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Jama M, Tabana Y, Barakat KH. Targeting cytotoxic lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) in breast cancer. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:353. [PMID: 38956700 PMCID: PMC11218087 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01901-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) has a high mortality rate and is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Initially, BC was considered non-immunogenic, but a paradigm shift occurred with the discovery of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the BC tumor microenvironment. CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) immunotherapy has emerged as a treatment option for BC, but it has limitations, including suboptimal antitumor effects and toxicity. Research has demonstrated that anti-CTLA-4 combination therapies, such as Treg depletion, cancer vaccines, and modulation of the gut microbiome, are significantly more effective than CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody (mAB) monotherapy. Second-generation CTLA-4 antibodies are currently being developed to mitigate immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and augment antitumor efficacy. This review examines anti-CTLA-4 mAB in BC, both as monotherapy and in combination with other treatments, and sheds light on ongoing clinical trials, novel CTLA-4 therapeutic strategies, and potential utility of biomarkers in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jama
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Yasser Tabana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Khaled H Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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Ma Y, Wang T, Zhang X, Wang P, Long F. The role of circular RNAs in regulating resistance to cancer immunotherapy: mechanisms and implications. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:312. [PMID: 38697964 PMCID: PMC11066075 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06698-3] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has rapidly transformed cancer treatment, yet resistance remains a significant hurdle, limiting its efficacy in many patients. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel class of non-coding RNAs, have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression and cellular processes. Increasing evidence indicates their involvement in modulating resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Notably, certain circRNAs function as miRNA sponges or interact with proteins, influencing the expression of immune-related genes, including crucial immune checkpoint molecules. This, in turn, shapes the tumor microenvironment and significantly impacts the response to immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we explore the evolving role of circRNAs in orchestrating resistance to cancer immunotherapy, with a specific focus on their mechanisms in influencing immune checkpoint gene expression. Additionally, we underscore the potential of circRNAs as promising therapeutic targets to augment the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. Understanding the role of circRNAs in cancer immunotherapy resistance could contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ma
- Department of Clinical Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Clinical Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Pinghan Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Fangyi Long
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610032, China.
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Kansal V, Kinney BL, Schmitt NC. Characterization of the tumor microenvironment in the mouse oral cancer (MOC1) model after orthotopic implantation in the buccal mucosa. Head Neck 2024; 46:1056-1062. [PMID: 38445546 PMCID: PMC11003840 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27722] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical models are invaluable for studies of head and neck cancer. There is growing interest in the use of orthotopic syngeneic models, wherein cell lines are injected into the oral cavity of immunocompetent mice. In this brief report, we describe injection of mouse oral cancer 1 (MOC1) cells into the buccal mucosa and illustrate the tumor growth pattern, lymph node response, and changes in the tumor immune microenvironment over time. METHODS MOC1 cells were injected into the buccal mucosa of C57BL6 mice. Animals were sacrificed at 7, 14, 21, or 27 days. Tumors and lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS All mice developed tumors by day 7 and required euthanasia for tumor burden and/or weight loss by day 27. Lymph node mapping showed that these tumors reliably drain to a submandibular lymph node. The proportion of intratumoral CD8+ T cells decreased over time, while neutrophilic myeloid cells increased dramatically. Growth of orthotopic MOC2 and MOC22 also showed similar growth patterns versus published data in flank tumors. CONCLUSIONS When used orthotopically in the buccal mucosa, the MOC1 model induces a robust lymph node response and distinct pattern of immune cell infiltration, with peak immune infiltration by day 14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Kansal
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Brendan L.C. Kinney
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Nicole C. Schmitt
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Rezaie J, Chodari L, Mohammadpour-Asl S, Jafari A, Niknam Z. Cell-mediated barriers in cancer immunosurveillance. Life Sci 2024; 342:122528. [PMID: 38408406 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exert multifaceted functions ranging from tumor-antagonizing or tumor-promoting activities. During the initial phases of tumor development, the tumor-antagonizing immune cells in the TME combat cancer cells in an immune surveillance process. However, with time, cancer cells can evade detection and impede the immune cells' effectiveness through diverse mechanisms, such as decreasing immunogenic antigen presentation on their surfaces and/or secreting anti-immune factors that cause tolerance in TME. Moreover, some immune cells cause immunosuppressive situations and inhibit antitumoral immune responses. Physical and cellular-mediated barriers in the TME, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor endothelium, the altered lipid composition of tumor cells, and exosomes secreted from cancer cells, also mediate immunosuppression and prevent extravasation of immune cells. Due to successful clinical outcomes of cancer treatment strategies the potential barriers must be identified and addressed. We need to figure out how to optimize cancer immunotherapy strategies, and how to combine therapeutic approaches for maximum clinical benefit. This review provides a detailed overview of various cells and molecules in the TME, their association with escaping from immune surveillance, therapeutic targets, and future perspectives for improving cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jafar Rezaie
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Leila Chodari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shadi Mohammadpour-Asl
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Abbas Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zahra Niknam
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Kaskas A, Clavijo P, Friedman J, Craveiro M, Allen CT. Complete tumor resection reverses neutrophilia-associated suppression of systemic anti-tumor immunity. Oral Oncol 2024; 150:106705. [PMID: 38280289 PMCID: PMC10939739 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2024.106705] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tumor infiltrating neutrophils suppress T cell function, but whether neutrophils in circulation contribute to systemic immunosuppression is unclear. We aimed to study whether peripheral neutrophils that accumulate with tumor progression contribute to systemic immunosuppression, and if observed suppression of systemic anti-tumor immunity could be reversed with complete surgical tumor removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS Syngeneic murine oral cancers were established in immunocompetent mice. Proteomic and functional immune assays were used to study plasma cytokine concentration, peripheral immune frequencies, and systemic anti-tumor immunity with and without complete primary tumor resection. RESULTS Ly6G+ neutrophilic cells, but not other myeloid cell types, accumulated in the periphery of mice with progressing tumors. This accumulation positively associated with plasma G-CSF concentration. Circulating neutrophils were functionally immunosuppressive. Complete surgical tumor removal reversed the observed neutrophilia, with neutrophil frequencies returning to baseline in 21 days. Multiple independent functional assays revealed enhanced systemic anti-tumor immunity in mice following tumor resection compared to tumor-bearing mice, and the observed enhanced systemic immunity could be reproduced with selective neutrophil depletion. CONCLUSIONS Complete primary tumor resection can reverse neutrophilia that develops during tumor progression and result in enhanced systemic anti-tumor immunity. Primary tumor removal relieves neutrophil-driven systemic immunosuppression and may itself contribute to the clinical benefit observed with neoadjuvant immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Kaskas
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center For Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul Clavijo
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center For Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jay Friedman
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center For Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marco Craveiro
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center For Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Clint T Allen
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center For Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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6
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Kansal V, Kinney BLC, Schmitt NC. Orthotopic injection of an established syngeneic mouse oral cancer cell line (MOC1) induces a robust draining lymph node response. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.12.575399. [PMID: 38260311 PMCID: PMC10802585 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.12.575399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background Preclinical models are invaluable for studies on the pathogenesis and treatment of head and neck cancer. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of orthotopic syngeneic models, wherein head and neck cancer cell lines are injected into the oral cavity of immunocompetent mice. However, few such orthotopic models have been described in detail. In this brief report, we describe techniques for injection of mouse oral cancer 1 (MOC1) cells into the buccal mucosa and illustrate the tumor growth pattern, lymph node response, and changes in the tumor immune microenvironment over time. Methods MOC1 cells were injected into the buccal mucosa of C57BL6 mice. Animals were sacrificed at 7, 14, 21, or 27 days. Tumors and lymph nodes were harvested and analyzed for immune cell subsets by flow cytometry. Results All inoculated mice developed palpable buccal tumors by day 7 and required euthanasia for tumor burden and/or weight loss by day 27. Lymph node mapping showed that these tumors reliably drain to a submandibular lymph node, which enlarges considerably over time. As in MOC1 tumors in the flank, the proportion of intratumoral CD8+ T cells decreased over time, while neutrophilic myeloid cells increased dramatically. However, the pattern and time course of immune changes in the TME were slightly different in the orthotopic buccal model. Conclusions When used orthotopically in the buccal mucosa, the MOC1 model induces a robust lymph node response and distinct pattern of immune cell infiltration, with peak immune infiltration by day 14.
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Jagadeeshan S, Novoplansky OZ, Cohen O, Kurth I, Hess J, Rosenberg AJ, Grandis JR, Elkabets M. New insights into RAS in head and neck cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188963. [PMID: 37619805 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
RAS genes are known to be dysregulated in cancer for several decades, and substantial effort has been dedicated to develop agents that reduce RAS expression or block RAS activation. The recent introduction of RAS inhibitors for cancer patients highlights the importance of comprehending RAS alterations in head and neck cancer (HNC). In this regard, we examine the published findings on RAS alterations and pathway activations in HNC, and summarize their role in HNC initiation, progression, and metastasis. Specifically, we focus on the intrinsic role of mutated-RAS on tumor cell signaling and its extrinsic role in determining tumor-microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity, including promoting angiogenesis and enhancing immune escape. Lastly, we summarize the intrinsic and extrinsic role of RAS alterations on therapy resistance to outline the potential of targeting RAS using a single agent or in combination with other therapeutic agents for HNC patients with RAS-activated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankar Jagadeeshan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
| | - Ofra Z Novoplansky
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
| | - Oded Cohen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Soroka Medical Center, Beersheva, Israel.
| | - Ina Kurth
- Division of Radiooncology-Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ari J Rosenberg
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
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Nahar S, Huang Y, Nagy BA, Zebala JA, Maeda DY, Rudloff U, Oppenheim JJ, Yang D. Regression and Eradication of Triple-Negative Breast Carcinoma in 4T1 Mouse Model by Combination Immunotherapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082366. [PMID: 37190294 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive types of solid-organ cancers. While immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has significantly improved outcomes in certain types of solid-organ cancers, patients with immunologically cold TNBC are afforded only a modest gain in survival by the addition of ICB to systemic chemotherapy. Thus, it is urgently needed to develop novel effective therapeutic approaches for TNBC. Utilizing the 4T1 murine model of TNBC, we developed a novel combination immunotherapeutic regimen consisting of intratumoral delivery of high-mobility group nucleosome binding protein 1 (HMGN1), TLR2/6 ligand fibroblast-stimulating lipopeptide (FSL-1), TLR7/8 agonist (R848/resiquimod), and CTLA-4 blockade. We also investigated the effect of adding SX682, a small-molecule inhibitor of CXCR1/2 known to reduce MDSC trafficking to tumor microenvironment, to our therapeutic approach. 4T1-bearing mice responded with significant tumor regression and tumor elimination to our therapeutic combination regimen. Mice with complete tumor regressions did not recur and became long-term survivors. Treatment with HMGN1, FSL-1, R848, and anti-CTLA4 antibody increased the number of infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ effector/memory T cells in both tumors and draining lymph nodes and triggered the generation of 4T1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in the draining lymph nodes. Thus, we developed a potentially curative immunotherapeutic regimen consisting of HMGN1, FSL-1, R848, plus a checkpoint inhibitor for TNBC, which does not rely on the administration of chemotherapy, radiation, or exogenous tumor-associated antigen(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Saifun Nahar
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Rare Tumor Initiative, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yue Huang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Bethany A Nagy
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | | | | | - Udo Rudloff
- Rare Tumor Initiative, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joost J Oppenheim
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - De Yang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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Matos I, Barvalia M, Chehal MK, Robertson AG, Kulic I, Silva JAFD, Ranganathan A, Short A, Huang YH, Long E, Priatel JJ, Dhanji S, Nelson BH, Krebs DL, Harder KW. Tumor-derived GCSF Alters Tumor and Systemic Immune System Cell Subset Composition and Signaling. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:404-419. [PMID: 36911097 PMCID: PMC9997410 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
While immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive T-cell therapy improve survival for a subset of human malignancies, many patients fail to respond. Phagocytes including dendritic cells (DC), monocytes, and macrophages (MF) orchestrate innate and adaptive immune responses against tumors. However, tumor-derived factors may limit immunotherapy effectiveness by altering phagocyte signal transduction, development, and activity. Using Cytometry by Time-of-Flight, we found that tumor-derived GCSF altered myeloid cell distribution both locally and systemically. We distinguished a large number of GCSF-induced immune cell subset and signal transduction pathway perturbations in tumor-bearing mice, including a prominent increase in immature neutrophil/myeloid-derived suppressor cell (Neut/MDSC) subsets and tumor-resident PD-L1+ Neut/MDSCs. GCSF expression was also linked to distinct tumor-associated MF populations, decreased conventional DCs, and splenomegaly characterized by increased splenic progenitors with diminished DC differentiation potential. GCSF-dependent dysregulation of DC development was recapitulated in bone marrow cultures in vitro, using medium derived from GCSF-expressing tumor cell cultures. Importantly, tumor-derived GCSF impaired T-cell adoptive cell therapy effectiveness and was associated with increased tumor volume and diminished survival of mice with mammary cancer. Treatment with neutralizing anti-GCSF antibodies reduced colonic and circulatory Neut/MDSCs, normalized colonic immune cell composition and diminished tumor burden in a spontaneous model of mouse colon cancer. Analysis of human colorectal cancer patient gene expression data revealed a significant correlation between survival and low GCSF and Neut/MDSC gene expression. Our data suggest that normalizing GCSF bioactivity may improve immunotherapy in cancers associated with GCSF overexpression. Significance Tumor-derived GCSF leads to systemic immune population changes. GCSF blockade restores immune populations, improves immunotherapy, and reduces tumor size, paralleling human colorectal cancer data. GCSF inhibition may synergize with current immunotherapies to treat GCSF-secreting tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Matos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Maunish Barvalia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Manreet K Chehal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Gordon Robertson
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Iva Kulic
- ME Therapeutics Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jessica A F D Silva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Abhinandan Ranganathan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amy Short
- ME Therapeutics Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yu-Hsuan Huang
- ME Therapeutics Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Erin Long
- ME Therapeutics Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John J Priatel
- ME Therapeutics Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Salim Dhanji
- ME Therapeutics Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brad H Nelson
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Danielle L Krebs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kenneth W Harder
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,ME Therapeutics Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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10
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Kansal V, Burnham AJ, Kinney BLC, Saba NF, Paulos C, Lesinski GB, Buchwald ZS, Schmitt NC. Statin drugs enhance responses to immune checkpoint blockade in head and neck cancer models. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005940. [PMID: 36650022 PMCID: PMC9853267 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade is approved for first-line treatment of recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but few patients respond. Statin drugs (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are associated with superior survival in several cancer types, including HNSCC. Emerging data suggest that manipulation of cholesterol may enhance some aspects of antitumor immunity. METHODS We used syngeneic murine models (mouse oral cancer, MOC1 and TC-1) to investigate our hypothesis that a subset of statin drugs would enhance antitumor immunity and delay tumor growth. RESULTS Using an ex vivo coculture assay of murine cancer cells and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, we discovered that all seven statin drugs inhibited tumor cell proliferation. Simvastatin and lovastatin also enhanced T-cell killing of tumor cells. In mice, daily oral simvastatin or lovastatin enhanced tumor control and extended survival when combined with PD-1 blockade, with rejection of MOC1 tumors in 30% of mice treated with lovastatin plus anti-PD-1. Results from flow cytometry of tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes suggested T cell activation and shifts from M2 to M1 macrophage predominance as potential mechanisms of combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that statins deserve further study as well-tolerated, inexpensive drugs that may enhance responses to PD-1 checkpoint blockade and other immunotherapies for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Kansal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andre J Burnham
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brendan L C Kinney
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Chrystal Paulos
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Departments of Surgery and Microbiology/Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gregory B Lesinski
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Nicole C Schmitt
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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11
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Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 375:33-92. [PMID: 36967154 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which originated from hematopoietic stem cells, are heterogeneous population of cells that have different differentiation patterns and widely presented in tumor microenvironment. For tumor research, myeloid suppressor cells have received extensive attention since their discovery due to their specific immunosuppressive properties, and the mechanisms of immunosuppression and therapeutic approaches for MDSCs have been investigated in a variety of different types of malignancies. To improve the efficacy of treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a disease with a high occurrence, immunotherapy has gradually emerged in after traditional surgery and subsequent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and has made some progress. In this review, we introduced the mechanisms on the development, differentiation, and elimination of MDSCs and provided a detailed overview of the mechanisms behind the immunosuppressive properties of MDSCs. We summarized the recent researches on MDSCs in HNSCC, especially for targeting-MDSCs therapy and combination with other types of therapy such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Furthermore, we looked at drug delivery patterns and collected the current diverse drug delivery systems for the improvement that contributed to therapy against MDSCs in HNSCC. Most importantly, we made possible outlooks for the future research priorities, which provide a basis for further study on the clinical significance and therapeutic value of MDSCs in HNSCC.
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12
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Yenyuwadee S, Aliazis K, Wang Q, Christofides A, Shah R, Patsoukis N, Boussiotis VA. Immune cellular components and signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:187-201. [PMID: 35985559 PMCID: PMC10735089 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
During the past decade there has been a revolution in cancer therapeutics by the emergence of antibody-based and cell-based immunotherapies that modulate immune responses against tumors. These new therapies have extended and improved the therapeutic efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy and have offered treatment options to patients who are no longer responding to these classic anti-cancer treatments. Unfortunately, tumor eradication and long-lasting responses are observed in a small fraction of patients, whereas the majority of patients respond only transiently. These outcomes indicate that the maximum potential of immunotherapy has not been reached due to incomplete knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that guide the development of successful anti-tumor immunity and its failure. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries about the immune cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the role of key signaling mechanisms that compromise the function of immune cells leading to cancer immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasitorn Yenyuwadee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Konstantinos Aliazis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Qi Wang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Anthos Christofides
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Rushil Shah
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Nikolaos Patsoukis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Vassiliki A Boussiotis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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13
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Sui H, Dongye S, Liu X, Xu X, Wang L, Jin CQ, Yao M, Gong Z, Jiang D, Zhang K, Liu Y, Liu H, Jiang G, Su Y. Immunotherapy of targeting MDSCs in tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:990463. [PMID: 36131911 PMCID: PMC9484521 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.990463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a group of heterogeneous cells which are abnormally accumulated during the differentiation of myeloid cells. Immunosuppression is the main functional feature of MDSCs, which inhibit T cell activity in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and promote tumoral immune escape. The main principle for immunotherapy is to modulate, restore, and remodel the plasticity and potential of immune system to have an effective anti-tumor response. In the TME, MDSCs are major obstacles to cancer immunotherapy through reducing the anti-tumor efficacy and making tumor cells more resistant to immunotherapy. Therefore, targeting MDSCs treatment becomes the priority of relevant studies and provides new immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In this review, we mainly discuss the functions and mechanisms of MDSCs as well as their functional changes in the TME. Further, we review therapeutic effects of immunotherapy against MDSCs and potential breakthroughs regarding immunotherapy targeting MDSCs and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshu Sui
- Department of Histology and Embryolog, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shengyi Dongye
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaocui Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryolog, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinghua Xu
- Department of Histology and Embryolog, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Christopher Q. Jin
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Minhua Yao
- Department of Histology and Embryolog, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaoqing Gong
- Department of Histology and Embryolog, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Daniel Jiang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong, China
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Institute of Kashgar, Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryolog, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Liu, ; Guomin Jiang, ; Yanping Su,
| | - Guomin Jiang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Hui Liu, ; Guomin Jiang, ; Yanping Su,
| | - Yanping Su
- Department of Histology and Embryolog, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Liu, ; Guomin Jiang, ; Yanping Su,
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14
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Kono M, Saito S, Egloff AM, Allen CT, Uppaluri R. The mouse oral carcinoma (MOC) model: A 10-year retrospective on model development and head and neck cancer investigations. Oral Oncol 2022; 132:106012. [PMID: 35820346 PMCID: PMC9364442 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.106012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical models of cancer have long been paramount to understanding tumor development and advancing the treatment of cancer. Creating preclinical models that mimic the complexity and heterogeneity of human tumors is a key challenge in the advancement of cancer therapy. About ten years ago, we created the mouse oral carcinoma (MOC) cell line models that were derived from 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced mouse oral squamous cell cancers. This model has been used in numerous investigations, including studies on tumor biology and therapeutics. We have seen remarkable progress in cancer immunology in recent years, and these cell lines, which are syngeneic to C57BL/6 background, have also been used to study the anti-tumor immune response. Herein, we aim to review the MOC model from its development and characterization to its use in non-immunological and immunological preclinical head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) studies. Integrating and refining these MOC model studies and extending findings to other systems will provide crucial insights for translational approaches aimed at improving head and neck cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihisa Kono
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan.
| | - Shin Saito
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Ann Marie Egloff
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, United States.
| | - Clint T Allen
- Section on Translational Tumor Immunology, National Institutes on Deafness and Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| | - Ravindra Uppaluri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, United States.
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15
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Ahmed KM, Veeramachaneni R, Deng D, Putluri N, Putluri V, Cardenas MF, Wheeler DA, Decker WK, Frederick AI, Kazi S, Sikora AG, Sandulache VC, Frederick MJ. Glutathione peroxidase 2 is a metabolic driver of the tumor immune microenvironment and immune checkpoint inhibitor response. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004752. [PMID: 36002187 PMCID: PMC9413193 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The existence of immunologically 'cold tumors' frequently found across a wide spectrum of tumor types represents a significant challenge for cancer immunotherapy. Cold tumors have poor baseline pan-leukocyte infiltration, including a low prevalence of cytotoxic lymphocytes, and not surprisingly respond unfavorably to immune checkpoint (IC) inhibitors. We hypothesized that cold tumors harbor a mechanism of immune escape upstream and independent of ICs that may be driven by tumor biology rather than differences in mutational neoantigen burden. METHODS Using a bioinformatic approach to analyze TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) RNA sequencing data we identified genes upregulated in cold versus hot tumors across four different smoking-related cancers, including squamous carcinomas from the oral cavity (OCSCC) and lung (LUSC), and adenocarcinomas of the bladder (BLCA) and lung (LUAD). Biological significance of the gene most robustly associated with a cold tumor phenotype across all four tumor types, glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2), was further evaluated using a combination of in silico analyses and functional genomic experiments performed both in vitro and in in vivo with preclinical models of oral cancer. RESULTS Elevated RNA expression of five metabolic enzymes including GPX2, aldo-keto reductase family 1 members AKR1C1, AKR1C3, and cytochrome monoxygenases (CP4F11 and CYP4F3) co-occurred in cold tumors across all four smoking-related cancers. These genes have all been linked to negative regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism-a well-established inflammatory pathway-and are also known downstream targets of the redox sensitive Nrf2 transcription factor pathway. In OCSCC, LUSC, and LUAD, GPX2 expression was highly correlated with Nrf2 activation signatures, also elevated in cold tumors. In BLCA, however, GPX2 correlated more strongly than Nrf2 signatures with decreased infiltration of multiple leukocyte subtypes. GPX2 inversely correlated with expression of multiple pro- inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and NF-kB activation in cell lines and knockdown of GPX2 led to increased secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin-6. Conversely, GPX2 overexpression led to reduced PGE2 production in a murine OCSCC model (MOC1). GPX2 overexpressing MOC1 tumors had a more suppressive tumor immune microenvironment and responded less favorably to anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocytes-associated protein 4 IC therapy in mice. CONCLUSION GPX2 overexpression represents a novel potentially targetable effector of immune escape in cold tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazi Mokim Ahmed
- Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ratna Veeramachaneni
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Defeng Deng
- Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nagireddy Putluri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vasanta Putluri
- Advanced Technology Core, Dan Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria F Cardenas
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David A Wheeler
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - William K Decker
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andy I Frederick
- Undergraduate School of Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Sawad Kazi
- The University of Texas at Austin School of Biological Sciences, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew G Sikora
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vlad C Sandulache
- Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- ENT Section, Operative Care Line, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mitchell J Frederick
- Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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16
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Li P, Rozich N, Wang J, Wang J, Xu Y, Herbst B, Yu R, Muth S, Niu N, Li K, Funes V, Gai J, Osipov A, Edil BH, Wolfgang CL, Lei M, Liang T, Zheng L. Anti-IL-8 antibody activates myeloid cells and potentiates the anti-tumor activity of anti-PD-1 antibody in the humanized pancreatic cancer murine model. Cancer Lett 2022; 539:215722. [PMID: 35533951 PMCID: PMC9485862 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) does not respond to single-agent immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, including anti-PD-1 antibody(aPD-1) therapy. Higher plasma levels of IL-8 are associated with poorer outcomes in patients who receive aPD-1 therapies, providing a rationale for combination immunotherapy with an anti-IL-8 antibody(aIL-8) and aPD-1. We thus investigated whether human aIL-8 therapy can potentiate the antitumor activity of aPD-1 and further investigated how the combination affects the immune response by regulating myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment in a humanized murine model of PDAC with a reconstituted immune system consisting of human T cells and a combination of CD14+ and CD16+ myeloid cells. The results show that the combination of aIL-8 and aPD-1 treatment significantly enhanced antitumor activity following the infusion of myeloid cells. Our results further showed that the target of IL-8 is mainly present in CD16+ myeloid cells and is likely to be granulocytes. FACS analysis showed that aIL-8 treatment increased granulocytic myeloid cells in tumors. Consistently, single-nuclear RNA-sequencing analysis of tumor tissue showed that the innate immune response and cytokine response pathways in the myeloid cell cluster were activated by aIL-8 treatment. This is the first preclinical study using a humanized mouse model for new combination immunotherapeutic development and supports the further clinical testing of aIL-8 in combination with aPD-1 for PDAC treatment. This study also suggests that peripherally derived myeloid cells can potentiate the antitumor response of T cells, likely through the innate immune response, and aIL-8 re-educates tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells by activating the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Li
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Noah Rozich
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jianxin Wang
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junke Wang
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yao Xu
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian Herbst
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raymond Yu
- NovaRock, Biotherapeutics Ltd., Ewing, NJ, USA
| | - Stephen Muth
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nan Niu
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Keyu Li
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vanessa Funes
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica Gai
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arsen Osipov
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Christopher L Wolfgang
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ming Lei
- NovaRock, Biotherapeutics Ltd., Ewing, NJ, USA.
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Lei Zheng
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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17
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Saddawi-Konefka R, O'Farrell A, Faraji F, Clubb L, Allevato MM, Jensen SM, Yung BS, Wang Z, Wu VH, Anang NA, Msari RA, Schokrpur S, Pietryga IF, Molinolo AA, Mesirov JP, Simon AB, Fox BA, Bui JD, Sharabi A, Cohen EEW, Califano JA, Gutkind JS. Lymphatic-preserving treatment sequencing with immune checkpoint inhibition unleashes cDC1-dependent antitumor immunity in HNSCC. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4298. [PMID: 35879302 PMCID: PMC9314425 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31941-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the promise of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), therapeutic responses remain limited. This raises the possibility that standard of care treatments delivered in concert may compromise the tumor response. To address this, we employ tobacco-signature head and neck squamous cell carcinoma murine models in which we map tumor-draining lymphatics and develop models for regional lymphablation with surgery or radiation. We find that lymphablation eliminates the tumor ICI response, worsening overall survival and repolarizing the tumor- and peripheral-immune compartments. Mechanistically, within tumor-draining lymphatics, we observe an upregulation of conventional type I dendritic cells and type I interferon signaling and show that both are necessary for the ICI response and lost with lymphablation. Ultimately, we provide a mechanistic understanding of how standard oncologic therapies targeting regional lymphatics impact the tumor response to immune-oncology therapy in order to define rational, lymphatic-preserving treatment sequences that mobilize systemic antitumor immunity, achieve optimal tumor responses, control regional metastatic disease, and confer durable antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Saddawi-Konefka
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Aoife O'Farrell
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Farhoud Faraji
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Clubb
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Shawn M Jensen
- Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Robert W Franz Cancer Research Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Bryan S Yung
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zhiyong Wang
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Victoria H Wu
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Shiruyeh Schokrpur
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Jill P Mesirov
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Aaron B Simon
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Bernard A Fox
- Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Robert W Franz Cancer Research Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jack D Bui
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Sharabi
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ezra E W Cohen
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Joseph A Califano
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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18
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Duhen T, Gough MJ, Leidner RS, Stanton SE. Development and therapeutic manipulation of the head and neck cancer tumor environment to improve clinical outcomes. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 3:902160. [PMID: 35937775 PMCID: PMC9354490 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.902160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical response to cancer therapies involves the complex interplay between the systemic, tumoral, and stromal immune response as well as the direct impact of treatments on cancer cells. Each individual's immunological and cancer histories are different, and their carcinogen exposures may differ. This means that even though two patients with oral tumors may carry an identical mutation in TP53, they are likely to have different pre-existing immune responses to their tumors. These differences may arise due to their distinct accessory mutations, genetic backgrounds, and may relate to clinical factors including previous chemotherapy exposure and concurrent medical comorbidities. In isolation, their cancer cells may respond similarly to cancer therapy, but due to their baseline variability in pre-existing immune responses, patients can have different responses to identical therapies. In this review we discuss how the immune environment of tumors develops, the critical immune cell populations in advanced cancers, and how immune interventions can manipulate the immune environment of patients with pre-malignancies or advanced cancers to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael J. Gough
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, United States
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19
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Bayik D, Lee J, Lathia JD. The Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Tumor Growth and Metastasis. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:189-217. [PMID: 35165865 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature bone marrow-derived suppressive cells that are an important component of the pathological immune response associated with cancer. Expansion of MDSCs has been linked to poor disease outcome and therapeutic resistance in patients with various malignancies, making these cells potential targets for next-generation treatment strategies. MDSCs are classified into monocytic (M-MDSC) and polymorphonuclear/granulocytic (PMN-MDSC) subtypes that undertake distinct and numerous roles in the tumor microenvironment or systemically to drive disease progression. In this chapter, we will discuss how MDSC subsets contribute to the growth of primary tumors and induce metastatic spread by suppressing the antitumor immune response, supporting cancer stem cell (CSC)/epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes and promoting angiogenesis. We will also summarize the signaling networks involved in the crosstalk between cancer cells and MDSCs that could represent putative immunotherapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defne Bayik
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Euclid, OH, USA
| | - Juyeun Lee
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Euclid, OH, USA.
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20
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Suppressing MDSC Recruitment to the Tumor Microenvironment by Antagonizing CXCR2 to Enhance the Efficacy of Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246293. [PMID: 34944914 PMCID: PMC8699249 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary While the development of immunotherapy has greatly advanced cancer treatment, many patients do not benefit from immunotherapy. Numerous strategies have been developed to improve response to immunotherapy across cancer types, including blocking the activity of immunosuppressive immune cells, cytokines, and signaling pathways that are linked to poor responses. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are associated with poor responses to immunotherapy, and the chemokine receptor, CXCR2, is involved in recruiting MDSCs to the tumor. In this review, we present studies that explore the potential of inhibiting MDSCs through blocking CXCR2 as a strategy to enhance response to existing and novel immunotherapies. Abstract Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogenous population of cells derived from immature myeloid cells. These cells are often associated with poor responses to cancer therapy, including immunotherapy, in a variety of tumor types. The C-X-C chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) signaling axis plays a key role in the migration of immunosuppressive MDSCs into the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the pre-metastatic niche. MDSCs impede the efficacy of immunotherapy through a variety of mechanisms. Efforts to target MDSCs by blocking CXCR2 is an active area of research as a method for improving existing and novel immunotherapy strategies. As immunotherapies gain approval for a wider array of clinical indications, it will become even more important to understand the efficacy of CXCR2 inhibition in combating immunotherapy resistance at different stages of tumor progression.
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Salemizadeh Parizi M, Salemizadeh Parizi F, Abdolhosseini S, Vanaei S, Manzouri A, Ebrahimzadeh F. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in brain cancer: challenges and therapeutic strategies. Inflammopharmacology 2021; 29:1613-1624. [PMID: 34613567 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00878-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The most fatal malignancy of the central nervous system (CNS) is glioblastoma. Brain cancer is a 'cold' tumor because of fewer immunoregulatory cells and more immunosuppressive cells. Due to the cold nature of brain cancers, conventional treatments which are used to manage glioma patients show little effectiveness. Glioma patients even showed resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and no significant efficacy. It has been shown that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) account for approximately 30-50% of the tumor mass in glioma. This study aimed to review MDSC function in brain cancer, as well as possible treatments and related challenges. In brain cancer and glioma, several differences in the context of MDSCs have been reported, including disagreements about the MDSC subtype that has the most inhibitory function in the brain, or inhibitory function of regulatory B cells (Bregs). There are also serious challenges in treating glioma patients. In addition to the cold nature of glioma, there are reports of an increase in MDSCs following conventional chemotherapy treatments. As a result, targeting MDSCs in combination with other therapies, such as ICB, is essential, and recent studies with the combination therapy approach have shown promising therapeutic effects in brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shohreh Vanaei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Manzouri
- School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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22
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Bashash D, Zandi Z, Kashani B, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Salari S, Ghaffari SH. Resistance to immunotherapy in human malignancies: Mechanisms, research progresses, challenges, and opportunities. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:346-372. [PMID: 34498289 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite remarkable advances in different types of cancer therapies, an effective therapeutic strategy is still a major and significant challenge. One of the most promising approaches in this regard is immunotherapy, which takes advantage of the patients' immune system; however, the many mechanisms that cancerous cells harbor to extend their survival make it impossible to gain perfect eradication of tumors. The response rate to cancer immunotherapies, especially checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T cell therapy, substantially differs in various cancer types with the highest rates in advanced melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Indeed, the lack of response in many tumors indicates primary resistance that can originate from either tumor cells (intrinsic) or tumor microenvironment (extrinsic). On the other hand, some tumors show an initial response to immunotherapy followed by relapse in few months (acquired resistance). Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance makes it possible to develop effective strategies to overcome this hurdle and boost therapy outcomes. In this review, we take a look at immunotherapy strategies and go through a number of primary and acquired resistance mechanisms. Also, we present various ongoing methods to overcoming resistance and introduce some promising fields to improve the outcome of immunotherapy in patients affected with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandi
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Kashani
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Salari
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Li T, Liu T, Zhu W, Xie S, Zhao Z, Feng B, Guo H, Yang R. Targeting MDSC for Immune-Checkpoint Blockade in Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Progress and New Prospects. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-ONCOLOGY 2021; 15:11795549211035540. [PMID: 34408525 PMCID: PMC8365012 DOI: 10.1177/11795549211035540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) demonstrated inspiring effect and great promise in anti-cancer therapy. However, many obstacles, such as drug resistance and difficulty in patient selection, limited the efficacy of ICB therapy and awaited to be overcome. By timely identification and intervention of the key immune-suppressive promotors in the tumor microenvironment (TME), we may better understand the mechanisms of cancer immune-escape and use novel strategies to enhance the therapeutic effect of ICB. Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) is recognized as a major immune suppressor in the TME. In this review, we summarized the roles MDSC played in the cancer context, focusing on its negative biologic functions in ICB therapy, discussed the strategies targeted on MDSC to optimize the diagnosis and therapy process of ICB and improve the efficacy of ICB therapy against malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhang Li
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyao Liu
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Zhu
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangxun Xie
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Zihan Zhao
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Baofu Feng
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
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Palazón-Carrión N, Jiménez-Cortegana C, Sánchez-León ML, Henao-Carrasco F, Nogales-Fernández E, Chiesa M, Caballero R, Rojo F, Nieto-García MA, Sánchez-Margalet V, de la Cruz-Merino L. Circulating immune biomarkers in peripheral blood correlate with clinical outcomes in advanced breast cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14426. [PMID: 34257359 PMCID: PMC8277895 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93838-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of the different elements intervening at the tumor microenvironment seems key to explain clinical evolution in several tumor types. In this study, a set of immune biomarkers (myeloid derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells, and OX40 + and PD-1 + T lymphocytes counts) in peripheral blood of patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancer were analyzed along of first line antineoplastic therapy. Subsequently, a comparison between groups with clinical benefit versus progression of disease and with a healthy women cohort was executed. Results reflected that patients showed higher basal levels of myeloid derived suppressor cells (35.43, IR = 180.73 vs 17.53, IR = 16.96 cells/μl; p = 0.001) and regulatory T cells (32.05, IR = 29.84 vs 22.61, IR = 13.57 cells/μl; p = 0.001) in comparison with healthy women. Furthermore, an increase in the number of activated T lymphocytes (expressing OX40), a decrease of immune inhibitory cells (MDSCs and Tregs) and inhibited T lymphocytes (expressing PD-1) were observed along the treatment in patients with clinical benefit (p ≤ 0.001). The opposite trend was observed in the case of disease progression. These findings suggest that some critical immune elements can be easily detected and measured in peripheral blood, which open a new opportunity for translational research, as they seem to be correlated with clinical evolution, at least in ABC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Jiménez-Cortegana
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - M Luisa Sánchez-León
- Clinical Oncology Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Massimo Chiesa
- GEICAM (Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Federico Rojo
- Pathology Department, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz-CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Sánchez-Margalet
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
| | - Luis de la Cruz-Merino
- Clinical Oncology Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain.
- GEICAM (Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group), Madrid, Spain.
- Medicine Department, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
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25
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Park CH. Making Potent CAR T Cells Using Genetic Engineering and Synergistic Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133236. [PMID: 34209505 PMCID: PMC8269169 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are emerging as powerful weapons for the treatment of malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells have shown dramatic clinical results in patients with hematological malignancies. However, it is still challenging for CAR T cell therapy to be successful in several types of blood cancer and most solid tumors. Many attempts have been made to enhance the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy by modifying the CAR construct using combination agents, such as compounds, antibodies, or radiation. At present, technology to improve CAR T cell therapy is rapidly developing. In this review, we particularly emphasize the most recent studies utilizing genetic engineering and synergistic agents to improve CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Hoon Park
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Daejeon 34114, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-42-860-7416; Fax: +82-42-861-4246
- Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
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26
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Vanhaver C, van der Bruggen P, Bruger AM. MDSC in Mice and Men: Mechanisms of Immunosuppression in Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132872. [PMID: 34203451 PMCID: PMC8268873 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) expand during pathological conditions in both humans and mice and their presence is linked to poor clinical outcomes for cancer patients. Studying MDSC immunosuppression is restricted by MDSCs’ rarity, short lifespan, heterogeneity, poor viability after freezing and the lack of MDSC-specific markers. In this review, we will compare identification and isolation strategies for human and murine MDSCs. We will also assess what direct and indirect immunosuppressive mechanisms have been attributed to MDSCs. While some immunosuppressive mechanisms are well-documented in mice, e.g., generation of ROS, direct evidence is still lacking in humans. In future, bulk or single-cell genomics could elucidate which phenotypic and functional phenotypes MDSCs adopt in particular microenvironments and help to identify potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Vanhaver
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Pierre van der Bruggen
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- WELBIO, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annika M. Bruger
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (A.M.B.)
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27
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Lee MY, Metenou S, Brough DE, Sabzevari H, Bai K, Jochems C, Schlom J, Allen CT. Preclinical study of a novel therapeutic vaccine for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:86. [PMID: 34145272 PMCID: PMC8213691 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00348-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of antigen-specific T-lymphocyte responses may be needed to cure disorders caused by chronic infection with low-risk human papillomavirus (lrHPV). Safe and effective adjuvant therapies for such disorders are needed. The safety and efficacy of a novel gorilla adenovirus vaccine expressing a protein designed to elicit immune responses directed against HPV6 and HPV11, PRGN-2012, was studied using in vitro stimulation of T lymphocytes from patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, in vivo vaccination studies, and therapeutic studies in mice bearing tumors expressing lrHPV antigen. PRGN-2012 treatment induces lrHPV antigen-specific responses in patient T lymphocytes. Vaccination of wild-type mice induces E6-specific T-lymphocyte responses without toxicity. In vivo therapeutic vaccination of mice bearing established HPV6 E6 expressing tumors results in HPV6 E6-specific CD8+ T-lymphocyte immunity of sufficient magnitude to induce tumor growth delay. The clinical study of PRGN-2012 in patients with disorders caused by chronic infection with lrHPV is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Y Lee
- Section on Translational Tumor Immunology, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ke Bai
- Section on Translational Tumor Immunology, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Caroline Jochems
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Clint T Allen
- Section on Translational Tumor Immunology, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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28
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Buchwald ZS, Schmitt NC. Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Head and Neck Cancer. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2021; 54:729-742. [PMID: 34116846 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2021.04.004] [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: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Most immune therapies consist of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and cell therapy. This article reviews basic tumor immunology and provides an overview of immunotherapeutic strategies used for HNSCC. The current indications for use of programmed cell death protein 1 immune checkpoint inhibitors in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC are summarized. In addition, new immunotherapeutic biologics and combinations under investigation in early-phase clinical trials are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary S Buchwald
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, C5086, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nicole C Schmitt
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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29
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Fang T, Xiao J, Zhang Y, Hu H, Zhu Y, Cheng Y. Combined with interventional therapy, immunotherapy can create a new outlook for tumor treatment. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:2837-2860. [PMID: 34079746 PMCID: PMC8107298 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-173] [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] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in immunotherapy provides hope of a complete cure to cancer patients. However, recent studies have reported that only a limited number of cancer patients with a specific immune status, known as "cold tumor", can benefit from a single immune agent. Although the combination of immune agents with different mechanisms can partially increase the low response rate and improve efficacy, it can also result in more side effects. Therefore, discovering therapies that can improve tumors' response rate to immunotherapy without increasing toxicity for patients is urgently needed. Tumor interventional therapy is promising. It mainly includes transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, ablation, radioactive particle internal irradiation, and photodynamic interventional therapy based on a luminal stent. Interventional therapy can directly kill tumor cells by targeted drug delivery in situ, thus reducing drug dosage and systemic toxicity like cytokine release syndrome. More importantly, interventional therapy can regulate the immune system through numerous mechanisms, making it a suitable choice for immunotherapy to combine with. In this review, we provide a brief description of immunotherapies (and their side effects) on tumors of different immune types and preliminarily elaborate on interventional therapy mechanisms to improve immune efficacy. We also discuss the progress and challenges of the combination of interventional therapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonglei Fang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyuan Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Hu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueqi Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingsheng Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Shaul ME, Zlotnik A, Tidhar E, Schwartz A, Arpinati L, Kaisar-Iluz N, Mahroum S, Mishalian I, Fridlender ZG. Tumor-Associated Neutrophils Drive B-cell Recruitment and Their Differentiation to Plasma Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:811-824. [PMID: 33906865 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A major mechanism through which neutrophils have been suggested to modulate tumor progression involves the interaction and subsequent modulation of other infiltrating immune cells. B cells have been found to infiltrate various cancer types and play a role in tumor immunity, offering new immunotherapy opportunities. Nevertheless, the specific impact of tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN) on B cells has largely been overlooked. In the current study, we aimed to characterize the role of TANs in the recruitment and modulation of B cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We showed that TANs actively participate in the recruitment of B cells to the TME and identified TNFα as the major cytokine mediating B-cell chemotaxis by TANs. The recruitment of CD45+B220+CD138- splenic B cells by TANs in vitro resulted in B-cell phenotypic modulation, with 68.6% ± 2.1% of the total migrated B cells displaying a CD45-B220+CD138+ phenotype, which is typical for plasma cells. This phenotype mirrored the large proportion (54.0% ± 6.1%) of CD45-B220+CD138+ intratumoral B cells (i.e., plasma cells) in Lewis lung carcinoma tumors. We next confirmed that the differentiation of CD45+B220+CD138- B cells to functionally active CD45-B220+CD138+ plasma cells required contact with TANs, was independent of T cells, and resulted in IgG production. We further identified membranal B-cell activating factor (BAFF) on TANs as a potential contact mechanism mediating B-cell differentiation, as blocking BAFF-receptor (BAFF-R) significantly reduced IgG production by 20%. Our study, therefore, demonstrates that TANs drive the recruitment and modulation of B cells into plasma cells in the TME, hence opening new avenues in the targeting of the immune system in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merav E Shaul
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; and Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Asaf Zlotnik
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; and Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Einat Tidhar
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; and Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Asaf Schwartz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; and Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ludovica Arpinati
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; and Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Naomi Kaisar-Iluz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; and Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sojod Mahroum
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; and Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Inbal Mishalian
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; and Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Zvi G Fridlender
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; and Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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New Insights into the Multifaceted Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) in High-Grade Gliomas: From Metabolic Reprograming, Immunosuppression, and Therapeutic Resistance to Current Strategies for Targeting MDSCs. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040893. [PMID: 33919732 PMCID: PMC8070707 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells “hijack” host immune cells to promote growth, survival, and metastasis. The immune microenvironment of high-grade gliomas (HGG) is a complex and heterogeneous system, consisting of diverse cell types such as microglia, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and T-cells. Of these, MDSCs are one of the major tumor-infiltrating immune cells and are correlated not only with overall worse prognosis but also poor clinical outcomes. Upon entry from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood, spleen, as well as in tumor microenvironment (TME) in HGG patients, MDSCs deploy an array of mechanisms to perform their immune and non-immune suppressive functions. Here, we highlight the origin, function, and characterization of MDSCs and how they are recruited and metabolically reprogrammed in HGG. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms by which MDSCs contribute to immunosuppression and resistance to current therapies. Finally, we conclude by summarizing the emerging approaches for targeting MDSCs alone as a monotherapy or in combination with other standard-of-care therapies to improve the current treatment of high-grade glioma patients.
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32
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Relecom A, Merhi M, Inchakalody V, Uddin S, Rinchai D, Bedognetti D, Dermime S. Emerging dynamics pathways of response and resistance to PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade: tackling uncertainty by confronting complexity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:74. [PMID: 33602280 PMCID: PMC7893879 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01872-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors provide considerable therapeutic benefit in a range of solid cancers as well as in a subgroup of hematological malignancies. Response rates are however suboptimal, and despite considerable efforts, predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors ahead of their administration in a given patient remains elusive. The study of the dynamics of the immune system and of the tumor under immune checkpoint blockade brought insight into the mechanisms of action of these therapeutic agents. Equally relevant are the mechanisms of adaptive resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors that have been uncovered through this approach. In this review, we discuss the dynamics of the immune system and of the tumor under immune checkpoint blockade emanating from recent studies on animal models and humans. We will focus on mechanisms of action and of resistance conveying information predictive of therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Relecom
- Department of Medical Oncology, Translational Research Institute, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Translational Research Institute, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Department of Medical Oncology, Translational Research Institute, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute & Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Darawan Rinchai
- Cancer Research Program, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Davide Bedognetti
- Cancer Research Program, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar. .,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. .,College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Said Dermime
- Department of Medical Oncology, Translational Research Institute, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. .,College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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33
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Tumino N, Di Pace AL, Besi F, Quatrini L, Vacca P, Moretta L. Interaction Between MDSC and NK Cells in Solid and Hematological Malignancies: Impact on HSCT. Front Immunol 2021; 12:638841. [PMID: 33679798 PMCID: PMC7928402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.638841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are heterogeneous populations that through the release of soluble factors and/or by cell-to-cell interactions suppress both innate and adaptive immune effector cells. In pathological conditions, characterized by the presence of inflammation, a partial block in the differentiation potential of myeloid precursors causes an accumulation of these immunosuppressive cell subsets both in peripheral blood and in tissues. On the contrary, NK cells represent a major player of innate immunity able to counteract tumor growth. The anti-tumor activity of NK cells is primarily related to their cytolytic potential and to the secretion of soluble factors or cytokines that may act on tumors either directly or indirectly upon the recruitment of other cell types. NK cells have been shown to play a fundamental role in haploidentical hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), for the therapy of high-risk leukemias. A deeper analysis of MDSC functional effects demonstrated that these cells are capable, through several mechanisms, to reduce the potent GvL activity exerted by NK cells. It is conceivable that, in this transplantation setting, the MDSC-removal or -inactivation may represent a promising strategy to restore the anti-leukemia effect mediated by NK cells. Thus, a better knowledge of the cellular interactions occurring in the tumor microenvironment could promote the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of solid and hematological malignances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Di Pace
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Besi
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Quatrini
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
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34
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Liu CH, Chen Z, Chen K, Liao FT, Chung CE, Liu X, Lin YC, Keohavong P, Leikauf GD, Di YP. Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Chronic Inflammation Promotes Tobacco Carcinogen-Induced Lung Cancer and Determines the Efficacy of Immunotherapy. Cancer Res 2021; 81:144-157. [PMID: 33122306 PMCID: PMC7878420 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease that is associated with increased risk of lung cancer. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infections are frequent in patients with COPD, which increase lung inflammation and acute exacerbations. However, the influences of PA-induced inflammation on lung tumorigenesis and the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade remain unknown. In this study, we initiated a murine model of lung cancer by treating FVB/NJ female mice with tobacco carcinogen nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) alone or in combination with PA-lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS-mediated chronic inflammation induced T-cell exhaustion, increased the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) axis, and enhanced NNK-induced lung tumorigenesis through an immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells. Anti-PD-1 antibody treatment reduced tumors in NNK/LPS-treated mice with a 10-week LPS treatment but failed to inhibit tumor growth when LPS exposure was prolonged to 16 weeks. Anti-Ly6G antibody treatment coupled with depletion of MDSC alone reduced tumor growth; when combined with anti-PD-1 antibody, this treatment further enhanced antitumor activity in 16-week NNK/LPS-treated mice. Immune gene signatures from a human lung cancer dataset of PD-1 blockade were identified, which predicted treatment responses and survival outcome and overlapped with those from the mouse model. This study demonstrated that LPS-mediated chronic inflammation creates a favorable immunosuppressive microenvironment for tumor progression and correlates with the efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment in mice. Immune gene signatures overlap with human and mouse lung tumors, providing potentially predictive markers for patients undergoing immunotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE: This study identifies an immune gene signature that predicts treatment responses and survival in patients with tobacco carcinogen-induced lung cancer receiving immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsin Liu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zhong Chen
- Tumor Biology Section and Clinical Genomics Unit, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kong Chen
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Fu-Tien Liao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Chia-En Chung
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Medical College of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Phouthone Keohavong
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - George D Leikauf
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yuanpu Peter Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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35
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Barouni RM, Musiu C, Bronte V, Ugel S, Canè S. Phenotypical Characterization and Isolation of Tumor-Derived Mouse Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2236:29-42. [PMID: 33237538 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1060-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous cell population composed of mature and immature cells of myeloid origin that play a major role in tumor progression by inhibiting the antitumor immune responses mediated by T cells. In this chapter, we describe protocols for isolation, phenotypical and functional evaluation of MDSCs isolated from mouse tumors, with the aim at unifying and standardizing protocols set up by different laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roza Maria Barouni
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Musiu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Bronte
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefania Canè
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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36
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Tumino N, Di Pace AL, Besi F, Quatrini L, Vacca P, Moretta L. Interaction Between MDSC and NK Cells in Solid and Hematological Malignancies: Impact on HSCT. Front Immunol 2021. [PMID: 33679798 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.638841.pmid:33679798;pmcid:pmc7928402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are heterogeneous populations that through the release of soluble factors and/or by cell-to-cell interactions suppress both innate and adaptive immune effector cells. In pathological conditions, characterized by the presence of inflammation, a partial block in the differentiation potential of myeloid precursors causes an accumulation of these immunosuppressive cell subsets both in peripheral blood and in tissues. On the contrary, NK cells represent a major player of innate immunity able to counteract tumor growth. The anti-tumor activity of NK cells is primarily related to their cytolytic potential and to the secretion of soluble factors or cytokines that may act on tumors either directly or indirectly upon the recruitment of other cell types. NK cells have been shown to play a fundamental role in haploidentical hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), for the therapy of high-risk leukemias. A deeper analysis of MDSC functional effects demonstrated that these cells are capable, through several mechanisms, to reduce the potent GvL activity exerted by NK cells. It is conceivable that, in this transplantation setting, the MDSC-removal or -inactivation may represent a promising strategy to restore the anti-leukemia effect mediated by NK cells. Thus, a better knowledge of the cellular interactions occurring in the tumor microenvironment could promote the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of solid and hematological malignances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Di Pace
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Besi
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Quatrini
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Research Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
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37
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Gaissmaier L, Christopoulos P. Immune Modulation in Lung Cancer: Current Concepts and Future Strategies. Respiration 2020; 99:1-27. [PMID: 33291116 DOI: 10.1159/000510385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy represents the most dynamic field of biomedical research currently, with thoracic immuno-oncology as a forerunner. PD-(L)1 inhibitors are already part of standard first-line treatment for both non-small-cell and small-cell lung cancer, while unprecedented 5-year survival rates of 15-25% have been achieved in pretreated patients with metastatic disease. Evolving strategies are mainly aiming for improvement of T-cell function, increase of immune activation in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and supply of tumor-reactive lymphocytes. Several novel therapeutics have demonstrated preclinical efficacy and are increasingly used in rational combinations within clinical trials. Two overarching trends dominate: extension of immunotherapy to earlier disease stages, mainly as neoadjuvant treatment, and a shift of focus towards multivalent, individualized, mutatome-based antigen-specific modalities, mainly adoptive cell therapies and cancer vaccines. The former ensures ample availability of treated and untreated patient samples, the latter facilitates deeper mechanistic insights, and both in combination build an overwhelming force that is accelerating progress and driving the greatest revolution cancer medicine has seen so far. Today, immune modulation represents the most potent therapeutic modality in oncology, the most important topic in clinical and translational cancer research, and arguably our greatest, meanwhile justified hope for achieving cure of pulmonary neoplasms and other malignancies in the next future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Gaissmaier
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Thoraxklinik at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC-H), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petros Christopoulos
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Thoraxklinik at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany,
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC-H), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany,
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38
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Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy Combined with CTLA4 Checkpoint Blockade in Syngeneic Mouse Cancer Models. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030528. [PMID: 32937841 PMCID: PMC7564971 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Near infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a newly developed and highly selective cancer treatment that induces necrotic/immunogenic cell death. It employs a monoclonal antibody (mAb) conjugated to a photo-absorber dye, IRDye700DX, which is activated by NIR light. Tumor-targeting NIR-PIT is also at least partly mediated by a profound immune response against the tumor. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) is widely recognized as a major immune checkpoint protein, which inhibits the immune response against tumors and is therefore, a target for systemic blockade. We investigated the effect of combining tumor-targeted NIR-PIT against the cell-surface antigen, CD44, which is known as a cancer stem cell marker, with a systemic CTLA4 immune checkpoint inhibitor in three syngeneic tumor models (MC38-luc, LL/2, and MOC1). CD44-targeted NIR-PIT combined with CTLA4 blockade showed greater tumor growth inhibition with longer survival compared with CTLA4 blockade alone in all tumor models. NIR-PIT and CTLA4 blockade produced more complete remission in MOC1 tumors (44%) than NIR-PIT and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade (8%), which was reported in our previous paper. However, the combination of NIR-PIT and CTLA4 blockade was less effective in MC38-luc tumors (11%) than the combination of NIR-PIT and PD-1 blockade (70%). Nonetheless, in many cases ineffective results with NIR-PIT and PD-1 blockade were reversed with NIR-PIT and CTLA4 blockade.
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39
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Kramer ED, Abrams SI. Granulocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells as Negative Regulators of Anticancer Immunity. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1963. [PMID: 32983128 PMCID: PMC7481329 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a critical role in cancer progression and response to therapy. However, the immune system can be compromised during the neoplastic process. Notably, the myeloid lineage, which gives rise to granulocytic cells, including neutrophils, is a well-recognized target of tumor-mediated immune suppression. Ordinarily, granulocytic cells are integral for host defense, but in neoplasia the normal process of granulocyte differentiation (i.e., granulopoiesis) can be impaired leading instead to the formation of granulocytic (or PMN)-myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Such cells comprise various stages of myeloid differentiation and are defined functionally by their highly pro-tumorigenic and immune suppressive activities. Thus, considerable interest has been devoted to impeding the negative contributions of PMN-MDSCs to the antitumor response. Understanding their biology has the potential to unveil novel therapeutic opportunities to hamper PMN-MDSC production in the bone marrow, their mobilization, or their effector functions within the tumor microenvironment and, therefore, bolster anticancer therapies that require a competent myeloid compartment. In this review, we will highlight mechanisms by which the neoplastic process skews granulopoiesis to produce PMN-MDSCs, summarize mechanisms by which they execute their pro-tumorigenic activities and, lastly, underscore strategies to obstruct their role as negative regulators of antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot D Kramer
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Scott I Abrams
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
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40
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Zhang H, Houghton AM. Good cops turn bad: The contribution of neutrophils to immune-checkpoint inhibitor treatment failures in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 217:107662. [PMID: 32805297 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy activates tumor-killing T-cells by releasing the brake of anti-tumor immunity. It has been approved as first- or second-line therapy in many cancer types. Unfortunately, a majority of immune checkpoint inhibitor recipients are refractory to the therapy. Recent investigations of the peripheral blood and tumor microenvironment of cancer patients indicate that high neutrophil content is associated with poor response rates, suggesting an opportunity for synergistic therapy. In the current review, we discuss the mechanisms of neutrophil-mediated immunosuppression in cancer and recent findings suggesting that neutrophil antagonism will improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajia Zhang
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - A McGarry Houghton
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America.
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41
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Bai R, Chen N, Li L, Du N, Bai L, Lv Z, Tian H, Cui J. Mechanisms of Cancer Resistance to Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1290. [PMID: 32850400 PMCID: PMC7425302 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, based on the extensive development of preclinical animal studies and clinical trials, the efficacy, and mechanisms of immunotherapy have been fully explored. Significant and lasting clinical responses with immunotherapy provide a new breakthrough treatment for a variety of refractory cancer histologies, which gradually change the treatment pattern of tumors. However, although immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs are promising for achieving longer-term efficacy, their benefits in the overall population are still very low, such as low frequency of response in some common tumor types such as breast and prostate, and heterogeneity in the degree of response among different tumor lesions in the same patient, making immunotherapy with many limitations and challenges. Most patients do not respond to immunotherapy or inevitably develop resistance to treatment after a period of treatment, manifesting with primary resistance or acquired resistance who initially respond to treatment. The mechanisms of tumor immune resistance are very complex and involve multiple aspects such as genes, metabolism, inflammation, and abnormal neovascularization. Currently, many mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance have been characterized, and more continue to be uncovered. These efforts can improve the quality of medical care for cancer diagnosis and treatment, which improve the quality of life of patients, and finally lead to accurate individualized treatment. This review discusses mechanisms of cancer immunotherapy resistance including tumor-intrinsic factors and tumor-extrinsic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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42
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De Cicco P, Ercolano G, Ianaro A. The New Era of Cancer Immunotherapy: Targeting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells to Overcome Immune Evasion. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1680. [PMID: 32849585 PMCID: PMC7406792 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Suppression of antitumor immune responses is one of the main mechanisms by which tumor cells escape from destruction by the immune system. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent the main immunosuppressive cells present in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that sustain cancer progression. MDSCs are a heterogeneous group of immature myeloid cells with a potent activity against T-cell. Studies in mice have demonstrated that MDSCs accumulate in several types of cancer where they promote invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis formation and inhibit antitumor immunity. In addition, different clinical studies have shown that MDSCs levels in the peripheral blood of cancer patients correlates with tumor burden, stage and with poor prognosis in multiple malignancies. Thus, MDSCs are the major obstacle to many cancer immunotherapies and their targeting may be a beneficial strategy for improvement the efficiency of immunotherapeutic interventions. However, the great heterogeneity of these cells makes their identification in human cancer very challenging. Since both the phenotype and mechanisms of action of MDSCs appear to be tumor-dependent, it is important to accurately characterized the precise MDSC subsets that have clinical relevance in each tumor environment to more efficiently target them. In this review we summarize the phenotype and the suppressive mechanisms of MDSCs populations expanded within different tumor contexts. Further, we discuss about their clinical relevance for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola De Cicco
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ercolano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Angela Ianaro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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43
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Robbins Y, Greene S, Friedman J, Clavijo PE, Van Waes C, Fabian KP, Padget MR, Abdul Sater H, Lee JH, Soon-Shiong P, Gulley J, Schlom J, Hodge JW, Allen CT. Tumor control via targeting PD-L1 with chimeric antigen receptor modified NK cells. eLife 2020; 9:e54854. [PMID: 32633234 PMCID: PMC7340502 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Failed T cell-based immunotherapies in the presence of genomic alterations in antigen presentations pathways may be overcome by NK cell-based immunotherapy. This approach may still be limited by the presence of immunosuppressive myeloid populations. Here, we demonstrate that NK cells (haNKs) engineered to express a PD-L1 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) haNKs killed a panel of human and murine head and neck cancer cells at low effector-to-target ratios in a PD-L1-dependent fashion. Treatment of syngeneic tumors resulted in CD8 and PD-L1-dependent tumor rejection or growth inhibition and a reduction in myeloid cells endogenously expressing high levels of PD-L1. Treatment of xenograft tumors resulted in PD-L1-dependent tumor growth inhibition. PD-L1 CAR haNKs reduced levels of macrophages and other myeloid cells endogenously expressing high PD-L1 in peripheral blood from patients with head and neck cancer. The clinical study of PD-L1 CAR haNKs is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Robbins
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Sarah Greene
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Jay Friedman
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Paul E Clavijo
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Carter Van Waes
- Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Kellsye P Fabian
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Michelle R Padget
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Houssein Abdul Sater
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | | | | | - James Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Clint T Allen
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
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44
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Alban TJ, Bayik D, Otvos B, Rabljenovic A, Leng L, Jia-Shiun L, Roversi G, Lauko A, Momin AA, Mohammadi AM, Peereboom DM, Ahluwalia MS, Matsuda K, Yun K, Bucala R, Vogelbaum MA, Lathia JD. Glioblastoma Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Subsets Express Differential Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Receptor Profiles That Can Be Targeted to Reduce Immune Suppression. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1191. [PMID: 32625208 PMCID: PMC7315581 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of tumor immunotherapy to glioblastoma (GBM) is limited by an unprecedented degree of immune suppression due to factors that include high numbers of immune suppressive myeloid cells, the blood brain barrier, and T cell sequestration to the bone marrow. We previously identified an increase in immune suppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in GBM patients, which correlated with poor prognosis and was dependent on macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Here we examine the MIF signaling axis in detail in murine MDSC models, GBM-educated MDSCs and human GBM. We found that the monocytic subset of MDSCs (M-MDSCs) expressed high levels of the MIF cognate receptor CD74 and was localized in the tumor microenvironment. In contrast, granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) expressed high levels of the MIF non-cognate receptor CXCR2 and showed minimal accumulation in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, targeting M-MDSCs with Ibudilast, a brain penetrant MIF-CD74 interaction inhibitor, reduced MDSC function and enhanced CD8 T cell activity in the tumor microenvironment. These findings demonstrate the MDSC subsets differentially express MIF receptors and may be leveraged for specific MDSC targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Alban
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Defne Bayik
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Balint Otvos
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Cleveland Clinic, Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Anja Rabljenovic
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Lin Leng
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology, and Epidemiology & Public Health, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Leu Jia-Shiun
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gustavo Roversi
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Adam Lauko
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Arbaz A. Momin
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Alireza M. Mohammadi
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - David M. Peereboom
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Manmeet S. Ahluwalia
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | - Kyuson Yun
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Richard Bucala
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology, and Epidemiology & Public Health, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Justin D. Lathia
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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45
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Wang X, Wang F, Zhong M, Yarden Y, Fu L. The biomarkers of hyperprogressive disease in PD-1/PD-L1 blockage therapy. Mol Cancer 2020. [PMID: 32359357 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01200-x.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies (Abs) and anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) Abs, are effective for patients with various cancers. However, low response rates to ICI monotherapies and even hyperprogressive disease (HPD) have limited the clinical application of ICIs. HPD is a novel pattern of progression, with an unexpected and fast progression in tumor volume and rate, poor survival of patients and early fatality. Considering the limitations of ICI due to HPD incidence, valid biomarkers are urgently needed to predict the occurrence of HPD and the efficacy of ICI. Here, we reviewed and summarized the known biomarkers of HPD, including tumor cell biomarkers, tumor microenvironment biomarkers, laboratory biomarkers and clinical indicators, which provide a potential effective approach for selecting patients sensitive to ICI cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengjun Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yosef Yarden
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
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The biomarkers of hyperprogressive disease in PD-1/PD-L1 blockage therapy. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:81. [PMID: 32359357 PMCID: PMC7195736 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies (Abs) and anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) Abs, are effective for patients with various cancers. However, low response rates to ICI monotherapies and even hyperprogressive disease (HPD) have limited the clinical application of ICIs. HPD is a novel pattern of progression, with an unexpected and fast progression in tumor volume and rate, poor survival of patients and early fatality. Considering the limitations of ICI due to HPD incidence, valid biomarkers are urgently needed to predict the occurrence of HPD and the efficacy of ICI. Here, we reviewed and summarized the known biomarkers of HPD, including tumor cell biomarkers, tumor microenvironment biomarkers, laboratory biomarkers and clinical indicators, which provide a potential effective approach for selecting patients sensitive to ICI cancer treatments.
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47
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Greene S, Robbins Y, Mydlarz WK, Huynh AP, Schmitt NC, Friedman J, Horn LA, Palena C, Schlom J, Maeda DY, Zebala JA, Clavijo PE, Allen C. Inhibition of MDSC Trafficking with SX-682, a CXCR1/2 Inhibitor, Enhances NK-Cell Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer Models. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 26:1420-1431. [PMID: 31848188 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Natural killer (NK)-cell-based immunotherapy may overcome obstacles to effective T-cell-based immunotherapy such as the presence of genomic alterations in IFN response genes and antigen presentation machinery. All immunotherapy approaches may be abrogated by the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment present in many solid tumor types, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we studied the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in suppressing NK-cell function in HNSCC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The ability of peripheral and tumor-infiltrating MDSC from mice bearing murine oral cancer 2 (MOC2) non-T-cell-inflamed tumors and from patients with HNSCC to suppress NK-cell function was studied with real-time impedance and ELISpot assays. The therapeutic efficacy of SX-682, a small-molecule inhibitor of CXCR1 and CXCR2, was assessed in combination with adoptively transferred NK cells. RESULTS Mice bearing MOC2 tumors pathologically accumulate peripheral CXCR2+ neutrophilic-MDSC (PMN-MDSC) that traffic into tumors and suppress NK-cell function through TGFβ and production of H2O2. Inhibition of MDSC trafficking with orally bioavailable SX-682 significantly abrogated tumor MDSC accumulation and enhanced the tumor infiltration, activation, and therapeutic efficacy of adoptively transferred murine NK cells. Patients with HNSCC harbor significant levels of circulating and tumor-infiltrating CXCR1/2+ CD15+ PMN-MDSC and CD14+ monocytic-MDSC. Tumor MDSC exhibited greater immunosuppression than those in circulation. HNSCC tumor MDSC immunosuppression was mediated by multiple, independent, cell-specific mechanisms including TGFβ and nitric oxide. CONCLUSIONS The clinical study of CXCR1/2 inhibitors in combination with adoptively transferred NK cells is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Greene
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland
- NIH Medical Research Scholars Program, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yvette Robbins
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Wojciech K Mydlarz
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Angel P Huynh
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nicole C Schmitt
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jay Friedman
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lucas A Horn
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | - Paul E Clavijo
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Clint Allen
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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48
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Lei X, Lei Y, Li JK, Du WX, Li RG, Yang J, Li J, Li F, Tan HB. Immune cells within the tumor microenvironment: Biological functions and roles in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2019; 470:126-133. [PMID: 31730903 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 717] [Impact Index Per Article: 143.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) play important roles in tumorigenesis. It has been known that these tumor associated immune cells may possess tumor-antagonizing or tumor-promoting functions. Although the tumor-antagonizing immune cells within TME tend to target and kill the cancer cells in the early stage of tumorigenesis, the cancer cells seems to eventually escape from immune surveillance and even inhibit the cytotoxic function of tumor-antagonizing immune cells through a variety of mechanisms. The immune evasion capability, as a new hallmark of cancer, accidently provides opportunities for new strategies of cancer therapy, namely harnessing the immune cells to battle the cancer cells. Recently, the administrations of immune checkpoint modulators (represented by anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD antibodies) and adoptive immune cells (represented by CAR-T) have exhibited unexpected antitumor effect in multiple types of cancer, bringing a new era for cancer therapy. Here, we review the biological functions of immune cells within TME and their roles in cancer immunotherapy, and discuss the perspectives of the basic studies for improving the effectiveness of the clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, People's Hospital of Fang County, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Jin-Ke Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Wei-Xing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Ru-Gui Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China.
| | - Hua-Bing Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Lab of Liver Disease, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China.
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Approaches to treat immune hot, altered and cold tumours with combination immunotherapies. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:197-218. [PMID: 30610226 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-018-0007-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1854] [Impact Index Per Article: 370.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapies are the most rapidly growing drug class and have a major impact in oncology and on human health. It is increasingly clear that the effectiveness of immunomodulatory strategies depends on the presence of a baseline immune response and on unleashing of pre-existing immunity. Therefore, a general consensus emerged on the central part played by effector T cells in the antitumour responses. Recent technological, analytical and mechanistic advances in immunology have enabled the identification of patients who are more likely to respond to immunotherapy. In this Review, we focus on defining hot, altered and cold tumours, the complexity of the tumour microenvironment, the Immunoscore and immune contexture of tumours, and we describe approaches to treat such tumours with combination immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors. In the upcoming era of combination immunotherapy, it is becoming critical to understand the mechanisms responsible for hot, altered or cold immune tumours in order to boost a weak antitumour immunity. The impact of combination therapy on the immune response to convert an immune cold into a hot tumour will be discussed.
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50
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Targeting CXCR1/2: The medicinal potential as cancer immunotherapy agents, antagonists research highlights and challenges ahead. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 185:111853. [PMID: 31732253 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is an intractable issue in anti-cancer immunotherapy. The chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 recruit immune suppressive cells such as the myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to the TME. Therefore, CXCR1/2 antagonists have aroused pharmaceutical interest in recent years. In this review, the medicinal chemistry of CXCR1/2 antagonists and their relevance in cancer immunotherapy have been summarized. The development of the drug candidates, along with their design rationale, clinical status and current challenges have also been discussed.
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