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Gan Q, Li Y, Li Y, Liu H, Chen D, Liu L, Peng C. Pathways and molecules for overcoming immunotolerance in metastatic gastrointestinal tumors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1359914. [PMID: 38646539 PMCID: PMC11026648 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1359914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is recognized as one of the leading malignancies diagnosed in both genders, with mortality largely attributed to metastatic dissemination. It has been identified that in GI cancer, a variety of signaling pathways and key molecules are modified, leading to the emergence of an immunotolerance phenotype. Such modifications are pivotal in the malignancy's evasion of immune detection. Thus, a thorough analysis of the pathways and molecules contributing to GI cancer's immunotolerance is vital for advancing our comprehension and propelling the creation of efficacious pharmacological treatments. In response to this necessity, our review illuminates a selection of groundbreaking cellular signaling pathways associated with immunotolerance in GI cancer, including the Phosphoinositide 3-kinases/Akt, Janus kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3, Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, Transforming Growth Factor-beta/Smad, Notch, Programmed Death-1/Programmed Death-Ligand 1, and Wingless and INT-1/beta-catenin-Interleukin 10. Additionally, we examine an array of pertinent molecules like Indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase, Human Leukocyte Antigen G/E, Glycoprotein A Repetitions Predominant, Clever-1, Interferon regulatory factor 8/Osteopontin, T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3, Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1, Cell division control protein 42 homolog, and caspases-1 and -12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixin Gan
- 1Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan College of TCM (Hunan Province Directly Affiliated TCM Hospital), Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuejun Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan College of TCM (Hunan Province Directly Affiliated TCM Hospital), Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Haifen Liu
- 1Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan College of TCM (Hunan Province Directly Affiliated TCM Hospital), Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Daochuan Chen
- 1Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan College of TCM (Hunan Province Directly Affiliated TCM Hospital), Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Lanxiang Liu
- 1Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan College of TCM (Hunan Province Directly Affiliated TCM Hospital), Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Churan Peng
- 1Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan College of TCM (Hunan Province Directly Affiliated TCM Hospital), Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
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Zhao Y, Zhao M, Li M, Ma X, Zheng M, Nie Y, Zhu Y, Ren J, Hasimu A, Yuan Z, Li Q, Bahabayi A, Zhang Z, Zeng X, Liu C. Alterations in Helios+ T cell subsets in peripheral blood of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma patients: Implications for early diagnosis. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152749. [PMID: 37778128 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the changes and significance of circulating Helios-associated T cell subsets in patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). METHODS Blood samples were collected from 35 healthy controls and 34 patients with early-stage LUAD. Flow cytometry was used to analyze various CD4+ T cell subsets, including regulatory T(Treg) cells, follicular regulatory T(Tfr) cells, follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, and conventional T (con-T) cells. Correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the association of Helios-related subsets with clinical indicators. The ROC curve was used to explore the potential clinical value of Helios+ T cell subsets in the screening of patients with early LUAD. Fifteen of these patients were tracked after lung cancer resection and changes in Helios+ T cell subsets before and after treatment were analyzed. RESULTS The percentage and absolute number of Tregs were up-regulated in LUAD patients while Tfh and con-T cells expressing Helios were down-regulated. Absolute counts of Tfr and con-T cells and Helios expression in Tfr and Treg decreased significantly after resection. Helios+ Tfh and con-T were negatively correlated with certain tumor markers. Areas under the curve (AUCs) of percentages and absolute counts of Helios+ Tfh, Treg, Tfr and con-T cells to distinguish early LUAD from healthy individuals were 0.7277, 0.5697, 0.5718, 0.7210 (percentages), 0.7336, 0.7378, 0.5908 and 0.7445(absolute numbers), respectively. CONCLUSION Helios+ T cell subsets in peripheral blood of early-stage LUAD patients has changed significantly, which may be related to the pathogenesis of LUAD and could help for early diagnosis of LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiancan Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mohan Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuying Nie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yaoyi Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxin Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ainizati Hasimu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zihang Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ayibaota Bahabayi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhonghui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xingyue Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Lahimchi MR, Eslami M, Yousefi B. New insight into GARP striking role in cancer progression: application for cancer therapy. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 40:33. [PMID: 36460874 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01881-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
T regulatory cells play a crucial role in antitumor immunity suppression. Glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant (GARP), transmembrane cell surface marker, is mostly expressed on Tregs and mediates intracellular organization of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). The physiological role of GARP is immune system homeostasis, while it may cause tumor development by upregulating TGF-β secretion. Despite the vast application of anti- programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) antibodies in immunotherapy, anti-GARP antibodies have the advantage of better response in patients who has resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1. Furthermore, simultaneous administration of anti-GARP antibody and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody is much more effective than anti-PD-1/PD-L1 alone. It is worth mentioning that the GARP-mTGF-β complex is more potent than secretory TGF-β to induce T helper 17 cells differentiation in HIV + patients. On the other hand, TGF-β is an effective cytokine in cancer development, and some microRNAs could control its secretion by regulating GARP. In the present review, some information is provided about the undeniable role of GARP in cancer progression and its probable importance as a novel prognostic biomarker. Anti-GARP antibodies are also suggested for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Majid Eslami
- Food Safety Research Center (Salt), Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Immunology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran. .,Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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Ye X, Lu Q, Yang A, Rao J, Xie W, He C, Wang W, Li H, Zhang Z. MiR-206 regulates the Th17/Treg ratio during osteoarthritis. Mol Med 2021; 27:64. [PMID: 34147072 PMCID: PMC8214293 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00315-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aimed to determine the functional role of miR-206 in T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation during the development of osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS Patients with OA and healthy controls were recruited for investigating the association between miR-206 and Th17/Treg ratio. Transfection experiments were conducted in CD4+ T cells to verify the mechanism of miR-206 on the balance of Treg/Th17. OA model was constructed to detect the clinical score, histopathological changes and Treg/Th17 ratio. OA model was induced in rats to verify the effect of miR-206 inhibition on Th17/Treg immunoregulation. RESULTS High expression of miR-206 was positively correlated with peripheral Th17/Treg imbalance in patients with OA. The interactions between miR-206 and the 3' untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) and fork head transcriptional factor 3 (Foxp3) were confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. MiR-206 disturbed the Th17/Treg balance by targeting SOCS3 and Foxp3. In vivo assay demonstrated that antagomiR directed against miR-206 restored Th17/Treg balance during the development of OA. CONCLUSION MiR-206 contributed to the progression of OA by modulating Th17/Treg imbalance, suggesting that miR-206 inhibition might be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiguang Ye
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.,Institute of Orthopedics, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Qilin Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei 672 Orthopaedics Hospital of Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine, Wuhan, 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Aofei Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China. .,Institute of Orthopedics, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China. .,College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.
| | - Jun Rao
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.,Institute of Orthopedics, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei 672 Orthopaedics Hospital of Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine, Wuhan, 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Chengjian He
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.,Institute of Orthopedics, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Weijun Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.,Institute of Orthopedics, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.,Institute of Orthopedics, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiwen Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.,Institute of Orthopedics, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4, Hua-Yuan-Shan, Yanzhi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
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Roth-Walter F, Adcock IM, Benito-Villalvilla C, Bianchini R, Bjermer L, Boyman O, Caramori G, Cari L, Fan Chung K, Diamant Z, Eguiluz-Gracia I, Knol EF, Kolios A, Levi-Schaffer F, Nocentini G, Palomares O, Redegeld F, Van Esch B, Stellato C. Immune modulation via T regulatory cell enhancement: Disease-modifying therapies for autoimmunity and their potential for chronic allergic and inflammatory diseases-An EAACI position paper of the Task Force on Immunopharmacology (TIPCO). Allergy 2021; 76:90-113. [PMID: 32593226 DOI: 10.1111/all.14478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic advances using targeted biologicals and small-molecule drugs have achieved significant success in the treatment of chronic allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases particularly for some patients with severe, treatment-resistant forms. This has been aided by improved identification of disease phenotypes. Despite these achievements, not all severe forms of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases are successfully targeted, and current treatment options, besides allergen immunotherapy for selected allergic diseases, fail to change the disease course. T cell-based therapies aim to cure diseases through the selective induction of appropriate immune responses following the delivery of engineered, specific cytotoxic, or regulatory T cells (Tregs). Adoptive cell therapies (ACT) with genetically engineered T cells have revolutionized the oncology field, bringing curative treatment for leukemia and lymphoma, while therapies exploiting the suppressive functions of Tregs have been developed in nononcological settings, such as in transplantation and autoimmune diseases. ACT with Tregs are also being considered in nononcological settings such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and chronic inflammatory disorders. After describing the general features of T cell-based approaches and current applications in autoimmune diseases, this position paper reviews the experimental models testing or supporting T cell-based approaches, especially Treg-based approaches, in severe IgE-mediated responses and chronic respiratory airway diseases, such as severe asthma and COPD. Along with an assessment of challenges and unmet needs facing the application of ACT in these settings, this article underscores the potential of ACT to offer curative options for patients with severe or treatment-resistant forms of these immune-driven disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Roth-Walter
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ian M Adcock
- Molecular Cell Biology Group, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Cristina Benito-Villalvilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Bianchini
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leif Bjermer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lung and Allergy research, Allergy, Asthma and COPD Competence Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gaetano Caramori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luigi Cari
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- Experimental Studies Medicine at National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London & Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Zuzana Diamant
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Institute for Clinical Science, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen and QPS-NL, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ibon Eguiluz-Gracia
- Allergy Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-ARADyAL, Málaga, Spain
| | - Edward F Knol
- Departments of Immunology and Dermatology/Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Antonios Kolios
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Levi-Schaffer
- Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Giuseppe Nocentini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Oscar Palomares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Frank Redegeld
- Faculty of Science, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Betty Van Esch
- Faculty of Science, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cristiana Stellato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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Sarkar T, Dhar S, Sa G. Tumor-infiltrating T-regulatory cells adapt to altered metabolism to promote tumor-immune escape. CURRENT RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 2:132-141. [PMID: 35492399 PMCID: PMC9040151 DOI: 10.1016/j.crimmu.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor mass and its microenvironment alter host immune system in various ways to promote tumor growth. One of the modifications is evasion of immune surveillance by augmenting the number of Tregs in tumor vicinity. Elevated levels of Tregs are seen in peripheral circulation and tumor tissue of cancer patients. Cancer cells release several chemokines to attract Tregs in tumor-site. Infiltration of Tregs has clinical significance because being immunosuppressive infiltrating Tregs suppress other immune cells making the tumor microenvironment favorable for tumor growth. On the other hand, infiltrating Tregs show metabolic alteration in tumor microenvironment which allows their selective survival over the others. Persistence of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment and subsequent immunosuppression makes Tregs a potential therapeutic obstacle and the reason behind the failure of immunotherapy. In this review, we emphasize the recent development in the metabolic adaptation of tumor-infiltrating Tregs and the therapeutic approaches to boost immunity against cancer.
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7
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Turan T, Kongpachith S, Halliwill K, Roelands J, Hendrickx W, Marincola FM, Hudson TJ, Jacob HJ, Bedognetti D, Samayoa J, Ceccarelli M. A balance score between immune stimulatory and suppressive microenvironments identifies mediators of tumour immunity and predicts pan-cancer survival. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:760-769. [PMID: 33139798 PMCID: PMC7884411 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01145-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The balance between immune-stimulatory and immune-suppressive mechanisms in the tumour microenvironment is associated with tumour rejection and can predict the efficacy of immune checkpoint-inhibition therapies. METHODS We consider the observed differences between the transcriptional programmes associated with cancer types where the levels of immune infiltration predict a favourable prognosis versus those in which the immune infiltration predicts an unfavourable prognosis and defined a score named Mediators of Immune Response Against Cancer in soLid microEnvironments (MIRACLE). MIRACLE deconvolves T cell infiltration, from inhibitory mechanisms, such as TGFβ, EMT and PI3Kγ signatures. RESULTS Our score outperforms current state-of-the-art immune signatures as a predictive marker of survival in TCGA (n = 9305, HR: 0.043, p value: 6.7 × 10-36). In a validation cohort (n = 7623), MIRACLE predicts better survival compared to other immune metrics (HR: 0.1985, p value: 2.73 × 10-38). MIRACLE also predicts response to checkpoint-inhibitor therapies (n = 333). The tumour-intrinsic factors inversely associated with the reported score such as EGFR, PRKAR1A and MAP3K1 are frequently associated with immune-suppressive phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS The association of cancer outcome with the level of infiltrating immune cells is mediated by the balance of activatory and suppressive factors. MIRACLE accounts for this balance and predicts favourable cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Turan
- Computational Immunology and Oncology (CIAO), AbbVie, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Kongpachith
- Computational Immunology and Oncology (CIAO), AbbVie, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Kyle Halliwill
- Computational Immunology and Oncology (CIAO), AbbVie, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Roelands
- Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Thomas J Hudson
- Computational Immunology and Oncology (CIAO), AbbVie, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Howard J Jacob
- Genomics Research Center (GRC), AbbVie, Lake County, IL, USA
| | - Davide Bedognetti
- Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar. .,Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Josue Samayoa
- Computational Immunology and Oncology (CIAO), AbbVie, Redwood City, CA, USA.
| | - Michele Ceccarelli
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy. .,Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche "G. Salvatore", Biogem s.c.ar.l, 83031, Ariano Irpino, Italy.
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8
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The Biology of Immune-Active Cancers and Their Regulatory Mechanisms. Cancer Treat Res 2020; 180:149-172. [PMID: 32215869 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-38862-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
The development of cancer results from the evolutionary balance between the proliferating aptitude of cancer cells and the response of the host's tissues. Some cancers are characterized by genetic instability dependent upon impaired DNA repair mechanisms that lead to the chaotic disruption of multiple cellular functions often in excess of the cancer survival needs and may exert broad effects on surrounding tissues, some beneficial and some detrimental to cancer growth. Among them, inflammatory processes that accompany wound healing may initiate a reaction of the host against the neo-formation. This is possibly triggered by the release by dying cancer cells of molecules known as Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) following a process termed Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD) that initiates an immune response through innate and adaptive mechanisms. Indeed, analysis of large cancer data sets has shown that ICD is strictly associated with the activation of other immune effector or immune-regulatory pathways. Here, we will describe how immune activation and compensatory immune-regulatory mechanisms balance anti-cancer immune surveillance and the roles that innate and adaptive immunity play including the weight that neo-epitopes may exert as initiators and sculptors of high-affinity memory and effector immune responses against cancer. We will discuss the evolutionary basis for the existence of immune checkpoints and how several theories raised to explain cancer resistance to immunotherapy represent a facet of a similar evolutionary phenomenon that we described in the Theory of Everything. We will show how the biology of immunogenicity and counterbalancing immune regulation is widespread across cancers independent of their ontogenesis while subtle idiosyncratic differences are discernible among them. Finally, we will suggest that overcoming immune resistance implies distinct approaches relevant to the immune context of individual cancers.
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9
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Niu L, Jiang J, Yin Y, Hu B. LncRNA XLOC_003810 modulates thymic Th17/Treg balance in myasthenia gravis with thymoma. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:989-996. [PMID: 32048308 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Imbalance of T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells is involved in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis with thymoma (MG-T). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in the regulation of Th17/Treg balance. This study was designed to explore the role of XLOC_003810, a novel lncRNA, in regulating the Th17/Treg balance in MG-T. The thymic CD4+ T cells were isolated from control subjects and MG-T patients. The Th17/Treg balance was evaluated by determining proportions of Th17 and Treg cells and expression of Th17- and Treg- associated molecules. Lentivirus-mediated silencing and overexpression of XLOC_003810 in CD4+ T cells were performed. The results showed that XLOC_003810 expression was higher in MG-T thymic CD4+ T cells than that in the control group. Furthermore, the ratio of Th17/Treg cells, proportion of Th17 cells and levels of Th17-associated molecules were significantly increased, whereas the proportion of Treg cells and levels of Treg-associated molecules were decreased in MG-T thymic CD4+ T cells. Importantly, the Th17/Treg imbalance in MG-T thymic CD4+ T cells was aggravated by XLOC_003810 overexpression, whereas it was attenuated by XLOC_003810 silencing. Collectively, XLOC_003810 modulates thymic Th17/Treg balance in MG-T patients, providing the scientific basis for the clinical targeted therapy of MG-T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Niu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Yin
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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10
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Abstract
This volume is intended to review the methods used to identify biomarkers predictive of cancer responsiveness to immunotherapy. The successful development of clinically actionable biomarkers depends upon three features: (a) their biological role with respect to malignant transformation and tumor progression; (b) the ability to detect them with robust, reliable, and clinically applicable assays; and (c) their prognostic or predictive value, as validated in clinical trials.Identifying biomarkers that have predictive value for patient selection based on the likelihood of benefiting from anticancer immunotherapy is a lengthy and complex process. To date, few predictive biomarkers for anticancer immunotherapy have been robustly analytically and clinically validated (i.e., PD-L1 expression as measured by IHC assays and microsatellite instability (MSI)/dMMR as measured by PCR or IHC, respectively).This introductory chapter to this book focuses on scientific and technical aspects relevant to the identification and validation of predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy. We emphasize that methods should address both the biology of the tumor and the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the identification of biomarkers requires highly sensitive, multiplexed, comprehensive techniques, especially for application in clinical care. Thus, in this chapter, we will define the outstanding questions related to the immune biology of cancer as a base for development of the biomarkers and assays using diverse methodologies. These biomarkers will likely be identified through research that integrates conventional immunological approaches along with high-throughput genomic and proteomic screening and the host immune response of individual patients that relates to individual tumor biology and immune drugs' mechanism of action.Checkpoint inhibitor therapy (CIT) is by now an accepted modality of cancer treatment. However, immune resistance is common, and most patients do not benefit from the treatment. The reasons for resistance are diverse, and approaches to circumvent it need to consider genetic, biologic, and environmental factors that affect anticancer immune response. Here, we propose to systematically address fundamental concepts based on the premise that malignant cells orchestrate their surroundings by interacting with innate and adaptive immune sensors. This principle applies to most cancers and governs their evolution in the immune-competent host. Understanding the basic requirement(s) for this evolutionary process will guide biomarker discovery and validation and ultimately guide to effective therapeutic choices. This volume will also discuss novel biomarker approaches aimed at informing an effective assay development from a mechanistic point of view, as well as the clinical implementation (i.e., patient enrichment) for immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Cesano
- ESSA Pharma, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Nanostring Technologies, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | - Magdalena Thurin
- Cancer Diagnosis Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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11
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Lodyga M, Hinz B. TGF-β1 - A truly transforming growth factor in fibrosis and immunity. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 101:123-139. [PMID: 31879265 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
'Jack of all trades, master of everything' is a fair label for transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β) - a cytokine that controls our life at many levels. In the adult organism, TGF-β1 is critical for the development and maturation of immune cells, maintains immune tolerance and homeostasis, and regulates various aspects of immune responses. Following acute tissue damages, TGF-β1 becomes a master regulator of the healing process with impacts on about every cell type involved. Divergence from the tight control of TGF-β1 actions, for instance caused by chronic injury, severe trauma, or infection can tip the balance from regulated physiological to excessive pathological repair. This condition of fibrosis is characterized by accumulation and stiffening of collagenous scar tissue which impairs organ functions to the point of failure. Fibrosis and dysregulated immune responses are also a feature of cancer, in which tumor cells escape immune control partly by manipulating TGF-β1 regulation and where immune cells are excluded from the tumor by fibrotic matrix created during the stroma 'healing' response. Despite the obvious potential of TGF-β-signalling therapies, globally targeting TGF-β1 receptor, downstream pathways, or the active growth factor have proven to be extremely difficult if not impossible in systemic treatment regimes. However, TGF-β1 binding to cell receptors requires prior activation from latent complexes that are extracellularly presented on the surface of immune cells or within the extracellular matrix. These different locations have led to some divergence in the field which is often either seen from the perspective of an immunologists or a fibrosis/matrix researcher. Despite these human boundaries, there is considerable overlap between immune and tissue repair cells with respect to latent TGF-β1 presentation and activation. Moreover, the mechanisms and proteins employed by different cells and spatiotemporal control of latent TGF-β1 activation provide specificity that is amenable to drug development. This review aims at synthesizing the knowledge on TGF-β1 extracellular activation in the immune system and in fibrosis to further stimulate cross talk between the two research communities in solving the TGF-β conundrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Lodyga
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G1G6, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G1G6, Canada.
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12
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Xie K, Liu L, Chen J, Liu F. Exosomal miR-1246 derived from human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells attenuates hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury by modulating T helper 17/regulatory T balance. IUBMB Life 2019; 71:2020-2030. [PMID: 31433911 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism by which human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs)-derived exosomes exerted protective effect in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). hUCB-MSCs-derived exosomes were administrated into hepatic IRI mice or cocultured with naïve CD4+ T cells exposed to hepatic hypoxia/reoxygenation microenvironment. Hepatic function was assessed by determining serum transaminases. Histological changes were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The proportion of T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The concentration of inflammatory cytokines was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The interaction between miR-1246 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) signal transducer (also known as gp130) was verified by luciferase activity assay. The miR-1246 expression, Th17/Treg-related genes, and gp130-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. hUCB-MSCs-derived exosomes ameliorated IRI-induced hepatic dysfunction and decreased Th17/Treg ratio in CD4+ T cells in vitro, whereas treatment of hUCB-MSCs with miR-1246 inhibitor showed opposite effects, which was mediated via the IL-6-gp130-STAT3 pathway. hUCB-MSCs-derived exosomes could alleviate hepatic IRI through modulating the balance between Tregs and Th17 cells via miR-1246-mediated IL-6-gp130-STAT3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Xie
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiangming Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fubao Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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13
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Bedognetti D, Ceccarelli M, Galluzzi L, Lu R, Palucka K, Samayoa J, Spranger S, Warren S, Wong KK, Ziv E, Chowell D, Coussens LM, De Carvalho DD, DeNardo DG, Galon J, Kaufman HL, Kirchhoff T, Lotze MT, Luke JJ, Minn AJ, Politi K, Shultz LD, Simon R, Thórsson V, Weidhaas JB, Ascierto ML, Ascierto PA, Barnes JM, Barsan V, Bommareddy PK, Bot A, Church SE, Ciliberto G, De Maria A, Draganov D, Ho WS, McGee HM, Monette A, Murphy JF, Nisticò P, Park W, Patel M, Quigley M, Radvanyi L, Raftopoulos H, Rudqvist NP, Snyder A, Sweis RF, Valpione S, Zappasodi R, Butterfield LH, Disis ML, Fox BA, Cesano A, Marincola FM. Toward a comprehensive view of cancer immune responsiveness: a synopsis from the SITC workshop. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:131. [PMID: 31113486 PMCID: PMC6529999 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0602-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunology has changed the landscape of cancer treatment. Yet, not all patients benefit as cancer immune responsiveness (CIR) remains a limitation in a considerable proportion of cases. The multifactorial determinants of CIR include the genetic makeup of the patient, the genomic instability central to cancer development, the evolutionary emergence of cancer phenotypes under the influence of immune editing, and external modifiers such as demographics, environment, treatment potency, co-morbidities and cancer-independent alterations including immune homeostasis and polymorphisms in the major and minor histocompatibility molecules, cytokines, and chemokines. Based on the premise that cancer is fundamentally a disorder of the genes arising within a cell biologic process, whose deviations from normality determine the rules of engagement with the host's response, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a task force of experts from various disciplines including, immunology, oncology, biophysics, structural biology, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics to address the complexity of CIR from a holistic view. The task force was launched by a workshop held in San Francisco on May 14-15, 2018 aimed at two preeminent goals: 1) to identify the fundamental questions related to CIR and 2) to create an interactive community of experts that could guide scientific and research priorities by forming a logical progression supported by multiple perspectives to uncover mechanisms of CIR. This workshop was a first step toward a second meeting where the focus would be to address the actionability of some of the questions identified by working groups. In this event, five working groups aimed at defining a path to test hypotheses according to their relevance to human cancer and identifying experimental models closest to human biology, which include: 1) Germline-Genetic, 2) Somatic-Genetic and 3) Genomic-Transcriptional contributions to CIR, 4) Determinant(s) of Immunogenic Cell Death that modulate CIR, and 5) Experimental Models that best represent CIR and its conversion to an immune responsive state. This manuscript summarizes the contributions from each group and should be considered as a first milestone in the path toward a more contemporary understanding of CIR. We appreciate that this effort is far from comprehensive and that other relevant aspects related to CIR such as the microbiome, the individual's recombined T cell and B cell receptors, and the metabolic status of cancer and immune cells were not fully included. These and other important factors will be included in future activities of the taskforce. The taskforce will focus on prioritization and specific actionable approach to answer the identified questions and implementing the collaborations in the follow-up workshop, which will be held in Houston on September 4-5, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Paris, France
| | | | - Karolina Palucka
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Stefani Spranger
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Cambridge, MT, USA
| | | | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elad Ziv
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Diego Chowell
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Daniel D De Carvalho
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David G DeNardo
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jérôme Galon
- INSERM, Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Howard L Kaufman
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Replimune, Inc., Woburn, MA, USA
| | - Tomas Kirchhoff
- Perlmutter Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael T Lotze
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Andy J Minn
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adrian Bot
- Kite, a Gilead Company, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Andrea De Maria
- Università degli Studi di Genova and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Winson S Ho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Primary Children's Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Heather M McGee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne Monette
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Paola Nisticò
- IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
| | - Wungki Park
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Laszlo Radvanyi
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Nils-Petter Rudqvist
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Sara Valpione
- CRUK Manchester Institute and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Roberta Zappasodi
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Bernard A Fox
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
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Liu Z, McMichael EL, Shayan G, Li J, Chen K, Srivastava R, Kane LP, Lu B, Ferris RL. Novel Effector Phenotype of Tim-3 + Regulatory T Cells Leads to Enhanced Suppressive Function in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:4529-4538. [PMID: 29712685 PMCID: PMC6139056 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Regulatory T (Treg) cells are important suppressive cells among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Treg cells express the well-known immune checkpoint receptor PD-1, which is reported to mark "exhausted" Treg with lower suppressive function. T-cell immunoglobulin mucin (Tim)-3, a negative regulator of Th1 immunity, is expressed by a sizeable fraction of TIL Tregs, but the functional status of Tim-3+ Tregs remains unclear.Experimental Design: CD4+CTLA-4+CD25high Treg cells were sorted from freshly excised head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) TIL based on Tim-3 expression. Functional and phenotypic features of these Tim-3+ and Tim-3- TIL Tregs were tested by in vitro suppression assays and multi-color flow cytometry. Gene-expression profiling and NanoString analysis of Tim-3+ TIL Treg were performed. A murine HNSCC tumor model was used to test the effect of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy on Tim-3+ Treg.Results: Despite high PD-1 expression, Tim-3+ TIL Treg displayed a greater capacity to inhibit naïve T-cell proliferation than Tim-3- Treg. Tim-3+ Treg from human HNSCC TIL also displayed an effector-like phenotype, with more robust expression of CTLA-4, PD-1, CD39, and IFN-γ receptor. Exogenous IFN-γ treatment could partially reverse the suppressive function of Tim-3+ TIL Treg. Anti-PD-1 immunotherapy downregulated Tim-3 expression on Tregs isolated from murine HNSCC tumors, and this treatment reversed the suppressive function of HNSCC TIL Tregs.Conclusions: Tim-3+ Treg are functionally and phenotypically distinct in HNSCC TIL, and are highly effective at inhibiting T-cell proliferation despite high PD-1 expression. IFN-γ induced by anti-PD-1 immunotherapy may be beneficial by reversing Tim-3+ Treg suppression. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4529-38. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqing Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Jing Li
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kevin Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Lawrence P Kane
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Binfeng Lu
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Immunology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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15
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Immune oncology, immune responsiveness and the theory of everything. J Immunother Cancer 2018; 6:50. [PMID: 29871670 PMCID: PMC5989400 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-018-0355-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-cancer immunotherapy is encountering its own checkpoint. Responses are dramatic and long lasting but occur in a subset of tumors and are largely dependent upon the pre-existing immune contexture of individual cancers. Available data suggest that three landscapes best define the cancer microenvironment: immune-active, immune-deserted and immune-excluded. This trichotomy is observable across most solid tumors (although the frequency of each landscape varies depending on tumor tissue of origin) and is associated with cancer prognosis and response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy (CIT). Various gene signatures (e.g. Immunological Constant of Rejection - ICR and Tumor Inflammation Signature - TIS) that delineate these landscapes have been described by different groups. In an effort to explain the mechanisms of cancer immune responsiveness or resistance to CIT, several models have been proposed that are loosely associated with the three landscapes. Here, we propose a strategy to integrate compelling data from various paradigms into a “Theory of Everything”. Founded upon this unified theory, we also propose the creation of a task force led by the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) aimed at systematically addressing salient questions relevant to cancer immune responsiveness and immune evasion. This multidisciplinary effort will encompass aspects of genetics, tumor cell biology, and immunology that are pertinent to the understanding of this multifaceted problem.
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16
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The Effects of Anti-LAP Monoclonal Antibody Down-regulation of CD4+LAP+ T Cells on Allogeneic Corneal Transplantation in Mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8021. [PMID: 29789580 PMCID: PMC5964070 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26235-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+latency-associated peptide (LAP)+ T cells are a newly discovered T cell subset with suppressive function on immune responses. In this study, we investigate the role of CD4+LAP+ T cells on mice corneal allograft survival by down-regulating their expression using anti-LAP mAb. We show that a blockage of LAP leads to a decrease in the percentage of T cells expressing CD4+Foxp3+, CD4+GARP+, CD4+LAP+ and CD4+IL-10+ in the lymph nodes and spleens of mice undergoing orthotopic penetrating transplantation of corneal allograft, without affecting corneal graft survival. In addition, higher percentages of CD4+IFN-γ+ and CD4+IL-17A+ T cells in the lymph nodes and spleens, as well as TNF, IFN-γ, IL-17A and IL-6 levels in the aqueous humor, significantly increase in mice with rejected corneal grafts. The expression of TGF-β1 decreases in corneal grafts during corneal rejection period. It is therefore possible that anti-LAP mAb can down-regulate the regulatory T cell subsets with its immunosuppressive effects. The rejection of corneal grafts seems to mainly be associated with the up-regulation of Th1 and Th17 cell subsets in peripheral lymph nodes.
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17
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Nowak A, Lock D, Bacher P, Hohnstein T, Vogt K, Gottfreund J, Giehr P, Polansky JK, Sawitzki B, Kaiser A, Walter J, Scheffold A. CD137+CD154- Expression As a Regulatory T Cell (Treg)-Specific Activation Signature for Identification and Sorting of Stable Human Tregs from In Vitro Expansion Cultures. Front Immunol 2018; 9:199. [PMID: 29467769 PMCID: PMC5808295 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an attractive therapeutic tool for several different immune pathologies. Therapeutic Treg application often requires prolonged in vitro culture to generate sufficient Treg numbers or to optimize their functionality, e.g., via genetic engineering of their antigen receptors. However, purity of clinical Treg expansion cultures is highly variable, and currently, it is impossible to identify and separate stable Tregs from contaminating effector T cells, either ex vivo or after prior expansion. This represents a major obstacle for quality assurance of expanded Tregs and raises significant safety concerns. Here, we describe a Treg activation signature that allows identification and sorting of epigenetically imprinted Tregs even after prolonged in vitro culture. We show that short-term reactivation resulted in expression of CD137 but not CD154 on stable FoxP3+ Tregs that displayed a demethylated Treg-specific demethylated region, high suppressive potential, and lack of inflammatory cytokine expression. We also applied this Treg activation signature for rapid testing of chimeric antigen receptor functionality in human Tregs and identified major differences in the signaling requirements regarding CD137 versus CD28 costimulation. Taken together, CD137+CD154- expression emerges as a universal Treg activation signature ex vivo and upon in vitro expansion allowing the identification and isolation of epigenetically stable antigen-activated Tregs and providing a means for their rapid functional testing in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nowak
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Lock
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Petra Bacher
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thordis Hohnstein
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Vogt
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith Gottfreund
- Department of Genetics/Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Pascal Giehr
- Department of Genetics/Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Julia K Polansky
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Sawitzki
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jörn Walter
- Department of Genetics/Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Alexander Scheffold
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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18
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Cancer immune resistance: can theories converge? Emerg Top Life Sci 2017; 1:411-419. [PMID: 33525800 PMCID: PMC7289003 DOI: 10.1042/etls20170060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immune oncology (IO) is challenged to expand its usefulness to a broader range of cancers. A second generation of IO agents acting beyond the realm of Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy (CIT) is sought with the intent of turning immune-resistant cancers into appealing IO targets. The published literature proposes a profusion of models to explain cancer immune resistance to CIT that largely outnumber the immune landscapes and corresponding resistance mechanisms. In spite of the complex and contradicting models suggested to explain refractoriness to CIT, the identification of prevailing mechanisms and their targeting may not be as daunting as it at first appears. Here, we suggest that cancer cells go through a conserved evolutionary bottleneck facing a Two-Option Choice to evade recognition by the immune competent host: they can either adopt a clean oncogenic process devoid of immunogenic stimuli (immune-silent tumors) or display an entropic biology prone to immune recognition (immune-active tumors) but resilient to rejection thanks to the recruitment of compensatory immune suppressive processes. Strategies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of CIT will be different according to the immune landscape targeted.
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19
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Bankvall M, Jontell M, Wold A, Östman S. Tissue-specific Differences in Immune Cell Subsets Located in the Naso-oropharyngeal-associated Lymphoid Tissues. Scand J Immunol 2017; 87:15-27. [PMID: 29077981 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Defining the immune cells within the naso-oropharyngeal-associated lymphoid tissues would promote the development of efficient orally and nasally delivered immunotherapies. The aim was to compare murine antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T cell subsets in the nose-associated lymphoid tissues (NALT), cervical lymph nodes (CLN), mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and peripheral lymph nodes (PLN) using flow cytometry and in vitro proliferation assays. Overall, the NALT contained a higher proportion of APCs and a lower proportion of T cells compared to the CLN, MLN and PLN. The APCs of the NALT more often belonged to the CD11c+ CD11b+ and the CD11cneg CD11b+ subsets as compared to the other sites. Both of these APC populations showed little sign of activation, that is low expression of the markers CD40, CD86 and IAd. Instead, the APCs of the NALT more often co-expressed CX3CR1 and CD206, markers associated with a tolerogenic function. No increase in the proportion of regulatory T cells was observed in the NALT. Instead, the T cells frequently exhibited a memory/effector phenotype, expressing the homing markers α4β7, CCR4 and CCR9, but rarely the naïve phenotype cell surface marker CD45RB. In contrast, the T cells at the other sites were mostly of the naïve phenotype. In addition, cells from the NALT did not proliferate upon in vitro stimulation with Con A, whereas the cells from the other sites did. Taken together, these results suggest that the NALT is primarily an effector site rather than one for activation and differentiation, despite it being regarded as a site of induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bankvall
- Department of Oral Medicine & Pathology, Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M Jontell
- Department of Oral Medicine & Pathology, Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A Wold
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S Östman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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20
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Cari L, Nocentini G, Migliorati G, Riccardi C. Potential effect of tumor-specific Treg-targeted antibodies in the treatment of human cancers: A bioinformatics analysis. Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1387705. [PMID: 29308313 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1387705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the mechanisms of tumor rejection in immune-modulatory treatments is antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of regulatory T cells (Tregs) that infiltrate tumors in which cells expressing activating Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) are present. Our objective was to identify, through a bioinformatics analysis, Treg marker(s) expressed at the highest levels in nine types of human cancers, in order to determine the best targets for ADCC-inducing antitumor antibodies. We analyzed the mRNA levels of 24 surface Treg markers evaluated by the Affymetrix Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array in 5728 cancer samples obtained via the Genevestigator v3 suite. Our analysis was based on overexpression of markers in tumors as compared to healthy tissues (HTs) and correlation between overexpression of the markers and the tumor suppressive microenvironment. Moreover, we evaluated tumoral infiltration of activating FcγR-expressing cells and calculated the ADCC index for each overexpressed marker, as an indicator of whether the marker was a good target for ADCC induction in tumor-infiltrating Tregs. The results demonstrated that the ADCC strategy is unlikely to succeed in colorectal, liver, prostate and ovarian cancers. Moreover, we identified nine Treg markers that could be targeted in the other tumors: 4-1BB, CD39, galectin-9, GITR, IL-21R, LAP, neuropilin-1, TIGIT and TNFR2. GITR and TIGIT were the only markers that could be potentially useful as targets for the treatment of three cancers: non-squamous and squamous NSCLC and breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma. LAP, neuropilin-1 and CD39 presented as good targets in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Our findings may have value for the development of new anti-tumor antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Cari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nocentini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Graziella Migliorati
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carlo Riccardi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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21
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Toor SM, Syed Khaja AS, Alkurd I, Elkord E. In-vitro effect of pembrolizumab on different T regulatory cell subsets. Clin Exp Immunol 2017; 191:189-197. [PMID: 28963773 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and interactions with PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) play critical roles in the tumour evasion of immune responses through different mechanisms, including inhibition of effector T cell proliferation, reducing cytotoxic activity, induction of apoptosis in tumour-infiltrating T cells and regulatory T cell (Treg ) expansion. Effective blockade of immune checkpoints can therefore potentially eliminate these detrimental effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of anti-PD-1 antibody, pembrolizumab, on various Treg subpopulations. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors (HD) and primary breast cancer patients (PBC) were treated in vitro with pembrolizumab, which effectively reduced PD-1 expression in both cohorts. We found that PD-1 was expressed mainly on CD4+ CD25+ T cells and pembrolizumab had a greater effect on PD-1 expression in CD4+ CD25- T cells, compared to CD4+ CD25+ cells. In addition, pembrolizumab did not affect the expression levels of Treg -related markers, including cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), CD15s, latency-associated peptide (LAP) and Ki-67. Moreover, we report that CD15s is expressed mainly on forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)- Helios+ Treg in HD, but it is expressed on FoxP3+ Helios- Treg subset in addition to FoxP3- Helios+ Treg in PBC. Pembrolizumab did not affect the levels of FoxP3+/- Helios+/- Treg subsets in both cohorts. Taken together, our study suggests that pembrolizumab does not affect Treg or change their phenotype or function but rather blocks signalling via the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in activated T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Toor
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - A S Syed Khaja
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - I Alkurd
- College of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - E Elkord
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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22
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Pathangey LB, McCurry DB, Gendler SJ, Dominguez AL, Gorman JE, Pathangey G, Mihalik LA, Dang Y, Disis ML, Cohen PA. Surrogate in vitro activation of innate immunity synergizes with interleukin-7 to unleash rapid antigen-driven outgrowth of CD4+ and CD8+ human peripheral blood T-cells naturally recognizing MUC1, HER2/neu and other tumor-associated antigens. Oncotarget 2017; 8:10785-10808. [PMID: 27974697 PMCID: PMC5355224 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective adoptive immunotherapy has proved elusive for many types of human cancer, often due to difficulties achieving robust expansion of natural tumor-specific T-cells from peripheral blood. We hypothesized that antigen-driven T-cell expansion might best be triggered in vitro by acute activation of innate immunity to mimic a life-threatening infection. Unfractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were subjected to a two-step culture, first synchronizing their exposure to exogenous antigens with aggressive surrogate activation of innate immunity, followed by γ-chain cytokine-modulated T-cell hyperexpansion. Step 1 exposure to GM-CSF plus paired Toll-like receptor agonists (resiquimod and LPS), stimulated abundant IL-12 and IL-23 secretion, as well as upregulated co-stimulatory molecules and CD11c expression within the myeloid (CD33+) subpopulation. Added synthetic long peptides (>20aa) derived from widely expressed oncoproteins (MUC1, HER2/neu and CMVpp65), were reliably presented to CD4+ T-cells and cross-presented to CD8+ T-cells. Both presentation and cross-presentation demonstrated proteasomal and Sec61 dependence that could bypass the endoplasmic reticulum. Step 2 exposure to exogenous IL-7 or IL-7+IL-2 produced selective and sustained expansion of both CD4+ and CD8+ peptide-specific T-cells with a predominant interferon-γ-producing T1-type, as well as the antigen-specific ability to lyse tumor targets. Other γ-chain cytokines and/or combinations were initially proliferogenic, but followed by a contractile phase not observed with IL-7 or IL-7+IL-2. Regulatory T-cells were minimally propagated under these culture conditions. This mechanistically rational culture sequence, effective even for unvaccinated donors, enables rapid preparation of T-cells recognizing tumor-associated antigens expressed by the majority of human cancers, including pancreatic cancers, breast cancers and glioblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latha B Pathangey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Dustin B McCurry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Sandra J Gendler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.,Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Ana L Dominguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Jessica E Gorman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Girish Pathangey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Laurie A Mihalik
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Yushe Dang
- Tumor Vaccine Group, Center for Translational Medicine in Women's Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mary L Disis
- Tumor Vaccine Group, Center for Translational Medicine in Women's Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter A Cohen
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
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23
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Li M, Eckl J, Geiger C, Schendel DJ, Pohla H. A novel and effective method to generate human porcine-specific regulatory T cells with high expression of IL-10, TGF-β1 and IL-35. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28638110 PMCID: PMC5479824 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04322-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ transplantation remains the most effective treatment for patients with late stage organ failure. Transgenic pigs provide an alternative organ donor source to the limited availability of human organs. However, cellular rejection still remains to be the obstacle for xenotransplantation. Superior to other methods, antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Treg) alleviate cellular rejection with fewer side effects. Here we demonstrate the use of a fast method to provide tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) that can be used to generate effective porcine-specific Treg cells (PSTreg). TolDC were produced within three days from human monocytes in medium supplemented with anti-inflammatory cytokines. Treg were generated from naïve CD4+ T cells and induced to become PSTreg by cocultivation with porcine-antigen-loaded tolDC. Results showed that PSTreg exhibited the expected phenotype, CD4+CD25+CD127low/− Foxp3+, and a more activated phenotype. The specificity of PSTreg was demonstrated by suppression of effector T cell (Teff) activation markers of different stages and inhibition of Teff cell proliferation. TolDC and PSTreg exhibited high expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1 at both protein and RNA levels, and PSTreg also highly expressed IL-35 at RNA levels. Upon restimulation, PSTreg retained the activated phenotype and specificity. Taken together, the newly developed procedure allows efficient generation of highly suppressive PSTreg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqian Li
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, LIFE Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.,Department of Urology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Eckl
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, HelmholtzZentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, and Clinical Cooperation Group "Immune Monitoring", Munich, Germany.,Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christiane Geiger
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, HelmholtzZentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, and Clinical Cooperation Group "Immune Monitoring", Munich, Germany.,Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Dolores J Schendel
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, HelmholtzZentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, and Clinical Cooperation Group "Immune Monitoring", Munich, Germany.,Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Heike Pohla
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, LIFE Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Urology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany. .,Institute of Molecular Immunology, HelmholtzZentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, and Clinical Cooperation Group "Immune Monitoring", Munich, Germany.
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24
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Syed Khaja AS, Toor SM, El Salhat H, Ali BR, Elkord E. Intratumoral FoxP3 +Helios + Regulatory T Cells Upregulating Immunosuppressive Molecules Are Expanded in Human Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2017; 8:619. [PMID: 28603527 PMCID: PMC5445103 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) can be antitumorigenic or pro-tumorigenic in colorectal cancer (CRC) depending on the presence of different Treg subsets with various immunosuppressive molecules. Some studies reported the phenotypic characteristics of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in CRC, but limited studies have focused on the co-expression of suppressive molecules on immune cells. The aim of this study was to characterize immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), compared to paired adjacent non-tumor colon tissue of CRC patients. Additionally, we investigated co-expression of immunosuppressive molecules on different Treg subsets in the TME, normal colon tissue, and peripheral blood of CRC patients and healthy donors. In this preliminary study, we report that the majority of CD3+ T cells in the TME are CD4+ T cells with high co-expression of programmed death 1 (PD-1)/cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and PD-1/CD39 molecules. Levels of CD4+FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs were significantly increased in the TME. Furthermore, we observed increased levels of PD-1/CTLA-4 and PD-1/CD39 co-expressing cells within FoxP3+Helios+ and FoxP3+Helios- Treg subsets, indicative of their potent immunosuppressive potential. These results suggest synergistic associations between PD-1/CTLA-4 and PD-1/CD39 in dampening T-cell activation and function along with suppressing tumor-specific immune responses, suggesting that dual blockade of these molecules could be a more effective strategy for inducing antitumor immune responses in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azharuddin Sajid Syed Khaja
- Cancer Research Center, College of Science and Engineering, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salman M Toor
- Cancer Research Center, College of Science and Engineering, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haytham El Salhat
- Oncology Department, Al Noor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Oncology Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassam R Ali
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Cancer Research Center, College of Science and Engineering, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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25
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Preferential accumulation of regulatory T cells with highly immunosuppressive characteristics in breast tumor microenvironment. Oncotarget 2017; 8:33159-33171. [PMID: 28388539 PMCID: PMC5464858 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppressive cells such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) have an ambiguous role in breast cancer prognosis, with studies reporting both positive and negative correlations between Treg infiltration and prognosis. This discrepancy could be due to the different immunosuppressive molecules present in these cells. In the present study, we phenotypically characterize different Treg subsets infiltrating the tumor microenvironment (TME), compared to adjacent normal tissue and peripheral blood of primary breast cancer (PBC) patients. We report that the majority of tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells have terminally exhaustive phenotype as assessed by CD39 and PD-1 expressions. We also show that Tregs are accumulated in breast TME compared to normal tissue. Further characterization of Tregs showed that these are mainly FoxP3+Helios+ and express high levels of CTLA-4 and PD-1. This preferential accumulation of FoxP3+Helios+ Treg subset with co-expression of different immune inhibitory molecules might have a negative effect on breast cancer prognosis. Taken together, our results suggest that breast tumor cells might utilize Tregs, and different suppressive pathways involving CD39, PD-1 and CTLA-4 molecules in creating an immune-subversive environment for them to survive, and a dual blockade of these immunosuppressive molecules might be considered as an effective method in breast cancer treatment.
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26
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Regulatory T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Progression: Role and Therapeutic Targeting. Vaccines (Basel) 2016; 4:vaccines4030028. [PMID: 27509527 PMCID: PMC5041022 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines4030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen significant efforts in understanding and modulating the immune response in cancer. In this context, immunosuppressive cells, including regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), have come under intense investigation for their proposed roles in suppressing tumor-specific immune responses and establishing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, thus enabling tumor immune evasion. Additionally, recent evidence indicates that Tregs comprise diverse and heterogeneous subsets; phenotypically and functionally distinct subsets of tumor-infiltrating Tregs could contribute differently to cancer prognosis and clinical outcomes. Understanding Treg biology in the setting of cancer, and specifically the tumor microenvironment, is important for designing effective cancer therapies. In this review, we critically examine the role of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment and in cancer progression focusing on human studies. We also discuss the impact of current therapeutic modalities on Treg biology and the therapeutic opportunities for targeting Tregs to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and clinical benefits.
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27
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Li K, Chen F, Xie H. Decreased FOXP3+ and GARP+ Tregs to neoadjuvant chemotherapy associated with favorable prognosis in advanced gastric cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:3525-33. [PMID: 27366089 PMCID: PMC4913533 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s101884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has been an increasingly used therapeutic strategy to improve the outcome of advanced gastric cancer (GC) over the past few decades. Lymphocytic infiltration has been reported to be associated with response to NACT, but the immune cell subpopulation and its prognosis contributing to response in GC have not been clarified yet. In the current study, the tumor infiltration of FOXP3+ and GARP+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs, marked by FOXP3 and GARP) response to NACT in advanced GC and their correlation with prognosis were evaluated. The infiltration of FOXP3+ and GARP+ Tregs in 102 patients with advanced GC who were treated with or without NACT was measured using immunohistochemical method. The infiltration of FOXP3+ and GARP+ Tregs was significantly decreased in the NACT group than in the non-NACT group (P=0.023 and P=0.012, respectively) and significantly associated with tumor, node, metastasis stage (P=0.019 and P=0.011, respectively). There was no significant difference in patient’s overall survival between the NACT and non-NACT groups (P=0.166); however, patients in the NACT group with decreased infiltration of FOXP3+ and GARP+ Tregs had longer overall survival (P=0.002 and P<0.001, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the infiltration of GARP+ Tregs and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors (P=0.038 and P=0.013, respectively). The results demonstrated that NACT could decrease the infiltration of FOXP3+ and GARP+ Tregs, and that the infiltration of GARP+ Tregs may serve as a new prognostic factor of human GC response to NACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Pathology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuchao Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huijuan Xie
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, People's Republic of China
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