy by noninvasive monitoring promise to improve early cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Personalized immunotherapy based on individual genetic, molecular, and immune profiling is a potentially achievable future goal. The current excitement for immunotherapy is justified in view of many existing opportunities for harnessing the immune system to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa L Whiteside
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cornell, New York, New York
| | - Maria E Rodriguez-Ruiz
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Hassane M Zarour
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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5
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Zhang D, Chen Z, Wang DC, Wang X. Regulatory T cells and potential inmmunotherapeutic targets in lung cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2016; 34:277-90. [PMID: 25962964 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-015-9566-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer and metastasis are two of the most lethal diseases globally and seldom have effective therapies. Immunotherapy is considered as one of the powerful alternatives. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) can suppress the activation of the immune system, maintain immune tolerance to self-antigens, and contribute to immunosuppression of antitumor immunity, which is critical for tumor immune evasion in epithelial malignancies, including lung cancer. The present review gives an overview of the biological functions and regulations of Tregs associated with the development of lung cancer and metastasis and explores the potentials of Treg-oriented therapeutic targets. Subsets and features of Tregs mainly include naturally occurring Tregs (nTregs) (CD4(+) nTregs and CD8(+) nTregs) and adaptive/induced Tregs (CD4(+) iTregs and CD8(+) iTregs). Tregs, especially in circulation or regional lymph nodes, play an important role in the progress and metastasis of lung cancer and are considered as therapeutic targets and biomarkers to predict the survival length and recurrence of lung cancer. Increasing understanding of Tregs' functional mechanisms will lead to a number of clinical trials on the discovery and development of Treg-oriented new therapies. Tregs play important roles in lung cancer and metastasis, and the understanding of Tregs becomes more critical for clinical applications and therapies. Thus, Tregs and associated factors can be potential therapeutic targets for lung cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Zhang
- Minhang Hospital, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
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Hussain M, Tang F, Liu J, Zhang J, Javeed A. Dichotomous role of protein kinase A type I (PKAI) in the tumor microenvironment: a potential target for 'two-in-one' cancer chemoimmunotherapeutics. Cancer Lett 2015; 369:9-19. [PMID: 26276720 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
An emerging trend in cancer chemoimmunotherapeutics is to develop 'two-in-one' therapies, which directly inhibit tumor growth and progression, as well as enhance anti-tumor immune surveillance. Protein kinase A (PKA) is a cAMP-dependent protein kinase that mediates signal transduction of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The regulatory subunit of PKA exists in two isoforms, RI and RII, which distinguish the PKA isozymes, PKA type I (PKAI) and PKA type II (PKAII). The differential expression of both PKA isozymes has long been linked to growth regulation and differentiation. RI/PKAI is particularly implicated in cellular proliferation and neoplastic transformation. Emerging experimental and pre-clinical data also indicate that RI/PKAI plays a key role in tumor-induced immune suppression. More briefly, RI/PKAI possesses a dichotomous role in the tumor microenvironment: not only contributes to tumor growth and progression, but also takes part in tumor-induced suppression of the innate and adaptive arms of anti-tumor immunosurveillance. This review specifically discusses this dichotomous role of RI/PKAI with respect to 'two-in-one' chemoimmunotherapeutic manipulation. The reviewed experimental and pre-clinical data provide the proof of concept validation that RI/PKAI may be regarded as an attractive target for a new, single-targeted, 'two hit' chemoimmunotherapeutic approach against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzammal Hussain
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Fei Tang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Jiancun Zhang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, 510530, China; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Aqeel Javeed
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are generally considered to be significant contributors to tumor escape from the host immune system. Emerging evidence suggests, however, that in some human cancers, Treg are necessary to control chronic inflammation, prevent tissue damage, and limit inflammation-associated cancer development. The dual role of Treg in cancer and underpinnings of Treg diversity are not well understood. This review attempts to provide insights into the importance of Treg subsets in cancer development and its progression. It also considers the role of Treg as potential biomarkers of clinical outcome in cancer. The strategies for monitoring Treg in cancer patients are discussed as is the need for caution in the use of therapies which indiscriminately ablate Treg. A greater understanding of molecular pathways operating in various tumor microenvironments is necessary for defining the Treg impact on cancer and for selecting immunotherapies targeting Treg.
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Clinical Impact of Regulatory T cells (Treg) in Cancer and HIV. CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT 2014; 8:201-7. [PMID: 25385463 DOI: 10.1007/s12307-014-0159-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The role of regulatory T cells, (Treg) in human cancer and HIV-1 infections has been under intense scrutiny. While the lack of a marker specific for human Treg has made it challenging to phenotype these cells, combinations of several markers and functional attributes of Treg have made it possible to assess their contributions to immune homeostasis in health and disease. Treg diversity and their plasticity create a challenge in deciding whether they are beneficial to the host by down-regulating excessive immune activation or are responsible for adverse effects such as suppression of anti-tumor immune responses resulting in promotion of tumor growth. Treg are emerging as active participants in several biochemical pathways involved in immune regulation. This review attempts to integrate current information about human Treg in respect to their activities in cancer and HIV-1. The goal is to evaluate the potential of Treg as targets for future immune or pharmacologic therapies for cancer or HIV-1 infections.
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Umansky V, Shevchenko I, Bazhin AV, Utikal J. Extracellular adenosine metabolism in immune cells in melanoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:1073-80. [PMID: 24756420 PMCID: PMC11029545 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is characterized by the development of chronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment, which leads to a strong immunosuppression associated with a rapid tumor progression. Adenosine is considered as one of the main immunosuppressive factors in the tumor environment. It is produced via enzymatic hydrolysis of extracellular ATP by ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 localized on cell surface. Using the ret transgenic mouse melanoma model that closely mimics human melanoma, we demonstrated an increased frequency of ectonucleotidase-positive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in melanoma lesions and lymphoid organs. Furthermore, we observed that conventional CD4(+)FoxP3(-) and CD8(+) T cells infiltrating melanoma lesions of ret transgenic mice were distinctly enriched in the CD39(+)CD73(+) subpopulation that co-expressed also PD-1. Ectonucleotidase expression was also up-regulated in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells upon activation. In addition, these ectoenzymes were largely found to be expressed on memory T cell compartment (in particular, on effector memory cells). Our data suggest that extracellular adenosine produced by regulatory T cells (Tregs) and MDSCs can suppress T cell effector functions through paracrine signaling. Another mechanism involves its production also by effector T cells and an inhibition of their anti-tumor reactivity via autocrine signaling as a part of the negative feedback loop. This mode of adenosine signaling could be also used by Tregs and MDSCs to enhance their immunosuppressive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit (G300), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany,
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10
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Burnstock G, Di Virgilio F. Purinergic signalling and cancer. Purinergic Signal 2014; 9:491-540. [PMID: 23797685 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-013-9372-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptors for extracellular nucleotides are widely expressed by mammalian cells. They mediate a large array of responses ranging from growth stimulation to apoptosis, from chemotaxis to cell differentiation and from nociception to cytokine release, as well as neurotransmission. Pharma industry is involved in the development and clinical testing of drugs selectively targeting the different P1 nucleoside and P2 nucleotide receptor subtypes. As described in detail in the present review, P2 receptors are expressed by all tumours, in some cases to a very high level. Activation or inhibition of selected P2 receptor subtypes brings about cancer cell death or growth inhibition. The field has been largely neglected by current research in oncology, yet the evidence presented in this review, most of which is based on in vitro studies, although with a limited amount from in vivo experiments and human studies, warrants further efforts to explore the therapeutic potential of purinoceptor targeting in cancer.
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Whiteside TL. Induced regulatory T cells in inhibitory microenvironments created by cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2014; 14:1411-25. [PMID: 24934899 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2014.927432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Regulatory T cells (Tregs) accumulating in the peripheral circulation and tumor sites of patients contribute to tumor escape from the host immune system. Tregs encompass subsets of immune cells with distinct phenotypic and functional properties. Whereas natural (n) or thymic-derived (t) Tregs regulate responses to self-antigens, inducible (i) or peripheral (p) Tregs generated and expanded in regulatory microenvironments control immune responses to a broad variety of antigens. AREAS COVERED Tregs accumulating in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are contextually regulated. They acquire phenotypic and functional attributes imposed by the inhibitory molecular pathways operating in situ. Several molecular pathways active in human cancer are reviewed. The pathways may differ from one tumor to another, and environmentally induced Tregs may be functionally distinct. Potential therapeutic strategies for selective silencing of iTregs are considered in the light of the newly acquired understanding of their phenotypic and functional diversity. EXPERT OPINION Human Tregs accumulating in cancer comprise 'bad' subsets, which inhibit antitumor immunity, and 'good' anti-inflammatory subsets, which maintain tolerance to self and benefit the host. Future therapeutic strategies targeting Tregs will need to discriminate between these Treg subsets and will need to consider reprogramming strategies instead of Treg elimination. Re-establishment of effective antitumor immune responses in cancer patients without disturbing a normal homeostatic T-cell balance will greatly benefit from insights into inhibitory pathways engaged by human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa L Whiteside
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute , 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 , USA +1 412 624 0096 ; +1 412 624 0264 ;
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Muller-Haegele S, Muller L, Whiteside TL. Immunoregulatory activity of adenosine and its role in human cancer progression. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 10:897-914. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2014.915739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Olson BM, Sullivan JA, Burlingham WJ. Interleukin 35: a key mediator of suppression and the propagation of infectious tolerance. Front Immunol 2013; 4:315. [PMID: 24151492 PMCID: PMC3798782 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in balancing the effector arm of the immune system is well documented, playing a central role in preventing autoimmunity, facilitating graft tolerance following organ transplantation, and having a detrimental impact on the development of anti-tumor immunity. These regulatory responses use a variety of mechanisms to mediate suppression, including soluble factors. While IL-10 and TGF-β are the most commonly studied immunosuppressive cytokines, the recently identified IL-35 has been shown to have potent suppressive function in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, not only does IL-35 have the ability to directly suppress effector T cell responses, it is also able to expand regulatory responses by propagating infectious tolerance and generating a potent population of IL-35-expressing inducible Tregs. In this review, we summarize research characterizing the structure and function of IL-35, examine its role in disease, and discuss how it can contribute to the induction of a distinct population of inducible Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Olson
- Department of Medicine, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin , Madison, WI , USA
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14
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Effect of ex vivo culture conditions on immunosuppression by human mesenchymal stem cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:154919. [PMID: 23862134 PMCID: PMC3687591 DOI: 10.1155/2013/154919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A microarray analysis was performed to investigate whether ex vivo culture conditions affect the characteristics of MSCs. Gene expression profiles were mainly influenced by the level of cell confluence rather than initial seeding density. The analysis showed that 276 genes were upregulated and 230 genes downregulated in MSCs harvested at ~90% versus ~50% confluence (P < 0.05, FC > 2). The genes that were highly expressed in MSCs largely corresponded to chemotaxis, inflammation, and immune responses, indicating direct or indirect involvement in immunomodulatory functions. Specifically, PTGES and ULBP1 were up-regulated in MSCs harvested at high density. Treatment of MSCs with PTGES or ULBP1 siRNA reversed their inhibition of T-cell proliferation in vitro. The culture conditions such as cell confluence at harvest seem to be important for gene expression profile of MSCs; therefore, the results of this study may provide useful guidelines for the harvest of MSCs that can appropriately suppress the immune response.
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Parodi A, Battaglia F, Kalli F, Ferrera F, Conteduca G, Tardito S, Stringara S, Ivaldi F, Negrini S, Borgonovo G, Simonato A, Traverso P, Carmignani G, Fenoglio D, Filaci G. CD39 is highly involved in mediating the suppression activity of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T regulatory lymphocytes. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 62:851-62. [PMID: 23359087 PMCID: PMC11029015 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1392-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CD39 is an ectoenzyme, present on different immune cell subsets, which mediates immunosuppressive functions catalyzing ATP degradation. It is not known whether CD39 is expressed and implicated in the activity of CD8+ regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg). In this study, CD39 expression and function was analyzed in both CD8+ and CD4+CD25(hi) Treg from the peripheral blood of healthy donors as well as from tumor specimens. CD39 was found expressed by both CD8+ (from the majority of healthy donors and tumor patients) and CD4+CD25(hi) Treg, and CD39 expression correlated with suppression activity mediated by CD8+ Treg. Importantly, CD39 counteraction remarkably inhibited the suppression activity of CD8+ Treg (both from peripheral blood and tumor microenvironment) suggesting that CD39-mediated inhibition constitutes a prevalent hallmark of their function. Collectively, these findings, unveiling a new mechanism of action for CD8+ Treg, provide new knowledge on intratumoral molecular pathways related to tumor immune escape, which could be exploited in the future for designing new biological tools for anticancer immune intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Parodi
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Florinda Battaglia
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Kalli
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrera
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Conteduca
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Samuele Tardito
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Stringara
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Ivaldi
- Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, DINOGMI, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Martino IST, Genoa, Italy
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Traverso
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Fenoglio
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 161322 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 7, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 161322 Genoa, Italy
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Multilevel pharmacological manipulation of adenosine-prostaglandin E₂/cAMP nexus in the tumor microenvironment: a 'two hit' therapeutic opportunity. Pharmacol Res 2013; 73:8-19. [PMID: 23619528 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Novel trends in cancer treatment research are focused on targeting the tumor microenvironment, thereby developing chemo-immunotherapeutic strategies which not only directly kill tumor cells, but also trigger the anti-tumor immune effector responses. Ectonucleotidases (CD39 and CD73)-generated extracellular adenosine and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2)-derived prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) are amongst the tumor microenvironmental factors that have emerged as attractive targets in this regard. Both comprise a pivotal axis in tumor progression and immune escape via autocrine and paracrine activation of a common intracellular signaling pathway, the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway, in cancer and immune cells. In this review, we venture a potential and realistic strategy that this adenosine-PGE₂/cAMP nexus is targetable at different levels, thereby pointing out a 'two hit' chemo-immunotherapeutic proposition: direct killing of tumor cells on one hand, and the rescuing of endogenous anti-tumor immune response on the other. The reviewed experimental, preclinical and clinical data provide the proof of concept that 'two hit' multilevel pharmacological manipulation of adenosine-E₂/cAMP nexus is achievable within the tumor microenvironment.
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Fruci D, Lo Monaco E, Cifaldi L, Locatelli F, Tremante E, Benevolo M, Giacomini P. T and NK cells: two sides of tumor immunoevasion. J Transl Med 2013; 11:30. [PMID: 23379575 PMCID: PMC3621684 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-11-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are known to reject several experimental murine tumors, but their antineoplastic activity in humans is not generally agreed upon, as exemplified by an interesting correspondence recently appeared in Cancer Research. In the present commentary, we join the discussion and bring to the attention of the readers of the Journal of Translational Medicine a set of recent, related reports. These studies demonstrate that effectors of the adaptive and innate immunity need to actively cooperate in order to reject tumors and, conversely, tumors protect themselves by dampening both T and NK cell responses. The recently reported ability of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expressed by melanoma cells to down-regulate activating NK receptors is yet another piece of evidence supporting combined and highly effective T/NK cell disabling. Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (MHC-I) molecules, including Human Leukocyte Antigen E (HLA-E), represent another class of shared activating/inhibitory ligands. Ongoing clinical trials with small molecules interfering with IDO and PGE2 may be exploiting an immune bonus to control cancer. Conversely, failure to simultaneously engage effectors of both the innate and the adaptive immunity may contribute to explain the limited clinical efficacy of T cell-only vaccination trials. Shared (T/NK cells) natural immunosuppressants and activating/inhibitory ligands expressed by tumor cells may provide mechanistic insight into impaired gathering and function of immune effectors at the tumor site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doriana Fruci
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, Rome 00165, Italy
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Fedatto PF, Sérgio CA, Paula MOE, Gembre AF, Franco LH, Wowk PF, Ramos SG, Horn C, Marchal G, Turato WM, Silva CL, da Fonseca DM, Bonato VLD. Protection conferred by heterologous vaccination against tuberculosis is dependent on the ratio of CD4(+) /CD4(+) Foxp3(+) cells. Immunology 2012; 137:239-48. [PMID: 22891805 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells inhibit the production of interferon-γ, which is the major mediator of protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In this study, we evaluated whether the protection conferred by three different vaccines against tuberculosis was associated with the number of spleen and lung regulatory T cells. We observed that after homologous immunization with the 65 000 molecular weight heat-shock protein (hsp 65) DNA vaccine, there was a significantly higher number of spleen CD4(+) Foxp3(+) cells compared with non-immunized mice. Heterologous immunization using bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) to prime and DNA-hsp 65 to boost (BCG/DNA-hsp 65) or BCG to prime and culture filtrate proteins (CFP)-CpG to boost (BCG/CFP-CpG) induced a significantly higher ratio of spleen CD4(+) /CD4(+) Foxp3(+) cells compared with non-immunized mice. In addition, the protection conferred by either the BCG/DNA-hsp 65 or the BCG/CFP-CpG vaccines was significant compared with the DNA-hsp 65 vaccine. Despite the higher ratio of spleen CD4(+) /CD4(+) Foxp3(+) cells found in BCG/DNA-hsp 65-immunized or BCG/CFP-CpG-immunized mice, the lungs of both groups of mice were better preserved than those of DNA-hsp 65-immunized mice. These results confirm the protective efficacy of BCG/DNA-hsp 65 and BCG/CFP-CpG heterologous prime-boost vaccines and the DNA-hsp 65 homologous vaccine. Additionally, the prime-boost regimens assayed here represent a promising strategy for the development of new vaccines to protect against tuberculosis because they probably induce a proper ratio of CD4(+) and regulatory (CD4(+) Foxp3(+) ) cells during the immunization regimen. In this study, this ratio was associated with a reduced number of regulatory cells and no injury to the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Fernanda Fedatto
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence suggests that FOXP3(+)CD25(high)CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) which accumulate in cancer may have beneficial or unfavorable effects on prognosis. The presence in tumor-associated inflammatory infiltrates of two subsets of Treg with distinct phenotypic and functional profiles might explain these conflicting observations. AREAS COVERED Human inducible (i) Treg arising by tumor-driven conversion of conventional CD4(+) T cells are highly suppressive, therapy-resistant Treg which down-regulate anti-tumor immune responses, promoting tumor growth. Natural (n) Treg, normally responsible for maintaining peripheral tolerance, control cancer-associated inflammation, which favors tumor progression. This division of labor between nTreg and iTreg is not absolute, and overlap may be common. Nevertheless, iTreg play a critical and major role in cancer and cancer therapy. The tumor microenvironment determines the type, frequency and suppression levels of accumulating Treg. EXPERT OPINION In cancer, a selective removal or silencing of iTreg and not of nTreg should be a therapeutic goal. However, the implementation of this challenging strategy requires further studies of cellular and molecular crosstalk among immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa L Whiteside
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pathology, Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Brudvik KW, Taskén K. Modulation of T cell immune functions by the prostaglandin E(2) - cAMP pathway in chronic inflammatory states. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:411-9. [PMID: 22141738 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01800.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic AMP is the intracellular second messenger for a variety of immunoregulatory inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2, adenosine and histamine that signal to effector T cells from monocytes, macrophages and regulatory T cells. Protein kinase A (PKA) type I localizes to lipid rafts in effector T cells during T cell activation and directly modulates proximal signal events including phosphorylation of C-terminal Src kinase (Csk), which initiates a negative signal pathway that fine-tunes the T cell activation process. The PKA-Csk immunoregulatory pathway is scaffolded by the A kinase anchoring protein ezrin, the Csk binding protein phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched membrane microdomains and the linker protein ezrin/radixin/moesin binding protein of 50 kDa. This pathway is hyperactivated in chronic infections with an inflammatory component such as HIV, other immunodeficiencies and around solid tumours as a consequence of local inflammation leading to inhibition of anti-tumour immunity. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Novel cAMP Signalling Paradigms. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.166.issue-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristoffer Watten Brudvik
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership and Biotechnology Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Beavis PA, Stagg J, Darcy PK, Smyth MJ. CD73: a potent suppressor of antitumor immune responses. Trends Immunol 2012; 33:231-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2012.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Revised: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Whiteside TL. Disarming suppressor cells to improve immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:283-288. [PMID: 22146892 PMCID: PMC11028463 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-1171-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Human tumors can use many different mechanisms to induce dysfunction in the host immune system. Accumulations of inducible regulatory T cells (iTreg, Tr1) are commonly seen in the tumor microenvironment. These Treg express CD39 and up-regulate CD73 ectonucleotidases, hydrolyze exogenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to AMP and adenosine and produce prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Most tumors also express CD39/CD73 and COX-2 and thus contribute to immune suppression. Pharmacologic inhibitors can be used to eliminate adenosine/PGE(2) production by Tr1 as well as the tumor or to block binding of these factors to their receptors on Teff or to selectively block cAMP synthesis in Teff. These pharmacologic blocking strategies used alone or in combination with conventional treatments or immunotherapies could disarm Tr1, at the same time restoring antitumor functions of Teff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa L Whiteside
- Departments of Pathology, Immunology and Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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