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Wang F, Jin Y, Wang M, Luo HY, Fang WJ, Wang YN, Chen YX, Huang RJ, Guan WL, Li JB, Li YH, Wang FH, Hu XH, Zhang YQ, Qiu MZ, Liu LL, Wang ZX, Ren C, Wang DS, Zhang DS, Wang ZQ, Liao WT, Tian L, Zhao Q, Xu RH. Combined anti-PD-1, HDAC inhibitor and anti-VEGF for MSS/pMMR colorectal cancer: a randomized phase 2 trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:1035-1043. [PMID: 38438735 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02813-1] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications of chromatin, including histone acetylation, and tumor angiogenesis play pivotal roles in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In the randomized phase 2 CAPability-01 trial, we investigated the potential efficacy of combining the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody sintilimab with the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) chidamide with or without the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody bevacizumab in patients with unresectable chemotherapy-refractory locally advanced or metastatic microsatellite stable/proficient mismatch repair (MSS/pMMR) colorectal cancer. Forty-eight patients were randomly assigned to either the doublet arm (sintilimab and chidamide, n = 23) or the triplet arm (sintilimab, chidamide and bevacizumab, n = 25). The primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 18 weeks (18wPFS rate) was met with a rate of 43.8% (21 of 48) for the entire study population. Secondary endpoint results include a median PFS of 3.7 months, an overall response rate of 29.2% (14 of 48), a disease control rate of 56.3% (27 of 48) and a median duration of response of 12.0 months. The secondary endpoint of median overall survival time was not mature. The triplet arm exhibited significantly improved outcomes compared to the doublet arm, with a greater 18wPFS rate (64.0% versus 21.7%, P = 0.003), higher overall response rate (44.0% versus 13.0%, P = 0.027) and longer median PFS rate (7.3 months versus 1.5 months, P = 0.006). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events observed in both the triplet and doublet arms included proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, leukopenia and diarrhea. There were two treatment-related fatalities (hepatic failure and pneumonitis). Analysis of bulk RNA sequencing data from the patients suggested that the triplet combination enhanced CD8+ T cell infiltration, resulting in a more immunologically active tumor microenvironment. Our study suggests that the combination of a PD-1 antibody, an HDACi, and a VEGF antibody could be a promising treatment regimen for patients with MSS/pMMR advanced colorectal cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04724239 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Ying Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hui-Yan Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Jia Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ying-Nan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Xing Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Run-Jie Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Long Guan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ji-Bin Li
- Department of Clinical Research, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Hong Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Feng-Hua Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Hua Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Qiao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Miao-Zhen Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lu-Lu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Xian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chao Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - De-Shen Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Ting Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lin Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Bioinformatics Platform, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
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Singh V, Nandi S, Ghosh A, Adhikary S, Mukherjee S, Roy S, Das C. Epigenetic reprogramming of T cells: unlocking new avenues for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:175-195. [PMID: 38233727 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10167-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
T cells, a key component of cancer immunotherapy, undergo a variety of histone modifications and DNA methylation changes since their bone marrow progenitor stages before developing into CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. These T cell types can be categorized into distinct subtypes based on their functionality and properties, such as cytotoxic T cells (Tc), helper T cells (Th), and regulatory T cells (Treg) as subtypes for CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Among these, the CD4+ CD25+ Tregs potentially contribute to cancer development and progression by lowering T effector (Teff) cell activity under the influence of the tumor microenvironment (TME). This contributes to the development of therapeutic resistance in patients with cancer. Subsequently, these individuals become resistant to monoclonal antibody therapy as well as clinically established immunotherapies. In this review, we delineate the different epigenetic mechanisms in cancer immune response and its involvement in therapeutic resistance. Furthermore, the possibility of epi-immunotherapeutic methods based on histone deacetylase inhibitors and histone methyltransferase inhibitors are under investigation. In this review we highlight EZH2 as the principal driver of cancer cell immunoediting and an immune escape regulator. We have addressed in detail how understanding T cell epigenetic regulation might bring unique inventive strategies to overcome drug resistance and increase the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Singh
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Sandhik Nandi
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Aritra Ghosh
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Santanu Adhikary
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Structural Biology & Bio-Informatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Shravanti Mukherjee
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
| | - Siddhartha Roy
- Structural Biology & Bio-Informatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Chandrima Das
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India.
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Ibrahim ML, Zheng H, Barlow ML, Latif Y, Chen Z, Yu X, Beg AA. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Directly Modulate T Cell Gene Expression and Signaling and Promote Development of Effector-Exhausted T Cells in Murine Tumors. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:737-747. [PMID: 38169329 PMCID: PMC10872871 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer, including the regulation of antitumor immunity. The reversible nature of epigenetic modifications offers potential therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment. In particular, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACis) have been shown to promote antitumor T cell immunity by regulating myeloid cell types, enhancing tumor Ag presentation, and increasing expression of chemokines. HDACis are currently being evaluated to determine whether they can increase the response rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients. Although the potential direct effect of HDACis on T cells likely impacts antitumor immunity, little is known about how HDAC inhibition alters the transcriptomic profile of T cells. In this article, we show that two clinical-stage HDACis profoundly impact gene expression and signaling networks in CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Specifically, HDACis promoted T cell effector function by enhancing expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ and increasing CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity. Consistently, in a murine tumor model, HDACis led to enrichment of CD8+ T cell subsets with high expression of effector molecules (Prf1, Ifng, Gzmk, and Grmb) but also molecules associated with T cell exhaustion (Tox, Pdcd1, Lag3, and Havcr2). HDACis further generated a tumor microenvironment dominated by myeloid cells with immune suppressive signatures. These results indicate that HDACis directly and favorably augment T cell effector function but also increase their exhaustion signal in the tumor microenvironment, which may add a layer of complexity for achieving clinical benefit in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed L Ibrahim
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Yousuf Latif
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Zhihua Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Xiaoqing Yu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Amer A Beg
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
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4
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Wu X, Li T, Jiang R, Yang X, Guo H, Yang R. Targeting MHC-I molecules for cancer: function, mechanism, and therapeutic prospects. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:194. [PMID: 38041084 PMCID: PMC10693139 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01899-4] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecules of Major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) load peptides and present them on the cell surface, which provided the immune system with the signal to detect and eliminate the infected or cancerous cells. In the context of cancer, owing to the crucial immune-regulatory roles played by MHC-I molecules, the abnormal modulation of MHC-I expression and function could be hijacked by tumor cells to escape the immune surveillance and attack, thereby promoting tumoral progression and impairing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Here we reviewed and discussed the recent studies and discoveries related to the MHC-I molecules and their multidirectional functions in the development of cancer, mainly focusing on the interactions between MHC-I and the multiple participators in the tumor microenvironment and highlighting the significance of targeting MHC-I for optimizing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy and a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature and functioning mechanism of MHC-I in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Wu
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianhang Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Southeast University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Looi CK, Foong LC, Chung FFL, Khoo ASB, Loo EM, Leong CO, Mai CW. Targeting the crosstalk of epigenetic modifications and immune evasion in nasopharyngeal cancer. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:2501-2526. [PMID: 37755585 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09830-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct type of head and neck cancer that is highly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV acts as an epigenetic driver in NPC tumorigenesis, reprogramming the viral and host epigenomes to regulate viral latent gene expression, and creating an environment conducive to the malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in pre-clinical studies has been shown promise in eradicating tumours and overcoming immune resistance in some solid tumours. However, its efficacy in NPC remains inclusive due to the complex nature of this cancer. In this review, we provide an updated understanding of the roles of epigenetic factors in regulating EBV latent gene expression and promoting NPC progression. We also explore the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion in NPC. Particularly, we discuss the potential roles of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in reversing immune suppression and augmenting antitumour immunity. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of combining epigenetic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor to reverse immune resistance and improve clinical outcomes. Epigenetic drugs have the potential to modulate both epigenetic mediators and immune factors involved in NPC. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the diverse range of epigenetic modifications in NPC. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion during NPC progression is crucial for the development of more effective treatments for this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-King Looi
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lian-Chee Foong
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alan Soo-Beng Khoo
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Pennsylvania, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Ee-Mun Loo
- AGTC Genomics, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- AGTC Genomics, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development, and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Holay N, Somma A, Duchow M, Soleimani M, Capasso A, Kottapalli S, Rios J, Giri U, Diamond J, Schreiber A, Piscopio AD, Van Den Berg C, Eckhardt SG, Triplett TA. Elucidating the direct effects of the novel HDAC inhibitor bocodepsin (OKI-179) on T cells to rationally design regimens for combining with immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1260545. [PMID: 37744352 PMCID: PMC10513502 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1260545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are currently being explored for the treatment of both solid and hematological malignancies. Although originally thought to exert cytotoxic responses through tumor-intrinsic mechanisms by increasing expression of tumor suppressor genes, several studies have demonstrated that therapeutic responses depend on an intact adaptive immune system: particularly CD8 T cells. It is therefore critical to understand how HDACi directly affects T cells in order to rationally design regimens for combining with immunotherapy. In this study, we evaluated T cell responses to a novel class-selective HDACi (OKI-179, bocodepsin) by assessing histone acetylation levels, which revealed rapid responsiveness accompanied by an increase in CD4 and CD8 T cell frequencies in the blood. However, these rapid responses were transient, as histone acetylation and frequencies waned within 24 hours. This contrasts with in vitro models where high acetylation was sustained and continuous exposure to HDACi suppressed cytokine production. In vivo comparisons demonstrated that stopping OKI-179 treatment during PD-1 blockade was superior to continuous treatment. These findings provide novel insight into the direct effects of HDAC inhibitors on T cells and that treatment schedules that take into account acute T cell effects should be considered when combined with immunotherapies in order to fully harness the tumor-specific T cell responses in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Holay
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Alexander Somma
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Mark Duchow
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Milad Soleimani
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Anna Capasso
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Srividya Kottapalli
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Joshua Rios
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Uma Giri
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer Diamond
- OnKure Therapeutics, Boulder, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Anna Schreiber
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, United States
| | | | - Carla Van Den Berg
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - S. Gail Eckhardt
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Todd A. Triplett
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Immunotherapeutics & Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, United States
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7
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Murphy S, Rahmy S, Gan D, Zhu Y, Manyak M, Li J, Lu X, Lu X. Overcome Prostate Cancer Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Therapy with Ketogenic Diet-Induced Epigenetic Reprogramming. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.07.552383. [PMID: 37609341 PMCID: PMC10441324 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.07.552383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Advanced prostate cancer (PCa) is overwhelmingly resistant to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, representing a formidable clinical challenge. In this study, we developed a syngeneic murine PCa model with acquired ICB resistance. Using this model, synergistic efficacy was achieved by combining anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies with histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) vorinostat, a cyclic ketogenic diet (CKD), or supplementation of ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB, endogenous HDACi) via 1,3-butanediol-admixed food. CKD and BHB supplementation delayed PCa tumors as monotherapy, and both BHB and adaptive immunity are required for the anti-tumor activity of CKD. Single-cell transcriptomic and proteomic profiling revealed that the HDACi and ketogenesis-enhanced ICB therapy involves cancer-cell-intrinsic (upregulated MHC class I molecules) and extrinsic mechanisms (CD8 + T cell chemoattraction, M1/M2 macrophage rebalancing, monocyte differentiation toward antigen presenting cells, and diminished neutrophils). Overall, these findings underscore the potential of using HDACi and optimized KD to enhance ICB therapy for PCa.
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Czajka-Francuz P, Prendes MJ, Mankan A, Quintana Á, Pabla S, Ramkissoon S, Jensen TJ, Peiró S, Severson EA, Achyut BR, Vidal L, Poelman M, Saini KS. Mechanisms of immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment and implications for targeted therapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1200646. [PMID: 37427115 PMCID: PMC10325690 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1200646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of cancer therapies is limited to a great extent by immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Numerous immune escape mechanisms have been identified. These include not only processes associated with tumor, immune or stromal cells, but also humoral, metabolic, genetic and epigenetic factors within the TME. The identification of immune escape mechanisms has enabled the development of small molecules, nanomedicines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell and epigenetic therapies that can reprogram the TME and shift the host immune response towards promoting an antitumor effect. These approaches have translated into series of breakthroughs in cancer therapies, some of which have already been implemented in clinical practice. In the present article the authors provide an overview of some of the most important mechanisms of immunosuppression within the TME and the implications for targeted therapies against different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ángela Quintana
- Breast Cancer Unit, Vall d'Hebrón Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Sandra Peiró
- Breast Cancer Unit, Vall d'Hebrón Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Kamal S. Saini
- Fortrea, Inc., Durham, NC, United States
- Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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9
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Lian B, Chen X, Shen K. Inhibition of histone deacetylases attenuates tumor progression and improves immunotherapy in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1164514. [PMID: 36969235 PMCID: PMC10034161 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1164514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the common malignancies with poor prognosis worldwide. The treatment of breast cancer patients includes surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy. In recent years, immunotherapy has potentiated the survival of certain breast cancer patients; however, primary resistance or acquired resistance attenuate the therapeutic outcomes. Histone acetyltransferases induce histone acetylation on lysine residues, which can be reversed by histone deacetylases (HDACs). Dysregulation of HDACs via mutation and abnormal expression contributes to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Numerous HDAC inhibitors have been developed and exhibited the potent anti-tumor activity in a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. HDAC inhibitors ameliorated immunotherapeutic efficacy in cancer patients. In this review, we discuss the anti-tumor activity of HDAC inhibitors in breast cancer, including dacinostat, belinostat, abexinostat, mocetinotat, panobinostat, romidepsin, entinostat, vorinostat, pracinostat, tubastatin A, trichostatin A, and tucidinostat. Moreover, we uncover the mechanisms of HDAC inhibitors in improving immunotherapy in breast cancer. Furthermore, we highlight that HDAC inhibitors might be potent agents to potentiate immunotherapy in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kunwei Shen
- *Correspondence: Xiaosong Chen, ; Kunwei Shen,
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10
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dos Reis FD, Jerónimo C, Correia MP. Epigenetic modulation and prostate cancer: Paving the way for NK cell anti-tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1152572. [PMID: 37090711 PMCID: PMC10113550 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoepigenetics is a growing field, as there is mounting evidence on the key role played by epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of tumor immune cell recognition and control of immune cell anti-tumor responses. Moreover, it is increasingly acknowledgeable a tie between epigenetic regulation and prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. PCa is intrinsically a cold tumor, with scarce immune cell infiltration and low inflammatory tumor microenvironment. However, Natural Killer (NK) cells, main anti-tumor effector immune cells, have been frequently linked to improved PCa prognosis. The role that epigenetic-related mechanisms might have in regulating both NK cell recognition of PCa tumor cells and NK cell functions in PCa is still mainly unknown. Epigenetic modulating drugs have been showing boundless therapeutic potential as anti-tumor agents, however their role in immune cell regulation and recognition is scarce. In this review, we focused on studies addressing modulation of epigenetic mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated responses, including both the epigenetic modulation of tumor cell NK ligand expression and NK cell receptor expression and function in different tumor models, highlighting studies in PCa. The integrated knowledge from diverse epigenetic modulation mechanisms promoting NK cell-mediated immunity in various tumor models might open doors for the development of novel epigenetic-based therapeutic options for PCa management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa D. dos Reis
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Master Program in Oncology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Margareta P. Correia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Margareta P. Correia,
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11
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The role of CPT1A as a biomarker of breast cancer progression: a bioinformatic approach. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16441. [PMID: 36180554 PMCID: PMC9525709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20585-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the commonest malignancy of women and with its incidence on the rise, the need to identify new targets for treatment is imperative. There is a growing interest in the role of lipid metabolism in cancer. Carnitine palmitoyl-transferase-1 (CPT-1); the rate limiting step in fatty acid oxidation, has been shown to be overexpressed in a range of tumours. There are three isoforms of CPT-1; A, B and C. It is CPT-1A that has been shown to be the predominant isoform which is overexpressed in breast cancer. We performed a bioinformatic analysis using readily available online platforms to establish the prognostic and predictive effects related to CPT-1A expression. These include the KM plotter, the Human Protein Atlas, the cBioPortal, the G2O, the MethSurvand the ROC plotter. A Network analysis was performed using the Oncomine platform and signalling pathways constituting the cancer hallmarks, including immune regulation as utilised by NanoString. The epigenetic pathways were obtained from the EpiFactor website. Spearman correlations (r) to determine the relationship between CPT-1A and the immune response were obtained using the TISIDB portal. Overexpression of CPT-1A largely confers a worse prognosis and CPT-1A progressively recruits a range of pathways as breast cancer progresses. CPT-1A's interactions with cancer pathways is far wider than previously realised and includes associations with epigenetic regulation and immune evasion pathways, as well as wild-type moderate to high penetrant genes involved in hereditary breast cancer. Although CPT-1A genomic alterations are detected in 9% of breast carcinomas, both the alteration and the metagene associated with it, confers a poor prognosis. CPT-1A expression can be utilised as a biomarker of disease progression and as a potential therapeutic target.
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12
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Looi CK, Gan LL, Sim W, Hii LW, Chung FFL, Leong CO, Lim WM, Mai CW. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Restore Cancer Cell Sensitivity towards T Lymphocytes Mediated Cytotoxicity in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153709. [PMID: 35954379 PMCID: PMC9367398 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite medical advancements, the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not improved significantly over the past 50 years. By utilising the large-scale genomic datasets available from the Australia Pancreatic Cancer Project (PACA-AU) and The Cancer Genomic Atlas Project (TCGA-PAAD), we studied the immunophenotype of PDAC in silico and identified that tumours with high cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) killing activity were associated with favourable clinical outcomes. Using the STRING protein–protein interaction network analysis, the identified differentially expressed genes with low CTL killing activity were associated with TWIST/IL-6R, HDAC5, and EOMES signalling. Following Connectivity Map analysis, we identified 44 small molecules that could restore CTL sensitivity in the PDAC cells. Further high-throughput chemical library screening identified 133 inhibitors that effectively target both parental and CTL-resistant PDAC cells in vitro. Since CTL-resistant PDAC had a higher expression of histone proteins and its acetylated proteins compared to its parental cells, we further investigated the impact of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) on CTL-mediated cytotoxicity in PDAC cells in vitro, namely SW1990 and BxPC3. Further analyses revealed that givinostat and dacinostat were the two most potent HDAC inhibitors that restored CTL sensitivity in SW1990 and BxPC3 CTL-resistant cells. Through our in silico and in vitro studies, we demonstrate the novel role of HDAC inhibition in restoring CTL resistance and that combinations of HDACi with CTL may represent a promising therapeutic strategy, warranting its further detailed molecular mechanistic studies and animal studies before embarking on the clinical evaluation of these novel combined PDAC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-King Looi
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-K.L.); (L.-L.G.)
| | - Li-Lian Gan
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-K.L.); (L.-L.G.)
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Seremban 70300, Malaysia
| | - Wynne Sim
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.-O.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.-O.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- AGTC Genomics, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Wei-Meng Lim
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.-O.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.-O.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Pudong New District, Shanghai 200127, China
- Correspondence: or
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13
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Insights into the therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase inhibitor/immunotherapy combination regimens in solid tumors. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2022; 24:1262-1273. [PMID: 35066777 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02779-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Solid tumors including skin, lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancers comprise the most diagnosed cancers worldwide. Treatment of such cancers is still challenging specially in the advanced/metastatic setting. The growing understanding of the tumor microenvironment has revolutionized the cancer therapy paradigms. Targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 immune checkpoint has been extensively studied over this decade as a new trend in the management of hard-to-treat cancers by harnessing the power of the immune system to eradicate the tumors. Yet, low response rate and resistance were observed when immunotherapies were tested as monotherapy. This urged the need to develop combinatorial regimens of immunotherapy with other immune modulatory agents to enhance its therapeutic potential and help in reverting the resistance. Epigenetic modifiers such as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) showed favorable effects on modulating the tumor microenvironment along with the host immune cells. This qualified HDACIs as an attractive candidate class to be tested in combination with immunotherapy. In this review we cover the ongoing clinical trials that investigate the safety and/or the efficacy of HDACI/immunotherapy combinations in solid tumors including skin cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and recapitulates areas for future research.
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14
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Suzuki T, Aoshima K, Yamazaki J, Kobayashi A, Kimura T. Manipulating Histone Acetylation Leads to Antitumor Effects in Hemangiosarcoma Cells. Vet Comp Oncol 2022; 20:805-816. [PMID: 35568976 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant tumor derived from endothelial cells. No effective treatment has yet been developed because of the lack of understanding of its pathogenesis. Histone acetylation, an epigenetic modification, is highly associated with cancer pathogenesis. Manipulating histone acetylation by histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) or bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibitors (BETi) is one approach to treat various cancers. However, the role of histone acetylation in HSA remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate how histone acetylation functions in HSA pathogenesis using two HDACi, suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA) and valproic acid (VPA), and one BETi, JQ1, in vitro and in vivo. Histone acetylation levels were high in cell lines and heterogeneous in clinical cases. SAHA and JQ1 induced apoptosis in HSA cell lines. HSA cell lines treated with SAHA and VPA upregulated inflammatory-related genes and attracted macrophage cell line RAW264 cells, which suggests that SAHA and VPA can affect immune responses. JQ1 stimulated autophagy and inhibited the cell cycle in HSA cell lines. Finally, we demonstrated that JQ1 suppressed HSA tumor cell proliferation in vivo although SAHA and VPA did not affect tumor growth. These results suggest that BETi can be alternative drugs for HSA treatment. Although further research is required, our study indicated that dysregulation of histone acetylation is likely to be involved in HSA malignancy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamami Suzuki
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Keisuke Aoshima
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Jumpei Yamazaki
- Translational Research Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takashi Kimura
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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15
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Diamond JR, Pitts TM, Ungermannova D, Nasveschuk CG, Zhang G, Phillips AJ, Bagby SM, Pafford J, Yacob BW, Newton TP, Tentler JJ, Gittleman B, Hartman SJ, DeMattei JA, Winkler JD, Wendt MK, Schiemann WP, Eckhardt SG, Liu X, Piscopio AD. Preclinical Development of the Class-I-Selective Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor OKI-179 for the Treatment of Solid Tumors. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:397-406. [PMID: 34965958 PMCID: PMC9600708 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play critical roles in epigenomic regulation, and histone acetylation is dysregulated in many human cancers. Although HDAC inhibitors are active in T-cell lymphomas, poor isoform selectivity, narrow therapeutic indices, and a deficiency of reliable biomarkers may contribute to the lack of efficacy in solid tumors. In this article, we report the discovery and preclinical development of the novel, orally bioavailable, class-I-selective HDAC inhibitor, OKI-179. OKI-179 and its cell active predecessor OKI-005 are thioester prodrugs of the active metabolite OKI-006, a unique congener of the natural product HDAC inhibitor largazole. OKI-006, OKI-005, and subsequently OKI-179, were developed through a lead candidate optimization program designed to enhance physiochemical properties without eroding potency and selectivity relative to largazole. OKI-005 displays antiproliferative activity in vitro with induction of apoptosis and increased histone acetylation, consistent with target engagement. OKI-179 showed antitumor activity in preclinical cancer models with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and on-target pharmacodynamic effects. Based on its potency, desirable class I HDAC inhibition profile, oral bioavailability, and efficacy against a broad range of solid tumors, OKI-179 is currently being evaluated in a first-in-human phase I clinical trial with plans for continued clinical development in solid tumor and hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Diamond
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Todd M. Pitts
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | | | | | - Gan Zhang
- University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO
| | | | - Stacey M. Bagby
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Jessica Pafford
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Betelehem W. Yacob
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Timothy P. Newton
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - John J. Tentler
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Brian Gittleman
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Sarah J. Hartman
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | | | | | | | | | - S. Gail Eckhardt
- University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Department of Oncology, Austin, TX
| | - Xuedong Liu
- University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO
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16
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Shanmugam G, Rakshit S, Sarkar K. HDAC inhibitors: Targets for tumor therapy, immune modulation and lung diseases. Transl Oncol 2022; 16:101312. [PMID: 34922087 PMCID: PMC8688863 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that play a key role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression by remodeling chromatin. Inhibition of HDACs is a prospective therapeutic approach for reversing epigenetic alteration in several diseases. In preclinical research, numerous types of HDAC inhibitors were discovered to exhibit powerful and selective anticancer properties. However, such research has revealed that the effects of HDAC inhibitors may be far broader and more intricate than previously thought. This review will provide insight into the HDAC inhibitors and their mechanism of action with special emphasis on the significance of HDAC inhibitors in the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and lung cancer. Nanocarrier-mediated HDAC inhibitor delivery and new approaches for targeting HDACs are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetha Shanmugam
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Sudeshna Rakshit
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Koustav Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
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17
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Zheng L, Zhang A, Liu J, Liu M, Zhang Y. HDAC1 promotes the migration of human myeloma cells via regulation of the lncRNA/Slug axis. Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:3. [PMID: 34738621 PMCID: PMC8589458 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms underlying malignancy in myeloma cells is important for targeted treatment and drug development. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) can regulate the progression of various cancer types; however, their roles in myeloma are not well known. In the present study, the expression of class I HDACs in myeloma cells and tissues was evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of HDAC1 on the migration of myeloma cells and the associated mechanisms were investigated. Among the class I HDACs evaluated, HDAC1 was upregulated in both myeloma cells and tissues. Targeted inhibition of HDAC1 suppressed the migration of myeloma cells. Of the assessed transcription factors, small interfering (si)‑HDAC1 decreased the expression of Slug. Overexpression of Slug reversed the si‑HDAC1‑mediated suppressed migration of myeloma cells. Mechanistically, the results revealed that HDAC1 regulated the mRNA stability of Slug, while it had no effect on its transcription or nuclear export. Furthermore, HDAC1 negatively regulated the expression of long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) NONHSAT113026, which could bind with the 3'‑untranslated region of Slug mRNA to facilitate its degradation. The present study demonstrated that HDAC1 promoted the migration of human myeloma cells via regulation of lncRNA/Slug signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Zheng
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Ang Zhang
- Department of Hematology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Jishan Liu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Min Liu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Yikun Zhang
- Department of Hematology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
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18
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Maggs L, Sadagopan A, Moghaddam AS, Ferrone S. HLA class I antigen processing machinery defects in antitumor immunity and immunotherapy. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:1089-1101. [PMID: 34489208 PMCID: PMC8651070 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen-processing machinery (APM) plays a crucial role in the synthesis and expression of HLA class I tumor antigen-derived peptide complexes; the latter mediate the recognition and elimination of malignant cells by cognate T cells. Defects in HLA class I APM component expression and/or function are frequently found in cancer cells, providing them with an immune escape mechanism that has relevance in the clinical course of the disease and in the response to T-cell-based immunotherapy. The majority of HLA class I APM defects (>75%) are caused by epigenetic mechanisms or dysregulated signaling and therefore can be corrected by strategies that counteract the underlying mechanisms. Their application in oncology is likely to improve responses to T-cell-based immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Maggs
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ananthan Sadagopan
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Sanjari Moghaddam
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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19
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Ledys F, Kalfeist L, Galland L, Limagne E, Ladoire S. Therapeutic Associations Comprising Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in Breast Cancer: Clinical Challenges and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5999. [PMID: 34885109 PMCID: PMC8656936 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a few cases of long-responder patients, immunotherapy with anti-PD-(L)1 has so far proved rather disappointing in monotherapy in metastatic breast cancer, prompting the use of synergistic therapeutic combinations incorporating immunotherapy by immune-checkpoint inhibitors. In addition, a better understanding of both the mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to immunotherapy, as well as the immunological effects of the usual treatments for breast cancer, make it possible to rationally consider this type of therapeutic combination. For several years, certain treatments, commonly used to treat patients with breast cancer, have shown that in addition to their direct cytotoxic effects, they may have an impact on the tumor immune microenvironment, by increasing the antigenicity and/or immunogenicity of a "cold" tumor, targeting the immunosuppressive microenvironment or counteracting the immune-exclusion profile. This review focuses on preclinical immunologic synergic mechanisms of various standard therapeutic approaches with anti-PD-(L)1, and discusses the potential clinical use of anti-PD-1/L1 combinations in metastatic or early breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Ledys
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges-François Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France; (F.L.); (L.K.); (L.G.); (E.L.)
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Laura Kalfeist
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges-François Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France; (F.L.); (L.K.); (L.G.); (E.L.)
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Loick Galland
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges-François Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France; (F.L.); (L.K.); (L.G.); (E.L.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges-François Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Emeric Limagne
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges-François Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France; (F.L.); (L.K.); (L.G.); (E.L.)
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Sylvain Ladoire
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges-François Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France; (F.L.); (L.K.); (L.G.); (E.L.)
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, 21000 Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges-François Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France
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20
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Burkitt K, Saloura V. Epigenetic Modifiers as Novel Therapeutic Targets and a Systematic Review of Clinical Studies Investigating Epigenetic Inhibitors in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205241. [PMID: 34680389 PMCID: PMC8534083 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide and it affects approximately 50,000 patients annually in the United States. Current treatments are suboptimal and induce significant long-term toxicities that permanently affect quality of life. Novel therapeutic approaches are thus urgently needed to increase the survival and quality of life of these patients. Epigenetic modifications have been recognized as potential therapeutic targets in various cancer types, including head and neck cancer. The objective of this review is to provide a brief overview of the function of important epigenetic modifiers in head and neck cancer, and to discuss the results of past and ongoing clinical trials evaluating epigenetic interventions targeting these epigenetic modifiers in head and neck cancer patients. The field of epigenetic therapy in head and neck cancer is still nascent; however, it holds significant promise. Although more specific epigenetic drugs are being developed, we envision the rational design of clinical trials that will target a select group of head and neck cancer patients with epigenetic vulnerabilities that can be targeted in combination with immunotherapy, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, rendering higher and durable responses while minimizing chronic complications for patients with head and neck cancer. Abstract The survival rate of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with the current standard of care therapy is suboptimal and is associated with long-term side effects. Novel therapeutics that will improve survival rates while minimizing treatment-related side effects are the focus of active investigation. Epigenetic modifications have been recognized as potential therapeutic targets in various cancer types, including head and neck cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the function of important epigenetic modifiers in head and neck cancer, their clinical implications and discusses results of clinical trials evaluating epigenetic interventions in past and ongoing clinical trials as monotherapy or combination therapy with either chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. Understanding the function of epigenetic modifiers in both preclinical and clinical settings will provide insight into a more rational design of clinical trials using epigenetic interventions and the patient subgroups that may benefit from such interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunghee Burkitt
- Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Correspondence: (K.B.); (V.S.)
| | - Vassiliki Saloura
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Correspondence: (K.B.); (V.S.)
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21
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Hicks KC, Chariou PL, Ozawa Y, Minnar CM, Knudson KM, Meyer TJ, Bian J, Cam M, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Tumour-targeted interleukin-12 and entinostat combination therapy improves cancer survival by reprogramming the tumour immune cell landscape. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5151. [PMID: 34446712 PMCID: PMC8390765 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25393-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Poorly inflamed carcinomas do not respond well to immune checkpoint blockade. Converting the tumour microenvironment into a functionally inflamed immune hub would extend the clinical benefit of immune therapy to a larger proportion of cancer patients. Here we show, by using comprehensive single-cell transcriptome, proteome, and immune cell analysis, that Entinostat, a class I histone deacetylase inhibitor, facilitates accumulation of the necrosis-targeted recombinant murine immune-cytokine, NHS-rmIL12, in experimental mouse colon carcinomas and poorly immunogenic breast tumours. This combination therapy reprograms the tumour innate and adaptive immune milieu to an inflamed landscape, where the concerted action of highly functional CD8+ T cells and activated neutrophils drive macrophage M1-like polarization, leading to complete tumour eradication in 41.7%-100% of cases. Biomarker signature of favourable overall survival in multiple human tumor types shows close resemblance to the immune pattern generated by Entinostat/NHS-rmIL12 combination therapy. Collectively, these findings provide a rationale for combining NHS-IL12 with Entinostat in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin C Hicks
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul L Chariou
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yohei Ozawa
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christine M Minnar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Karin M Knudson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas J Meyer
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (CCBR), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jing Bian
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (CCBR), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Margaret Cam
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (CCBR), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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22
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Truong AS, Zhou M, Krishnan B, Utsumi T, Manocha U, Stewart KG, Beck W, Rose TL, Milowsky MI, He X, Smith CC, Bixby LM, Perou CM, Wobker SE, Bailey ST, Vincent BG, Kim WY. Entinostat induces antitumor immune responses through immune editing of tumor neoantigens. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e138560. [PMID: 34396985 DOI: 10.1172/jci138560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been a remarkable advancement in bladder cancer treatment, the response rate to single-agent ICIs remains suboptimal. There has been substantial interest in the use of epigenetic agents to enhance ICI efficacy, although precisely how these agents potentiate ICI response has not been fully elucidated. We identified entinostat, a selective HDAC1/3 inhibitor, as a potent antitumor agent in our immune-competent bladder cancer mouse models (BBN963 and BBN966). We demonstrate that entinostat selectively promoted immune editing of tumor neoantigens, effectively remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment, resulting in a robust antitumor response that was cell autonomous, dependent upon antigen presentation, and associated with increased numbers of neoantigen-specific T cells. Finally, combination treatment with anti-PD-1 and entinostat led to complete responses and conferred long-term immunologic memory. Our work defines a tumor cell-autonomous mechanism of action for entinostat and a strong preclinical rationale for the combined use of entinostat and PD-1 blockade in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Truong
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Pharmacology
| | - Mi Zhou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tracy L Rose
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | - Charles M Perou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Genetics.,Computational Medicine Program
| | - Sara E Wobker
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Pathology, and
| | | | - Benjamin G Vincent
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Medicine.,Computational Medicine Program.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - William Y Kim
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Pharmacology.,Department of Medicine.,Department of Genetics
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23
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Sanaei M, Kavoosi F. Effect of vorinostat on INK4 family and HDACs 1, 2, and 3 in pancreatic cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Res Pharm Sci 2021; 16:260-268. [PMID: 34221059 PMCID: PMC8216159 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.314824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose: In mammalian cells, several distinct surveillance systems, named cell cycle checkpoints, can interrupt normal cell-cycle progression. The cyclin-dependent kinases are negatively regulated by proteins of cyclin-dependent kinases inhibitors comprising INK4 and Cip/Kip families. Histone deacetylation induced by histone deacetylases (HDACs) inactivates the INK4 and Cip/Kip families lead to cancer induction. HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) have been indicated to be potent inducers of differentiation, growth arrest, and apoptotic induction. Vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, SAHA), as an HDACI, is reported to be useful in various cancers. Previously, we reported the effect of trichostatin A on hepatocellular carcinoma and also vorinostat on colon cancer cell lines. The current study was aimed to investigate the effect of vorinostat on p16INK4a, p14ARF, p15INK4b, and class I HDACs 1, 2, and 3 gene expression, cell growth inhibition, and apoptosis induction in pancreatic cancer AsPC-1 and hepatocellular carcinoma LCL-PI 11 cell lines. Experimental approach: The AsPC-1 and LCL-PI 11 cell lines were cultured and treated with vorinostat. To determine, viability, apoptosis, and the relative expression level of p16INK4a, p14ARF, p15INK4b, class I HDACs 1, 2, and 3 genes, MTT assay, cell apoptosis assay, and RT-qPCR were performed, respectively. Findings/Results: Vorinostat significantly inhibited cell growth, induced apoptosis, increased p16INK4a, p14ARF, p15INK4b, and decreased class I HDACs 1, 2, and 3 gene expression. Conclusion and implications: Vorinostat can reactivate the INK4 family through inhibition of class I HDACs 1, 2, and 3 genes activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumeh Sanaei
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, I.R. Iran
| | - Fraidoon Kavoosi
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, I.R. Iran
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24
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Maes K, Mondino A, Lasarte JJ, Agirre X, Vanderkerken K, Prosper F, Breckpot K. Epigenetic Modifiers: Anti-Neoplastic Drugs With Immunomodulating Potential. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652160. [PMID: 33859645 PMCID: PMC8042276 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652160] [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: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are under the surveillance of the host immune system. Nevertheless, a number of immunosuppressive mechanisms allow tumors to escape protective responses and impose immune tolerance. Epigenetic alterations are central to cancer cell biology and cancer immune evasion. Accordingly, epigenetic modulating agents (EMAs) are being exploited as anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory agents to restore immunological fitness. By simultaneously acting on cancer cells, e.g. by changing expression of tumor antigens, immune checkpoints, chemokines or innate defense pathways, and on immune cells, e.g. by remodeling the tumor stroma or enhancing effector cell functionality, EMAs can indeed overcome peripheral tolerance to transformed cells. Therefore, combinations of EMAs with chemo- or immunotherapy have become interesting strategies to fight cancer. Here we review several examples of epigenetic changes critical for immune cell functions and tumor-immune evasion and of the use of EMAs in promoting anti-tumor immunity. Finally, we provide our perspective on how EMAs could represent a game changer for combinatorial therapies and the clinical management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Maes
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universiteit Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anna Mondino
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Juan José Lasarte
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.,Hemato-oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.,Hemato-oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Hematology and Cell Therapy Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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25
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Epigenetic mechanisms in breast cancer therapy and resistance. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1786. [PMID: 33741974 PMCID: PMC7979820 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22024-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ERα) and agents targeting this pathway represent the main treatment modality. Endocrine therapy has proven successful in the treatment of hormone-responsive breast cancer since its early adoption in the 1940s as an ablative therapy. Unfortunately, therapeutic resistance arises, leading to disease recurrence and relapse. Recent studies increased our understanding in how changes to the chromatin landscape and deregulation of epigenetic factors orchestrate the resistant phenotype. Here, we will discuss how the epigenome is an integral determinant in hormone therapy response and why epigenetic factors are promising targets for overcoming clinical resistance. Endocrine therapy has been the mainstay for hormone responsive breast cancer treatment. Here, Garcia-Martinez and colleagues discuss epigenetic mechanisms regulating ER + breast cancer and endocrine therapy resistance, and highlight approaches to rewire the cancer epigenome to improve targeted therapies for this cancer.
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26
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Gatti-Mays ME, Gameiro SR, Ozawa Y, Knudson KM, Hicks KC, Palena C, Cordes LM, Steinberg SM, Francis D, Karzai F, Lipkowitz S, Donahue RN, Jochems C, Schlom J, Gulley JL. Improving the Odds in Advanced Breast Cancer With Combination Immunotherapy: Stepwise Addition of Vaccine, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor, Chemotherapy, and HDAC Inhibitor in Advanced Stage Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 10:581801. [PMID: 33747894 PMCID: PMC7977003 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.581801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast tumors commonly harbor low mutational burden, low PD-L1 expression, defective antigen processing/presentation, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In a malignancy mostly refractory to checkpoint blockade, there is an unmet clinical need for novel combination approaches that increase tumor immune infiltration and tumor control. Preclinical data have guided the development of this clinical trial combining 1) BN-Brachyury (a poxvirus vaccine platform encoding the tumor associated antigen brachyury), 2) bintrafusp alfa (a bifunctional protein composed of the extracellular domain of the TGF-βRII receptor (TGFβ "trap") fused to a human IgG1 anti-PD-L1), 3), entinostat (a class I histone deacetylase inhibitor), and 4) T-DM1 (ado-trastuzumab emtansine, a standard of care antibody-drug conjugate targeting HER2). We hypothesize that this tetratherapy will induce a robust immune response against HER2+ breast cancer with improved response rates through 1) expanding tumor antigen-specific effector T cells, natural killer cells, and immunostimulatory dendritic cells, 2) improving antigen presentation, and 3) decreasing inhibitory cytokines, regulatory T cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In an orthotopic HER2+ murine breast cancer model, tetratherapy induced high levels of antigen-specific T cell responses, tumor CD8+ T cell/Treg ratio, and augmented the presence of IFNγ- or TNFα-producing CD8+ T cells and IFNγ/TNFα bifunctional CD8+ T cells with increased cytokine production. Similar effects were observed in tumor CD4+ effector T cells. Based on this data, a phase 1b clinical trial evaluating the stepwise addition of BN-Brachyury, bintrafusp alfa, T-DM1 and entinostat in advanced breast cancer was designed. Arm 1 (TNBC) receives BN-Brachyury + bintrafusp alfa. Arm 2 (HER2+) receives T-DM1 + BN-Brachyury + bintrafusp alfa. After safety is established in Arm 2, Arm 3 (HER2+) will receive T-DM1 + BN-Brachyury + bintrafusp alfa + entinostat. Reimaging will occur every 2 cycles (1 cycle = 21 days). Arms 2 and 3 undergo research biopsies at baseline and after 2 cycles to evaluate changes within the TME. Peripheral immune responses will be evaluated. Co-primary objectives are response rate and safety. All arms employ a safety assessment in the initial six patients and a 2-stage Simon design for clinical efficacy (Arm 1 if ≥ three responses of eight then expand to 13 patients; Arms 2 and 3 if ≥ four responses of 14 then expand to 19 patients per arm). Secondary objectives include progression-free survival and changes in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Exploratory analyses include changes in peripheral immune cells and cytokines. To our knowledge, the combination of a vaccine, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, entinostat, and T-DM1 has not been previously evaluated in the preclinical or clinical setting. This trial (NCT04296942) is open at the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E. Gatti-Mays
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sofia R. Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yohei Ozawa
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Karin M. Knudson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kristin C. Hicks
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lisa M. Cordes
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Seth M. Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Deneise Francis
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fatima Karzai
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Renee N. Donahue
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Caroline Jochems
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - James L. Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Wang Y, Luo M, Chen Y, Wang Y, Zhang B, Ren Z, Bao L, Wang Y, Wang JE, Fu YX, Luo W, Wang Y. ZMYND8 Expression in Breast Cancer Cells Blocks T-Lymphocyte Surveillance to Promote Tumor Growth. Cancer Res 2020; 81:174-186. [PMID: 33148660 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Emerging studies indicate that DNA damage in cancer cells triggers antitumor immunity, but its intrinsic regulatory mechanism in breast cancer cells remains poorly understood. Here, we show that ZMYND8 is upregulated and inhibits micronucleus formation and DNA damage in breast cancer cells. Loss of ZMYND8 triggered activation of the DNA sensor cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase in micronuclei, leading to further activation of the downstream signaling effectors stimulator of IFN genes and NF-κB, but not TANK-binding kinase 1 and IFN regulatory factor 3, thereby inducing the expression of IFNβ and IFN-stimulated genes (ISG) in breast cancer cells in vitro and tumors in vivo. ZMYND8 knockout (KO) in breast cancer cells promoted infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, leading to tumor inhibition in syngeneic mouse models, which was significantly attenuated by treatment of anti-CD4/CD8-depleting antibodies or anti-IFNAR1 antibody and in immunodeficient Rag1 KO mice. In human breast tumors, ZMYND8 was negatively correlated with ISGs, CD4, CD8A, CD8B, and the tumor-lymphocyte infiltration phenotype. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that maintenance of genome stability by ZMYND8 causes breast cancer cells to evade cytotoxic T-lymphocyte surveillance, which leads to tumor growth. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings show that ZMYND8 is a new negative and intrinsic regulator of the innate immune response in breast tumor cells, and ZMYND8 may be a possible target for antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Maowu Luo
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yijie Wang
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Zhenhua Ren
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lei Bao
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jennifer E Wang
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Weibo Luo
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. .,Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yingfei Wang
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. .,Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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28
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Thompson JC, Davis C, Deshpande C, Hwang WT, Jeffries S, Huang A, Mitchell TC, Langer CJ, Albelda SM. Gene signature of antigen processing and presentation machinery predicts response to checkpoint blockade in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-000974. [PMID: 33028693 PMCID: PMC7542663 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited data exist on the role of alterations in HLA Class I antigen processing and presentation machinery in mediating response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed transcriptional profiles from pre-treatment tumor samples of 51 chemotherapy-refractory advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and two independent melanoma cohorts treated with ICB. An antigen processing machinery (APM) score was generated utilizing eight genes associated with APM (B2M, CALR, NLRC5, PSMB9, PSME1, PSME3, RFX5, and HSP90AB1). Associations were made for therapeutic response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results In NSCLC, the APM score was significantly higher in responders compared with non-responders (p=0.0001). An APM score above the median value for the cohort was associated with improved PFS (HR 0.34 (0.18 to 0.64), p=0.001) and OS (HR 0.44 (0.23 to 0.83), p=0.006). The APM score was correlated with an inflammation score based on the established T-cell-inflamed resistance gene expression profile (Pearson’s r=0.58, p<0.0001). However, the APM score better predicted response to ICB relative to the inflammation score with area under a receiving operating characteristics curve of 0.84 and 0.70 for PFS and OS, respectively. In a cohort of 14 high-risk resectable stage III/IV melanoma patients treated with neoadjuvant anti-PD1 ICB, a higher APM score was associated with improved disease-free survival (HR: 0.08 (0.01 to 0.50), p=0.0065). In an additional independent melanoma cohort of 27 metastatic patients treated with ICB, a higher APM score was associated with improved OS (HR 0.29 (0.09 to 0.89), p=0.044). Conclusion Our data demonstrate that defects in antigen presentation may be an important feature in predicting outcomes to ICB in both lung cancer and melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Thompson
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, Thoracic Oncology Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christiana Davis
- Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charuhas Deshpande
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wei-Ting Hwang
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Seth Jeffries
- Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexander Huang
- Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tara C Mitchell
- Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Corey J Langer
- Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Steven M Albelda
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, Thoracic Oncology Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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29
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Gomez S, Tabernacki T, Kobyra J, Roberts P, Chiappinelli KB. Combining epigenetic and immune therapy to overcome cancer resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 65:99-113. [PMID: 31877341 PMCID: PMC7308208 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer undergoes "immune editing" to evade destruction by cells of the host immune system including natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Current adoptive cellular immune therapies include CAR T cells and dendritic cell vaccines, strategies that have yet to show success for a wide range of tumors. Cancer resistance to immune therapy is driven by extrinsic factors and tumor cell intrinsic factors that contribute to immune evasion. These extrinsic factors include immunosuppressive cell populations such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMS), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). These cells produce and secrete immunosuppressive factors and express inhibitory ligands that interact with receptors on T cells including PD-1 and CTLA-4. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies such as anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 have shown success by increasing immune activation to eradicate cancer, though both primary and acquired resistance remain a problem. Tumor cell intrinsic factors driving primary and acquired resistance to these immune therapies include genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic therapies for cancer including DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi), histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), and histone methyltransferase inhibitors (HMTi) can stimulate anti-tumor immunity in both tumor cells and host immune cells. Here we discuss in detail tumor mechanisms of immune evasion and how common epigenetic therapies for cancer may be used to reverse immune evasion. Lastly, we summarize current clinical trials combining epigenetic therapies with immune therapies to reverse cancer immune resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Gomez
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, United States; The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Tomasz Tabernacki
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, United States; The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Julie Kobyra
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, United States; The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Paige Roberts
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, United States; The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, United States; The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
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30
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Targeting the epigenetic regulation of antitumour immunity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:776-800. [PMID: 32929243 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the epigenome drives aberrant transcriptional programmes that promote cancer onset and progression. Although defective gene regulation often affects oncogenic and tumour-suppressor networks, tumour immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumour responses may also be affected by epigenomic alterations. This could have important implications for the development and application of both epigenetic therapies and cancer immunotherapies, and combinations thereof. Here, we review the role of key aberrant epigenetic processes - DNA methylation and post-translational modification of histones - in tumour immunogenicity, as well as the effects of epigenetic modulation on antitumour immune cell function. We emphasize opportunities for small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic regulators to enhance antitumour immune responses, and discuss the challenges of exploiting the complex interplay between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to develop treatment regimens combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
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31
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Sher G, Salman NA, Khan AQ, Prabhu KS, Raza A, Kulinski M, Dermime S, Haris M, Junejo K, Uddin S. Epigenetic and breast cancer therapy: Promising diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:152-165. [PMID: 32858230 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The global burden of breast cancer (BC) is increasing significantly. This trend is caused by several factors such as late diagnosis, limited treatment options for certain BC subtypes, drug resistance which all lead to poor clinical outcomes. Recent research has reported the role of epigenetic alterations in the mechanism of BC pathogenesis and its hallmarks include drug resistance and stemness features. The understanding of these modifications and their significance in the management of BC carcinogenesis is challenging and requires further attention. Nevertheless, it promises to provide novel insight needed for utilizing these alterations as potential diagnostic, prognostic markers, predict treatment efficacy, as well as therapeutic agents. This highlights the importance of continuing research development to further advance the existing knowledge on epigenetics and BC carcinogenesis to overcome the current challenges. Hence, this review aims to shed light and discuss the current state of epigenetics research in the diagnosis and management of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulab Sher
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
| | - Nadia Aziz Salman
- Kingston University London, School of Life Science, Pharmacy and Chemistry, SEC Faculty, Kingston, upon Thames, London, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
| | - Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
| | - Afsheen Raza
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
| | - Michal Kulinski
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Functional and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Kulsoom Junejo
- General Surgery Department, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, P.O. Box 3050, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, P.O. Box 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
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32
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Epigenetic Mechanisms of Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10071061. [PMID: 32708698 PMCID: PMC7407667 DOI: 10.3390/biom10071061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated to be highly efficient in treating solid tumors; however, many patients have limited benefits in terms of response and survival. This rapidly led to the investigation of combination therapies to enhance response rates. Moreover, predictive biomarkers were assessed to better select patients. Although PD-L1 expression remains the only validated marker in clinics, molecular profiling has brought valuable information, showing that the tumor mutation load and microsatellite instability (MSI) status were associated to higher response rates in nearly all cancer types. Moreover, in lung cancer, EGFR and MET mutations, oncogene fusions or STK11 inactivating mutations were associated with low response rates. Cancer progression towards invasive phenotypes that impede immune surveillance relies on complex regulatory networks and cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Epigenetic modifications, such as the alteration of histone patterns, chromatin structure, DNA methylation status at specific promoters and changes in microRNA levels, may alter the cell phenotype and reshape the tumor microenvironment, allowing cells to grow and escape from immune surveillance. The objective of this review is to make an update on the identified epigenetic changes that target immune surveillance and, ultimately, ICI responses, such as histone marks, DNA methylation and miR signatures. Translational studies or clinical trials, when available, and potential epigenetic biomarkers will be discussed as perspectives in the context of combination treatment strategies to enhance ICI responses in patients with solid tumors.
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33
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Zhu H, Du C, Yuan M, Fu P, He Q, Yang B, Cao J. PD-1/PD-L1 counterattack alliance: multiple strategies for treating triple-negative breast cancer. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1762-1771. [PMID: 32663441 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite extensive research into adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a common breast cancer (BC) subtype with poor prognosis. Given that it has higher immune cell infiltration, theoretically, it should be a protagonist of potential BC immunotherapies. However, only mild responses have been observed in monotherapy with anti-programmed death receptor-1/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) antibodies. In this review, we reappraise PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combination immunotherapy and effective experimental compounds, focusing the level of PD-L1 expression, neoantigens, abnormal signaling pathways, and tumor microenvironment signatures, to provide guidance for future clinical trials based on the molecular mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Zhu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengyong Du
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peifen Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji Cao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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34
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Yeon M, Kim Y, Jung HS, Jeoung D. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors to Overcome Resistance to Targeted and Immuno Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:486. [PMID: 32626712 PMCID: PMC7311641 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapies that target oncogenes and immune checkpoint molecules constitute a major group of treatments for metastatic melanoma. A mutation in BRAF (BRAF V600E) affects various signaling pathways, including mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in melanoma. Target-specific agents, such as MAPK inhibitors improve progression-free survival. However, BRAFV600E mutant melanomas treated with BRAF kinase inhibitors develop resistance. Immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1(PD-L1), induce immune evasion of cancer cells. MAPK inhibitor resistance results from the increased expression of PD-L1. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1, are main players in immune therapies designed to target metastatic melanoma. However, melanoma patients show low response rate and resistance to these inhibitors develops within 6–8 months of treatment. Epigenetic reprogramming, such as DNA methylaion and histone modification, regulates the expression of genes involved in cellular proliferation, immune checkpoints and the response to anti-cancer drugs. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) remove acetyl groups from histone and non-histone proteins and act as transcriptional repressors. HDACs are often dysregulated in melanomas, and regulate MAPK signaling, cancer progression, and responses to various anti-cancer drugs. HDACs have been shown to regulate the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and genes involved in immune evasion. These reports make HDACs ideal targets for the development of anti-melanoma therapeutics. We review the mechanisms of resistance to anti-melanoma therapies, including MAPK inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We address the effects of HDAC inhibitors on the response to MAPK inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma. In addition, we discuss current progress in anti-melanoma therapies involving a combination of HDAC inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and MAPK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjeong Yeon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chunchon, South Korea
| | - Youngmi Kim
- Institute of New Frontier Research, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chunchon, South Korea
| | - Hyun Suk Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chunchon, South Korea
| | - Dooil Jeoung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chunchon, South Korea
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35
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Burke B, Eden C, Perez C, Belshoff A, Hart S, Plaza-Rojas L, Delos Reyes M, Prajapati K, Voelkel-Johnson C, Henry E, Gupta G, Guevara-Patiño J. Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Enhances Checkpoint Blockade Efficacy by Rendering Bladder Cancer Cells Visible for T Cell-Mediated Destruction. Front Oncol 2020; 10:699. [PMID: 32500025 PMCID: PMC7243798 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory checkpoint blockade therapy is an immunomodulatory strategy that results in the restoration of T cell functions, and its efficacy depends on the recognition of tumor cells for destruction. Considering the factors at play, one could propose that anti-tumor responses will not occur if tumor cells are immunologically invisible to T cells. In this study, we tested a strategy based on the modulation of cancer cell's immunovisibility through HDAC inhibition. In a model (heterotopic and orthotopic) of mouse urothelial bladder cancer, we demonstrated that the use of intratumoral or intravesical HDACi in combination with systemic anti-PD-1 was effective at inducing curative responses with durable anti-tumor immunity capable of preventing tumor growth at a distal site. Mechanistically, we determined that protective responses were dependent on CD8 cells, but not NK cells. Of significance, in an in vitro human model, we found that fully activated T cells fail at killing bladder cancer cells unless tumor cells were pretreated with HDACi. Complementary to this observation, we found that HDACi cause gene deregulation, that results in the upregulation of genes responsible for mediating immunorecognition, NKG2D ligands and HSP70. Taken together, these data indicate that HDAC inhibition results in the elimination of the tumor cell's “invisibility cloak” that prevents T cells from recognizing and killing them. Finally, as checkpoint blockade therapy moves into the adjuvant setting, its combined use with locally administrated HDACi represents a new approach to be included in our current therapeutic treatment toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Burke
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Catherine Eden
- Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Cynthia Perez
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alex Belshoff
- Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Spencer Hart
- Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Lourdes Plaza-Rojas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Michael Delos Reyes
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kushal Prajapati
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Henry
- Department of Oncology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Gopal Gupta
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - José Guevara-Patiño
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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36
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Dzobo K. Epigenomics-Guided Drug Development: Recent Advances in Solving the Cancer Treatment "jigsaw puzzle". OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2020; 23:70-85. [PMID: 30767728 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2018.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The human epigenome plays a key role in determining cellular identity and eventually function. Drug discovery undertakings have focused mainly on the role of genomics in carcinogenesis, with the focus turning to the epigenome recently. Drugs targeting DNA and histone modifications are under development with some such as 5-azacytidine, decitabine, vorinostat, and panobinostat already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This expert review offers a critical analysis of the epigenomics-guided drug discovery and development and the opportunities and challenges for the next decade. Importantly, the coupling of epigenetic editing techniques, such as clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein-9 (Cas9) and APOBEC-coupled epigenetic sequencing (ACE-seq) with epigenetic drug screens, will allow the identification of small-molecule inhibitors or drugs able to reverse epigenetic changes responsible for many diseases. In addition, concrete and sustainable innovation in cancer treatment ought to integrate epigenome targeting drugs with classic therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- 1 International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,2 Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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37
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Wang H, Sové RJ, Jafarnejad M, Rahmeh S, Jaffee EM, Stearns V, Torres ETR, Connolly RM, Popel AS. Conducting a Virtual Clinical Trial in HER2-Negative Breast Cancer Using a Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Model With an Epigenetic Modulator and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:141. [PMID: 32158754 PMCID: PMC7051945 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival rate of patients with breast cancer has been improved by immune checkpoint blockade therapies, and the efficacy of their combinations with epigenetic modulators has shown promising results in preclinical studies. In this prospective study, we propose an ordinary differential equation (ODE)-based quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model to conduct an in silico virtual clinical trial and analyze potential predictive biomarkers to improve the anti-tumor response in HER2-negative breast cancer. The model is comprised of four compartments: central, peripheral, tumor, and tumor-draining lymph node, and describes immune activation, suppression, T cell trafficking, and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of the therapeutic agents. We implement theoretical mechanisms of action for checkpoint inhibitors and the epigenetic modulator based on preclinical studies to investigate their effects on anti-tumor response. According to model-based simulations, we confirm the synergistic effect of the epigenetic modulator and that pre-treatment tumor mutational burden, tumor-infiltrating effector T cell (Teff) density, and Teff to regulatory T cell (Treg) ratio are significantly higher in responders, which can be potential biomarkers to be considered in clinical trials. Overall, we present a readily reproducible modular model to conduct in silico virtual clinical trials on patient cohorts of interest, which is a step toward personalized medicine in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard J. Sové
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mohammad Jafarnejad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sondra Rahmeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Viragh Center for Pancreatic Clinical Research and Care, Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Vered Stearns
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Evanthia T. Roussos Torres
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Roisin M. Connolly
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Viragh Center for Pancreatic Clinical Research and Care, Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Aleksander S. Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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38
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Lobo J, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. Targeting the Immune system and Epigenetic Landscape of Urological Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E829. [PMID: 32012885 PMCID: PMC7037817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, we have witnessed remarkable advances in targeted therapies for cancer patients. There is a growing effort to either replace or reduce the dose of unspecific, systemic (chemo)therapies, given the associated short- and long-term side effects, by introducing more specific targeted therapies as single or combination agents. Due to the well-known implications of the immune system and epigenetic landscape in modulating cancer development, both have been explored as potential targets in several malignancies, including those affecting the genitourinary tract. As the immune system function is also epigenetically regulated, there is rationale for combining both strategies. However, this is still rather underexplored, namely in urological tumors. We aim to briefly review the use of immune therapies in prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer, and further describe studies providing supporting evidence on their combination with epigenetic-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
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Rodriguez CP, Wu Q(V, Voutsinas J, Fromm JR, Jiang X, Pillarisetty VG, Lee SM, Santana-Davila R, Goulart B, Baik CS, Chow LQ, Eaton K, Martins R. A Phase II Trial of Pembrolizumab and Vorinostat in Recurrent Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Salivary Gland Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 26:837-845. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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40
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Hicks KC, Knudson KM, Lee KL, Hamilton DH, Hodge JW, Figg WD, Ordentlich P, Jones FR, Rabizadeh S, Soon-Shiong P, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Cooperative Immune-Mediated Mechanisms of the HDAC Inhibitor Entinostat, an IL15 Superagonist, and a Cancer Vaccine Effectively Synergize as a Novel Cancer Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 26:704-716. [PMID: 31645354 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-0727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunotherapy has demonstrated clinical efficacy in subsets of patients with solid carcinomas. Multimodal therapies using agents that can affect different arms of the immune system and/or tumor microenvironment (TME) might increase clinical responses. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We demonstrate that entinostat, a class I histone deacetylase inhibitor, enhances the antitumor efficacy of the IL15 superagonist N-803 plus vaccine in 4T1 triple-negative breast and MC38-CEA colon murine carcinoma models. A comprehensive immune and gene-expression analysis was performed in the periphery and/or TME of MC38-CEA tumor-bearing mice. RESULTS Although N-803 plus vaccine induced peripheral CD8+ T-cell activation and cytokine production, there was no reduction in tumor burden and poor tumor infiltration of CD8+ T cells with minimal levels of granzyme B. For the first time, we demonstrate that the addition of entinostat to N-803 plus vaccine promoted significant tumor control, correlating with increased expression of genes associated with tumor inflammation, enhanced infiltration of activated CD8+ T cells with maximal granzyme B, T-cell responses to multiple tumor-associated antigens, increased serum IFNγ, reduction of regulatory T cells in the TME, and decreased expression of the checkpoint V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) on multiple immune subsets. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data demonstrate that the synergistic combination of entinostat, N-803, and vaccine elicits potent antitumor activity by generating a more inflamed TME. These findings thus form the rationale for the use of this combination of agents for patients harboring poorly or noninflamed solid carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin C Hicks
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Karin M Knudson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Karin L Lee
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Duane H Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Office of the Clinical Director, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | - Shahrooz Rabizadeh
- ImmunityBio, Culver City, California.,NantOmics, LLC, Culver City, California.,NantWorks, Culver City, California
| | - Patrick Soon-Shiong
- ImmunityBio, Culver City, California.,NantOmics, LLC, Culver City, California.,NantWorks, Culver City, California
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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41
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Page DB, Bear H, Prabhakaran S, Gatti-Mays ME, Thomas A, Cobain E, McArthur H, Balko JM, Gameiro SR, Nanda R, Gulley JL, Kalinsky K, White J, Litton J, Chmura SJ, Polley MY, Vincent B, Cescon DW, Disis ML, Sparano JA, Mittendorf EA, Adams S. Two may be better than one: PD-1/PD-L1 blockade combination approaches in metastatic breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2019; 5:34. [PMID: 31602395 PMCID: PMC6783471 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-019-0130-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies blocking programmed death 1 (anti-PD-1) or its ligand (anti-PD-L1) are associated with modest response rates as monotherapy in metastatic breast cancer, but are generally well tolerated and capable of generating dramatic and durable benefit in a minority of patients. Anti-PD-1/L1 antibodies are also safe when administered in combination with a variety of systemic therapies (chemotherapy, targeted therapies), as well as with radiotherapy. We summarize preclinical, translational, and preliminary clinical data in support of combination approaches with anti-PD-1/L1 in metastatic breast cancer, focusing on potential mechanisms of synergy, and considerations for clinical practice and future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B. Page
- Providence Cancer Institute; Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Portland, OR USA
| | - Harry Bear
- Division of Surgical Oncology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Sangeetha Prabhakaran
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgery, University of New Mexico; University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | | | - Alexandra Thomas
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC USA
| | | | | | - Justin M. Balko
- Department of Medicine and Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Sofia R. Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Rita Nanda
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - James L. Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | | | - Julia White
- Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH USA
| | | | | | | | | | - David W. Cescon
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | | | - Joseph A. Sparano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Mittendorf
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sylvia Adams
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
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Ediriweera MK, Tennekoon KH, Samarakoon SR. Emerging role of histone deacetylase inhibitors as anti-breast-cancer agents. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:685-702. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Capasso A, Lang J, Pitts TM, Jordan KR, Lieu CH, Davis SL, Diamond JR, Kopetz S, Barbee J, Peterson J, Freed BM, Yacob BW, Bagby SM, Messersmith WA, Slansky JE, Pelanda R, Eckhardt SG. Characterization of immune responses to anti-PD-1 mono and combination immunotherapy in hematopoietic humanized mice implanted with tumor xenografts. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:37. [PMID: 30736857 PMCID: PMC6368764 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0518-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The success of agents that reverse T-cell inhibitory signals, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies, has reinvigorated cancer immunotherapy research. However, since only a minority of patients respond to single-agent therapies, methods to test the potential anti-tumor activity of rational combination therapies are still needed. Conventional murine xenograft models have been hampered by their immune-compromised status; thus, we developed a hematopoietic humanized mouse model, hu-CB-BRGS, and used it to study anti-tumor human immune responses to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line and patient-derived colorectal cancer (CRC) xenografts (PDX). Methods BALB/c-Rag2nullIl2rγnullSIRPαNOD (BRGS) pups were humanized through transplantation of cord blood (CB)-derived CD34+ cells. Mice were evaluated for human chimerism in the blood and assigned into experimental untreated or nivolumab groups based on chimerism. TNBC cell lines or tumor tissue from established CRC PDX models were implanted into both flanks of humanized mice and treatments ensued once tumors reached a volume of ~150mm3. Tumors were measured twice weekly. At end of study, immune organs and tumors were collected for immunological assessment. Results Humanized PDX models were successfully established with a high frequency of tumor engraftment. Humanized mice treated with anti-PD-1 exhibited increased anti-tumor human T-cell responses coupled with decreased Treg and myeloid populations that correlated with tumor growth inhibition. Combination therapies with anti-PD-1 treatment in TNBC-bearing mice reduced tumor growth in multi-drug cohorts. Finally, as observed in human colorectal patients, anti-PD-1 therapy had a strong response to a microsatellite-high CRC PDX that correlated with a higher number of human CD8+ IFNγ+ T cells in the tumor. Conclusion Hu-CB-BRGS mice represent an in vivo model to study immune checkpoint blockade to human tumors. The human immune system in the mice is inherently suppressed, similar to a tumor microenvironment, and thus allows growth of human tumors. However, the suppression can be released by anti-PD-1 therapies and inhibit tumor growth of some tumors. The model offers ample access to lymph and tumor cells for in-depth immunological analysis. The tumor growth inhibition correlates with increased CD8 IFNγ+ tumor infiltrating T cells. These hu-CB-BRGS mice provide a relevant preclinical animal model to facilitate prioritization of hypothesis-driven combination immunotherapies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40425-019-0518-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Capasso
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - J Lang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave P18-8401G, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - T M Pitts
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 1665 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - K R Jordan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave P18-8401G, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - C H Lieu
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 1665 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - S L Davis
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 1665 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - J R Diamond
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 1665 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - S Kopetz
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd10, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - J Barbee
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave P18-8401G, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - J Peterson
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave P18-8401G, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - B M Freed
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - B W Yacob
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - S M Bagby
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - W A Messersmith
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 1665 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - J E Slansky
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 1665 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave P18-8401G, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - R Pelanda
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave P18-8401G, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - S G Eckhardt
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1701 Trinity Street, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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Epigenetic Targeting of Autophagy via HDAC Inhibition in Tumor Cells: Role of p53. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123952. [PMID: 30544838 PMCID: PMC6321134 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor development and progression is the consequence of genetic as well as epigenetic alterations of the cell. As part of the epigenetic regulatory system, histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and deacetylases (HDACs) drive the modification of histone as well as non-histone proteins. Derailed acetylation-mediated gene expression in cancer due to a delicate imbalance in HDAC expression can be reversed by histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). Histone deacetylase inhibitors have far-reaching anticancer activities that include the induction of cell cycle arrest, the inhibition of angiogenesis, immunomodulatory responses, the inhibition of stress responses, increased generation of oxidative stress, activation of apoptosis, autophagy eliciting cell death, and even the regulation of non-coding RNA expression in malignant tumor cells. However, it remains an ongoing issue how tumor cells determine to respond to HDACi treatment by preferentially undergoing apoptosis or autophagy. In this review, we summarize HDACi-mediated mechanisms of action, particularly with respect to the induction of cell death. There is a keen interest in assessing suitable molecular factors allowing a prognosis of HDACi-mediated treatment. Addressing the results of our recent study, we highlight the role of p53 as a molecular switch driving HDACi-mediated cellular responses towards one of both types of cell death. These findings underline the importance to determine the mutational status of p53 for an effective outcome in HDACi-mediated tumor therapy.
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Nicolini A, Ferrari P, Rossi G, Carpi A. Tumour growth and immune evasion as targets for a new strategy in advanced cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:R577–R604. [PMID: 30306784 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It has become clearer that advanced cancer, especially advanced breast cancer, is an entirely displayed pathological system that is much more complex than previously considered. However, the direct relationship between tumour growth and immune evasion can represent a general rule governing the pathological cancer system from the initial cancer cells to when the system is entirely displayed. Accordingly, a refined pathobiological model and a novel therapeutic strategy are proposed. The novel therapeutic strategy is based on therapeutically induced conditions (undetectable tumour burden and/or a prolonged tumour ‘resting state’), which enable an efficacious immune response in advanced breast and other types of solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rossi
- Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelo Carpi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Hicks KC, Fantini M, Donahue RN, Schwab A, Knudson KM, Tritsch SR, Jochems C, Clavijo PE, Allen CT, Hodge JW, Tsang KY, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Epigenetic priming of both tumor and NK cells augments antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity elicited by the anti-PD-L1 antibody avelumab against multiple carcinoma cell types. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1466018. [PMID: 30377559 PMCID: PMC6205056 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1466018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis are promising immunotherapies shown to elicit objective responses against multiple tumor types, yet these agents fail to benefit most patients with carcinomas. This highlights the need to develop effective therapeutic strategies to increase responses to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in combination with immunotherapies have provided preliminary evidence of anti-tumor effects. We investigated here whether exposure of either natural killer (NK) cells and/or tumor cells to two different classes of HDAC inhibitors would augment (a) NK cell‒mediated direct tumor cell killing and/or (b) antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) using avelumab, a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting PD-L1. Treatment of a diverse array of human carcinoma cells with a clinically relevant dose of either the pan-HDAC inhibitor vorinostat or the class I HDAC inhibitor entinostat significantly enhanced the expression of multiple NK ligands and death receptors resulting in enhanced NK cell‒mediated lysis. Moreover, HDAC inhibition enhanced tumor cell PD-L1 expression both in vitro and in carcinoma xenografts. These data demonstrate that treatment of a diverse array of carcinoma cells with two different classes of HDAC inhibitors results in enhanced NK cell tumor cell lysis and avelumab-mediated ADCC. Furthermore, entinostat treatment of NK cells from healthy donors and PBMCs from cancer patients induced an activated NK cell phenotype, and heightened direct and ADCC-mediated healthy donor NK lysis of multiple carcinoma types. This study thus extends the mechanism and provides a rationale for combining HDAC inhibitors with PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade to increase patient responses to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin C. Hicks
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Massimo Fantini
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Renee N. Donahue
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Angie Schwab
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Karin M. Knudson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sarah R. Tritsch
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Caroline Jochems
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul E. Clavijo
- Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Clint T. Allen
- Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James W. Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kwong Y. Tsang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sofia R. Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Bhat SA, Vedpathak DM, Chiplunkar SV. Checkpoint Blockade Rescues the Repressive Effect of Histone Deacetylases Inhibitors on γδ T Cell Function. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1615. [PMID: 30072989 PMCID: PMC6060239 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDAC) are one of the key epigenetic modifiers that control chromatin accessibility and gene expression. Their role in tumorigenesis is well established and HDAC inhibitors have emerged as an effective treatment modality. HDAC inhibitors have been investigated for their specific antitumor activities and also clinically evaluated in treatment of various malignancies. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of HDAC inhibitors on the effector functions of human γδ T cells. HDAC inhibitors inhibit the antigen-specific proliferative response of γδ T cells and cell cycle progression. In antigen-activated γδ T cells, the expression of transcription factors (Eomes and Tbet) and effector molecules (perforin and granzyme B) were decreased upon treatment with HDAC inhibitors. Treatment with HDAC inhibitors attenuated the antitumor cytotoxic potential of γδ T cells, which correlated with the enhanced expression of immune checkpoints programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1 in γδ T cells. Interestingly, PD-1 blockade improves the antitumor effector functions of HDAC inhibitor-treated γδ T cells, which is reflected in the increased expression of Granzyme B and Lamp-1. This study provides a rationale for designing HDAC inhibitor and immune check point blockade as a combinatorial treatment modality for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad A Bhat
- Chiplunkar Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India.,HomiBhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Disha Mohan Vedpathak
- Chiplunkar Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India.,HomiBhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Shubhada V Chiplunkar
- Chiplunkar Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India.,HomiBhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
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Cai L, Michelakos T, Yamada T, Fan S, Wang X, Schwab JH, Ferrone CR, Ferrone S. Defective HLA class I antigen processing machinery in cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:999-1009. [PMID: 29487978 PMCID: PMC8697037 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2131-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Malignant transformation of cells is frequently associated with defective HLA class I antigen processing machinery (APM) component expression. This abnormality may have functional relevance, since it may have a negative impact on tumor cell recognition by cognate T cells. Furthermore, HLA class I APM abnormalities appear to have clinical significance, since they are associated with poor prognosis in several malignant diseases and may play a role in the resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature describing abnormalities in HLA class I APM component expression in many types of cancer. These abnormalities have been reported in all types of cancer analyzed with a frequency ranging between a minimum of 35.8% in renal cancer and a maximum of 87.9% in thyroid cancer for HLA class I heavy chains. In addition, we have described the molecular mechanisms underlying defects in HLA class I APM component expression and function by malignant cells. Lastly, we have discussed the clinical significance of HLA class I APM component abnormalities in malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cai
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Theodoros Michelakos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Teppei Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Song Fan
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Joseph H Schwab
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina R Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Suraweera A, O’Byrne KJ, Richard DJ. Combination Therapy With Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACi) for the Treatment of Cancer: Achieving the Full Therapeutic Potential of HDACi. Front Oncol 2018; 8:92. [PMID: 29651407 PMCID: PMC5884928 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 451] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic changes in DNA are involved in cancer development and tumor progression. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are key regulators of gene expression that act as transcriptional repressors by removing acetyl groups from histones. HDACs are dysregulated in many cancers, making them a therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), a novel class of small-molecular therapeutics, are now approved by the Food and Drug Administration as anticancer agents. While they have shown great promise, resistance to HDACi is often observed and furthermore, HDACi have shown limited success in treating solid tumors. The combination of HDACi with standard chemotherapeutic drugs has demonstrated promising anticancer effects in both preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we summarize the research thus far on HDACi in combination therapy, with other anticancer agents and their translation into preclinical and clinical studies. We additionally highlight the side effects associated with HDACi in cancer therapy and discuss potential biomarkers to either select or predict a patient's response to these agents, in order to limit the off-target toxicity associated with HDACi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amila Suraweera
- School of Biomedical Research, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at the Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kenneth J. O’Byrne
- School of Biomedical Research, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at the Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Derek J. Richard
- School of Biomedical Research, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at the Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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50
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Malamas AS, Gameiro SR, Knudson KM, Hodge JW. Sublethal exposure to alpha radiation (223Ra dichloride) enhances various carcinomas' sensitivity to lysis by antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes through calreticulin-mediated immunogenic modulation. Oncotarget 2018; 7:86937-86947. [PMID: 27893426 PMCID: PMC5341329 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Radium-223 dichloride (Xofigo®; 223Ra) is an alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical FDA-approved for the treatment of bone metastases in patients with advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer. It is also being examined clinically in patients with breast and lung carcinoma and patients with multiple myeloma. As with other forms of radiation, the aim of 223Ra is to reduce tumor burden by directly killing tumor cells. External beam (photon) and proton radiation have been shown to augment tumor sensitivity to antigen-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). However, little is known about whether treatment with 223Ra can also induce such immunogenic modulation in tumor cells that survive irradiation. We examined these effects in vitro by exposing human prostate, breast, and lung carcinoma cells to sublethal doses of 223Ra. 223Ra significantly enhanced T cell-mediated lysis of each tumor type by CD8+ CTLs specific for MUC-1, brachyury, and CEA tumor antigens. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the increase in CTL killing was accompanied by augmented protein expression of MHC-I and calreticulin in each tumor type, molecules that are essential for efficient antigen presentation. Enhanced tumor-cell lysis was facilitated by calreticulin surface translocation following 223Ra exposure. The phenotypic changes observed after treatment appear to be mediated by induction of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response pathway. By rendering tumor cells more susceptible to T cell-mediated lysis, 223Ra may potentially be effective in combination with various immunotherapies, particularly cancer vaccines that are designed to generate and expand patients’ endogenous antigen-specific T-cell populations against specific tumor antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Malamas
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Karin M Knudson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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