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Hara MA, Ramadan M, Abdelhameid MK, Taher ES, Mohamed KO. Pyroptosis and chemical classification of pyroptotic agents. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10987-6. [PMID: 39316325 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10987-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Pyroptosis, as a lytic-inflammatory type of programmed cell death, has garnered considerable attention due to its role in cancer chemotherapy and many inflammatory diseases. This review will discuss the biochemical classification of pyroptotic inducers according to their chemical structure, pyroptotic mechanism, and cancer type of these targets. A structure-activity relationship study on pyroptotic inducers is revealed based on the surveyed pyroptotic inducer chemotherapeutics. The shared features in the chemical structures of current pyroptotic inducer agents were displayed, including an essential cyclic head, a vital linker, and a hydrophilic tail that is significant for π-π interactions and hydrogen bonding. The presented structural features will open the way to design new hybridized classes or scaffolds as potent pyroptotic inducers in the future, which may represent a solution to the apoptotic-resistance dilemma along with synergistic chemotherapeutic advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Hara
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Azhar University (Assiut), Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ramadan
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Azhar University (Assiut), Assiut, 71524, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed K Abdelhameid
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ehab S Taher
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Azhar University (Assiut), Assiut, 71524, Egypt
- Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Khaled O Mohamed
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University (Arish Branch), ElArich, Egypt
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Su R, Yang Y, Wu H, Liu B, Tian X, Zhou C, Hu Y, Liu T. Synergistic Photothermal Tumor Immunotherapy by 1-MT Based on Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 with pH-High Sensitivity. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:8501-8517. [PMID: 39185344 PMCID: PMC11344551 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s449820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background A successful immune response against tumors depends on various cellular processes. Hence, there is an urgent need to construct a proficient nanoplatform for immunotherapy that can concurrently regulate the activities of various cells participating in the immune process. We have developed zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) formula, with good pH sensitivity, which is conducive to the release of drugs in the tumor site (acidic environment) and significantly improves immunotherapy. This is achieved through the coordinated action of different therapeutic agents, such as the photothermal agent polydopamine (PDA), the chemodrug camptothecin (CPT), and the immunomodulator 1-methyl-D-tryptophan (1-MT). Materials and Methods In this study, we evaluated the antitumor effect of PDA/(CPT + 1-MT) @ZIF-8 (PCMZ) nanoparticles (NPs) in vitro and in vivo and investigated the molecular mechanism of PCMZ NPs in tumor suppression via photothermal-chemo-immunotherapy. Results MTT and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining apoptosis test showed that PCMZ NPs could induce apoptosis of 4T1 cell, and PCMZ NPs could cause 4T1 cell necrosis under 808 nm laser irradiation. The objective is to establish a unilateral breast cancer model in mice and investigate the effect of PCMZ NPs on tumor growth and tumor suppression in tumor bearing mice. The results showed that PCMZ NPs showed good heating effect in vivo and effectively inhibited tumor growth under 808 nm laser irradiation. In addition, PCMZ NPs could induce the immunogenic death of tumor cells, promote the maturation of DCs, inhibit IDO pathway, and finally differentiate T cells into cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells, so as to effectively activate the anti-tumor immune response. Conclusion The PCMZ NPs, possessing good photothermal conversion capabilities due to join of PDA, effectively overcome two main challenges in immunotherapy: insufficient stimulation of the immune response and evasion of the immune system. This provides a robust platform against invasive cancer and recurrent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijing Su
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Nanopathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Yang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Nanopathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Nanopathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Liu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Nanopathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyuan Tian
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Nanopathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoyu Zhou
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Nanopathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanxin Hu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Nanopathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianlong Liu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Nanopathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People’s Republic of China
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Johnson TS, MacDonald TJ, Pacholczyk R, Aguilera D, Al-Basheer A, Bajaj M, Bandopadhayay P, Berrong Z, Bouffet E, Castellino RC, Dorris K, Eaton BR, Esiashvili N, Fangusaro JR, Foreman N, Fridlyand D, Giller C, Heger IM, Huang C, Kadom N, Kennedy EP, Manoharan N, Martin W, McDonough C, Parker RS, Ramaswamy V, Ring E, Rojiani A, Sadek RF, Satpathy S, Schniederjan M, Smith A, Smith C, Thomas BE, Vaizer R, Yeo KK, Bhasin MK, Munn DH. Indoximod-based chemo-immunotherapy for pediatric brain tumors: A first-in-children phase I trial. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:348-361. [PMID: 37715730 PMCID: PMC10836763 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in children. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a targetable metabolic checkpoint that, in preclinical models, inhibits anti-tumor immunity following chemotherapy. METHODS We conducted a phase I trial (NCT02502708) of the oral IDO-pathway inhibitor indoximod in children with recurrent brain tumors or newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Separate dose-finding arms were performed for indoximod in combination with oral temozolomide (200 mg/m2/day x 5 days in 28-day cycles), or with palliative conformal radiation. Blood samples were collected at baseline and monthly for single-cell RNA-sequencing with paired single-cell T cell receptor sequencing. RESULTS Eighty-one patients were treated with indoximod-based combination therapy. Median follow-up was 52 months (range 39-77 months). Maximum tolerated dose was not reached, and the pediatric dose of indoximod was determined as 19.2 mg/kg/dose, twice daily. Median overall survival was 13.3 months (n = 68, range 0.2-62.7) for all patients with recurrent disease and 14.4 months (n = 13, range 4.7-29.7) for DIPG. The subset of n = 26 patients who showed evidence of objective response (even a partial or mixed response) had over 3-fold longer median OS (25.2 months, range 5.4-61.9, p = 0.006) compared to n = 37 nonresponders (7.3 months, range 0.2-62.7). Four patients remain free of active disease longer than 36 months. Single-cell sequencing confirmed emergence of new circulating CD8 T cell clonotypes with late effector phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Indoximod was well tolerated and could be safely combined with chemotherapy and radiation. Encouraging preliminary evidence of efficacy supports advancing to Phase II/III trials for pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore S Johnson
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tobey J MacDonald
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rafal Pacholczyk
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dolly Aguilera
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ahmad Al-Basheer
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Manish Bajaj
- Department of Radiology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Zuzana Berrong
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eric Bouffet
- Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert C Castellino
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kathleen Dorris
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Bree R Eaton
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Natia Esiashvili
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jason R Fangusaro
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicholas Foreman
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Diana Fridlyand
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cole Giller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ian M Heger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Chenbin Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nadja Kadom
- Department of Radiology and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eugene P Kennedy
- Lumos Pharma, Inc. (formerly NewLink Genetics Corporation), Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Neevika Manoharan
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William Martin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Colleen McDonough
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca S Parker
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eric Ring
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Amyn Rojiani
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pathology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ramses F Sadek
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sarthak Satpathy
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew Schniederjan
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Amy Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher Smith
- Lumos Pharma, Inc. (formerly NewLink Genetics Corporation), Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Beena E Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rachel Vaizer
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kee Kiat Yeo
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Manoj K Bhasin
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David H Munn
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Meenakshi S, Maharana KC, Nama L, Vadla UK, Dhingra S, Ravichandiran V, Murti K, Kumar N. Targeting Histone 3 Variants Epigenetic Landscape and Inhibitory Immune Checkpoints: An Option for Paediatric Brain Tumours Therapy. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1248-1270. [PMID: 37605389 PMCID: PMC10964098 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230809110444] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite little progress in survival rates with regular therapies, which do not provide complete care for curing pediatric brain tumors (PBTs), there is an urgent need for novel strategies to overcome the toxic effects of conventional therapies to treat PBTs. The co-inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules, e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, etc., and epigenetic alterations in histone variants, e.g., H3K27me3 that help in immune evasion at tumor microenvironment have not gained much attention in PBTs treatment. However, key epigenetic mechanistic alterations, such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, sumoylation, poly (ADP)-ribosylation, and ubiquitination in histone protein, are greatly acknowledged. The crucial checkpoints in pediatric brain tumors are cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1), OX-2 membrane glycoprotein (CD200), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). This review covers the state of knowledge on the role of multiple co-inhibitory immunological checkpoint proteins and histone epigenetic alterations in different cancers. We further discuss the processes behind these checkpoints, cell signalling, the current scenario of clinical and preclinical research and potential futuristic opportunities for immunotherapies in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors. Conclusively, this article further discusses the possibilities of these interventions to be used for better therapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarasa Meenakshi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Krushna Ch Maharana
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Lokesh Nama
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Udaya Kumar Vadla
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Sameer Dhingra
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Krishna Murti
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Nitesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
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León-Letelier RA, Dou R, Vykoukal J, Sater AHA, Ostrin E, Hanash S, Fahrmann JF. The kynurenine pathway presents multi-faceted metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1256769. [PMID: 37876966 PMCID: PMC10591110 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1256769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) and associated catabolites play key roles in promoting tumor progression and modulating the host anti-tumor immune response. To date, considerable focus has been on the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and its catabolite, kynurenine (Kyn). However, increasing evidence has demonstrated that downstream KP enzymes and their associated metabolite products can also elicit tumor-microenvironment immune suppression. These advancements in our understanding of the tumor promotive role of the KP have led to the conception of novel therapeutic strategies to target the KP pathway for anti-cancer effects and reversal of immune escape. This review aims to 1) highlight the known biological functions of key enzymes in the KP, and 2) provide a comprehensive overview of existing and emerging therapies aimed at targeting discrete enzymes in the KP for anti-cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A. León-Letelier
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rongzhang Dou
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jody Vykoukal
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ali Hussein Abdel Sater
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Edwin Ostrin
- Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Samir Hanash
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Johannes F. Fahrmann
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Sultana S, Elengickal A, Bensreti H, de Chantemèle EB, McGee-Lawrence ME, Hamrick MW. The kynurenine pathway in HIV, frailty and inflammaging. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1244622. [PMID: 37744363 PMCID: PMC10514395 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1244622] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynurenine (Kyn) is a circulating tryptophan (Trp) catabolite generated by enzymes including IDO1 that are induced by inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-gamma. Kyn levels in circulation increase with age and Kyn is implicated in several age-related disorders including neurodegeneration, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. Importantly, Kyn increases with progressive disease in HIV patients, and antiretroviral therapy does not normalize IDO1 activity in these subjects. Kyn is now recognized as an endogenous agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and AhR activation itself has been found to induce muscle atrophy, increase the activity of bone-resorbing osteoclasts, decrease matrix formation by osteoblasts, and lead to senescence of bone marrow stem cells. Several IDO1 and AhR inhibitors are now in clinical trials as potential cancer therapies. We propose that some of these drugs may be repurposed to improve musculoskeletal health in older adults living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mark W. Hamrick
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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Yang P, Zhang J. Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase (IDO) Activity: A Perspective Biomarker for Laboratory Determination in Tumor Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1988. [PMID: 37509627 PMCID: PMC10377333 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a heme enzyme involved in catalyzing the conversion of tryptophan (Trp) into kynurenine (Kyn) at the first rate-limiting step in the kynurenine pathway of L-tryptophan metabolism. It has been found to be involved in several biological functions such as aging, immune microorganism, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases, and cancer. IDO1 plays an important role in immune tolerance by depleting tryptophan in the tumor microenvironment and inhibiting the proliferation of effector T cells, which makes it an important emerging biomarker for cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, the research and development of IDO1 inhibitors are of great importance for tumor therapy. Of interest, IDO activity assays are of great value in the screening and evaluation of inhibitors. Herein, we mainly review the biological functions of IDO1, immune regulation, key signaling molecules in the response pathway, and the development of IDO1 inhibitors in clinical trials. Furthermore, this review provides a comprehensive overview and, in particular, a discussion of currently available IDO activity assays for use in the evaluation of IDO inhibitors in human blood. We believe that the IDO activity is a promising biomarker for the immune escape and laboratory evaluation of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Junhua Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing 100730, China
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8
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Nozawa H, Taira T, Sonoda H, Sasaki K, Murono K, Emoto S, Yokoyama Y, Nagai Y, Abe S, Ishihara S. Enhancement of radiation therapy by indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 inhibition through multimodal mechanisms. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:62. [PMID: 36653774 PMCID: PMC9847047 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10539-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is an enzyme that converts tryptophan to kynurenine. IDO1 expression is found not only in tumor cells but also in immune cells and is associated with tumor proliferation and immune responses. IDO1 inhibitors and radiation may cooperatively suppress tumor proliferation through the alterations in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, cell cycle, and immune response. We investigated the antitumor effects of combination therapy of an IDO1 inhibitor, 1-methyl tryptophan (1-MT), and radiation on colorectal cancer. METHODS In vitro experiments were conducted using human and murine colon cancer cell lines (HCT116, HT-29, and Colon26). Cell growth inhibition was assessed using a MTS assay and Clonogenic assay. Cells were cultured for 48 h with or without 500 µM 1-MT after exposure to radiation (4 Gy). Cell cycle effects and modulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway were evaluated using western blot analysis, flow cytometry, RT-PCR. Subcutaneous Colon26 tumors in BALB/c mice were treated by oral 1-MT (6 mg/mL) for 2 weeks and/or local radiation (10 Gy/10 fr). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation in tumor cells and expression of differentiation markers of immune cells were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS 1-MT and a small interfering RNA against IDO1 suppressed proliferation of all cell lines, which was rescued by kynurenine. Clonogenic assay showed that administration of 1-MT improved radiosensitivity by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activated by radiation and enhancing cell cycle arrest induced by radiation. Combination therapy showed a further reduction in tumor burden compared with monotherapies or untreated control, inducing the highest numbers of intratumoral CD3 + and CD8 + T cells and the lowest numbers of Foxp3 + and BrdU-positive tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS The combination of 1-MT and radiation suppressed colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo via multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Nozawa
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Tetsuro Taira
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sonoda
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Kazuhito Sasaki
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Koji Murono
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Shigenobu Emoto
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Yuichiro Yokoyama
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Yuzo Nagai
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Shinya Abe
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Soichiro Ishihara
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
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9
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Ren Y, Zhang Q, Yi P, Cheng C. Metabolic modulation of immune checkpoints and novel therapeutic strategies in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:542-565. [PMID: 35151845 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) or programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-based immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have led to significant improvements in the overall survival of patients with certain cancers and are expected to benefit patients by achieving complete, long-lasting remissions and cure. However, some patients who receive ICIs either fail treatment or eventually develop immunotherapy resistance. The existence of such patients necessitates a deeper understanding of cancer progression, specifically nutrient regulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which includes both metabolic cross-talk between metabolites and tumor cells, and intracellular metabolism in immune and cancer cells. Here we review the features and behaviors of the TME and discuss the recently identified major immune checkpoints. We comprehensively and systematically summarize the metabolic modulation of tumor immunity and immune checkpoints in the TME, including glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and other metabolic pathways, and further discuss the potential metabolism-based therapeutic strategies tested in preclinical and clinical settings. These findings will help to determine the existence of a link or crosstalk between tumor metabolism and immunotherapy, which will provide an important insight into cancer treatment and cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yuya Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Yifei Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401120, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401120, China.
| | - Chunming Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43221, United States.
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Tobacco carcinogen induces tryptophan metabolism and immune suppression via induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:311. [PMID: 36068203 PMCID: PMC9448807 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01127-3] [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: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), the enzyme that catabolizes tryptophan (Trp) metabolism to promote regulatory T cells (Tregs) and suppress CD8+ T cells, is regulated by several intrinsic signaling pathways. Here, we found that tobacco smoke, a major public health concern that kills 8 million people each year worldwide, induced IDO1 in normal and malignant lung epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. The carcinogen nicotine-derived nitrosaminoketone (NNK) was the tobacco compound that upregulated IDO1 via activation of the transcription factor c-Jun, which has a binding site for the IDO1 promoter. The NNK receptor α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) was required for NNK-induced c-Jun activation and IDO1 upregulation. In A/J mice, NNK reduced CD8+ T cells and increased Tregs. Clinically, smoker patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) exhibited high IDO1 levels and low Trp/kynurenine (Kyn) ratios. In NSCLC patients, smokers with lower IDO1 responded better to anti-PD1 antibody treatment than those with higher IDO1. These data indicate that tobacco smoke induces IDO1 to catabolize Trp metabolism and immune suppression to promote carcinogenesis, and lower IDO1 might be a potential biomarker for anti-PD1 antibodies in smoker patients, whereas IDO1-high smoker patients might benefit from IDO1 inhibitors in combination with anti-PD1 antibodies.
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Liu Y, Xie J, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Zhong Z, Deng C. A polymeric IDO inhibitor based on poly(ethylene glycol)- b-poly(L-tyrosine- co-1-methyl-D-tryptophan) enables facile trident cancer immunotherapy. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:5731-5743. [PMID: 36039890 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01181f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), with an immunoregulatory effect related to tryptophan metabolism, has emerged as an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Here, a polymeric IDO inhibitor based on the poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-tyrosine-co-1-methyl-D-tryptophan) copolymer (PEG-b-P(Tyr-co-1-MT)) was developed for facile trident cancer immunotherapy. PEG-b-P(Tyr-co-1-MT) could self-assemble into nanoparticles (NPs), which were subject to enzyme degradation and capable of retarding the metabolism of L-tryptophan (TRP) to L-kynurenine (KYN) in B16F10 cancer cells. Notably, cRGD-functionalized NPs showed efficient encapsulation and an enzyme-responsive release of doxorubicin (DOX) and the BET bromodomain inhibitor JQ1. DOX in drug-loaded nanoparticles (cRGD-NPDJ) could activate immunization by inducing the discernible immunogenic cell death (ICD) of cancer cells and promoting the secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which besides activating the antitumor cellular immunity often upregulates the expression of PD-L1 and IDO to accelerate tumor progression. The encapsulated JQ1 and polymeric 1-MT in cRGD-NPDJ could reverse the expression by disrupting the binding of BET proteins with chromatin and elevating the TRP/KYN ratio. In B16F10 tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice, cRGD-NPDJ displayed significantly increased CD8+ T cells, matured dendritic cells (mDCs), and cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α), as well as reduced regulatory T cells and downregulated PD-L1 expression at tumor sites, generating immune cascade reactions and a distinct improvement of the tumor microenvironment (TME), leading to significant tumor suppression and survival prolongation. The polymeric IDO inhibitor provides a facile strategy for the co-delivery of chemotherapeutics and inhibitors for efficient and safe combination cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Jiguo Xie
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Xiaofei Zhao
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Yueyue Zhang
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Zhong
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Chao Deng
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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12
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Peng X, Zhao Z, Liu L, Bai L, Tong R, Yang H, Zhong L. Targeting Indoleamine Dioxygenase and Tryptophan Dioxygenase in Cancer Immunotherapy: Clinical Progress and Challenges. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:2639-2657. [PMID: 35965963 PMCID: PMC9374094 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s373780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2.3-dioxygenases (IDO1/2) and tryptophan 2.3-dioxygenase (TDO) are the initial and rate-limiting enzymes in tryptophan metabolism, which play an essential role in mediating immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence has indicated that both IDO1 and TDO are highly expressed in many malignant tumors, and their expression is generally associated with reduced tumor-infiltrating immune cells, increased regulatory T-cell infiltration, as well as cancer progression and poor prognosis for malignancies. A large number of IDO1 and TDO inhibitors have been screened or synthesized in the last two decades. Thus far, at least 12 antagonists targeting IDO1 and TDO have advanced to clinical trials. In this account, we conducted a comprehensive review of the development of IDO1 and TDO inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy, particularly their clinical research progress, and presented the current challenges and corresponding solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuerun Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhipeng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liwen Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fengrun District People’s Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, 063000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongsheng Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Yang
- POWERCHINA Chengdu Engineering Corporation Limited, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
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13
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PD-L1: Can it be a biomarker for the prognosis or a promising therapeutic target in cervical cancer? Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 103:108484. [PMID: 34954558 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common in the female genital tract and remains a leading cause that threatens the health and lives of women worldwide, although preventive vaccines and early diagnosis have reduced mortality. While treatment by operation and chemoradiotherapy for early-stage patients achieve good outcomes, the great majority of cervical cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) make immunotherapy realizable for patients with advanced and recurrent cervical cancer. To date, some clinical trials of checkpoint immunotherapy in cervical cancer have indicated significant benefits of programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors, providing strong evidence for PD-1/PD-L1 as a therapeutic target. In this review article, we discuss the role of PD-L1 and the application of PD-L1 inhibitors in cervical cancer, with the aim of providing direction for future research.
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14
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Recent advances in clinical trials targeting the kynurenine pathway. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 236:108055. [PMID: 34929198 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the major catabolic pathway for the essential amino acid tryptophan leading to the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. In inflammatory conditions, the activation of the KP leads to the production of several bioactive metabolites including kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid. These metabolites can have redox and immune suppressive activity, be neurotoxic or neuroprotective. While the activity of the pathway is tightly regulated under normal physiological condition, it can be upregulated by immunological activation and inflammation. The dysregulation of the KP has been implicated in wide range of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms involved in KP-mediated neurotoxicity and immune suppression, and its role in diseases of our expertise including cancer, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis. We also provide updates on the clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of KP inhibitors and/or analogues in each respective disease.
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15
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Naing A, Eder JP, Piha-Paul SA, Gimmi C, Hussey E, Zhang S, Hildebrand V, Hosagrahara V, Habermehl C, Moisan J, Papadopoulos KP. Preclinical investigations and a first-in-human phase I trial of M4112, the first dual inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2, in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000870. [PMID: 32843490 PMCID: PMC7449315 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background M4112 is an oral, potent, and selective indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2) dual inhibitor. Here, we report preclinical data and first-in-human phase I data, including safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary efficacy, of M4112 monotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods In preclinical studies, M4112 was administered to mice with IDO1-expressing tumors to determine tumor IDO1 and liver TDO2 inhibition. In the phase I trial, patients received doses of M4112 two times per day in 28-day cycles until progression, toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase II dose (RP2D). The primary endpoint was the incidence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and treatment-emergent changes in safety parameters. Other endpoints included pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor effects. Results In mice, M4112 significantly decreased the kynurenine:tryptophan ratio in the liver and tumor. Fifteen patients received M4112 at five distinct dose levels (three patients per cohort: 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg two times per day orally). Initially, all doses inhibited IDO1 ex vivo, but plasma kynurenine levels returned to or exceeded baseline levels after day 15. Despite initial changes in kynurenine, there was no significant reduction of plasma kynurenine at steady state. There was one DLT (grade 3 allergic dermatitis; 800 mg two times per day) and one grade 2 QT prolongation (800 mg two times per day), resulting in dose reduction (not a DLT). M4112 was well tolerated, and neither the MTD nor the RP2D was established. TEAEs included fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. The best overall response was stable disease (n=9, 60%). Conclusions There were no serious safety concerns at any dose. Although M4112 inhibited IDO1 activity ex vivo, plasma kynurenine levels were not reduced despite achieving target exposure. Trial registration number NCT03306420.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aung Naing
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Joseph P Eder
- Early Drug Development, Yale Cancer Institute, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sarina A Piha-Paul
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Claude Gimmi
- Global Clinical Development Oncology, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Hussey
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics, Nuventra, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sen Zhang
- Clinical Biomarkers and Companion Diagnostics, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA; a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Vera Hildebrand
- Global Patient Safety, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany
| | - Vinayak Hosagrahara
- NCE DMPK, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA; a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Jacques Moisan
- Translational Innovation Platform Immuno-oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA; a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Kyriakos P Papadopoulos
- Hematology/Oncology, South Texas Accelerated Research Therapeutics (START), San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Tahaghoghi-Hajghorbani S, Khoshkhabar R, Rafiei A, Ajami A, Nikpoor AR, Jaafari MR, Badiee A. Development of a novel formulation method to prepare liposomal Epacadostat. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 165:105954. [PMID: 34289341 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the important metabolic pathways in cancer progression is tryptophan catabolism by the indoleamin-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme, which suppresses the immune system and induces tolerance. Inhibition of IDO1 is an important therapeutic goal for immunotherapy in many cancers such as metastatic melanoma. Epacadostat (EPA) is a very strong inhibitor of IDO1, and its clinical studies are being performed in a higher clinical phase than other inhibitors. In this study, we have developed a new liposomal EPA formulation to reduce the dose, side effects, and treatment costs. METHODS Liposomes containing EPA were formulated using a novel remote loading method. Their morphology, particle size, surface charge, total phospholipid content, and drug loading were evaluated. Validation method studies to assay of EPA were carried out according to ICHQ2B guidelines. For in-vivo study, B16F10 melanoma bearing C57BL/6 mice were treated with the free or liposomal forms of EPA, and then monitored for tumor size and survival rate. RESULTS A validated method for EPA determination in liposomal form using UV-visible spectrophotometry was developed which was a precise, accurate and robust method. The particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficacy of liposomes was 128.1 ± 1.1 nm, -16.5 ± 1 mV, and 64.9 ± 3.5, respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of liposomal EPA was 64 ng/ml that was lower than free EPA (128 ng/ml). In-vivo results also showed that tumor growth was slower in mice receiving liposomal EPA than in the group receiving free EPA. CONCLUSION A new method was developed to load EPA into liposomes. Moreover, the use of the nanoliposomal EPA showed more efficacy than EPA in inhibiting the tumor growth in melanoma model. Therefore, it might be used in further clinical studies as a good candidate for immunotherapy alone or in combination with other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Tahaghoghi-Hajghorbani
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Rahimeh Khoshkhabar
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Rafiei
- Department of Immunology, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Ajami
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Amin Reza Nikpoor
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Badiee
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Guo Y, Liu Y, Wu W, Ling D, Zhang Q, Zhao P, Hu X. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (Ido) inhibitors and their nanomedicines for cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2021; 276:121018. [PMID: 34284200 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) as a principle enzyme in tryptophan (Trp) catabolism, modulates immune responses and promotes cancer progression. In recent decades, the newly emerging IDO inhibitors are regarded as the breakthrough for cancer immunotherapy. Intensified efforts have been increasingly made to, on the one hand, optimize the IDO inhibitors-based combination therapy in clinical trials; on the other hand, develop IDO inhibitors nanomedicines for tumor-targeted delivery in preclinical studies. This review will discuss the types of IDO inhibitors and the relevant clinical trials, especially those of the feasible combined therapeutic modalities. Moreover, it would be the first time to overview the cutting-edge nanomedicines that combine IDO inhibitors with other therapeutic modalities (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT) and immune checkpoint blockade) to effectively improve the effect of cancer therapy. Lastly, the prospects of IDO inhibitors in terms of clinical application and potential breakthroughs will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China; Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Daishun Ling
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; Institute of Pharmaceutics, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Xi Hu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Zakharia Y, McWilliams RR, Rixe O, Drabick J, Shaheen MF, Grossmann KF, Kolhe R, Pacholczyk R, Sadek R, Tennant LL, Smith CM, Kennedy EP, Link CJ, Vahanian NN, Yu J, Shen SS, Brincks EL, Rossi GR, Munn D, Milhem M. Phase II trial of the IDO pathway inhibitor indoximod plus pembrolizumab for the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002057. [PMID: 34117113 PMCID: PMC8202104 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) pathway is a key counter-regulatory mechanism that, in cancer, is exploited by tumors to evade antitumor immunity. Indoximod is a small-molecule IDO pathway inhibitor that reverses the immunosuppressive effects of low tryptophan (Trp) and high kynurenine (Kyn) that result from IDO activity. In this study, indoximod was used in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) pembrolizumab for the treatment for advanced melanoma. Methods Patients with advanced melanoma were enrolled in a single-arm phase II clinical trial evaluating the addition of indoximod to standard of care CPI approved for melanoma. Investigators administered their choice of CPI including pembrolizumab (P), nivolumab (N), or ipilimumab (I). Indoximod was administered continuously (1200 mg orally two times per day), with concurrent CPI dosed per US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved label. Results Between July 2014 and July 2017, 131 patients were enrolled. (P) was used more frequently (n=114, 87%) per investigator’s choice. The efficacy evaluable population consisted of 89 patients from the phase II cohort with non-ocular melanoma who received indoximod combined with (P). The objective response rate (ORR) for the evaluable population was 51% with confirmed complete response of 20% and disease control rate of 70%. Median progression-free survival was 12.4 months (95% CI 6.4 to 24.9). The ORR for Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive patients was 70% compared with 46% for PD-L1-negative patients. The combination was well tolerated, and side effects were similar to what was expected from single agent (P). Conclusion In this study, the combination of indoximod and (P) was well tolerated and showed antitumor efficacy that is worth further evaluation in selected patients with advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Zakharia
- University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiayi Yu
- NewLink Genetics Corp, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Steven S Shen
- University of Minnesota Institute for Health Informatics, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - David Munn
- Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mohammed Milhem
- University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Tabana Y, Moon TC, Siraki A, Elahi S, Barakat K. Reversing T-cell exhaustion in immunotherapy: a review on current approaches and limitations. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:347-363. [PMID: 34056985 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1937123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction:T cell functions are altered during chronic viral infections and tumor development. This is mainly manifested by significant changes in T cells' epigenetic and metabolic landscapes, pushing them into an 'exhausted' state. Reversing this T cell exhaustion has been emerging as a 'game-changing' therapeutic approach against cancer and chronic viral infection.Areas covered:This review discusses the cellular pathways related to T cell exhaustion, and the clinical development and possible cellular targets that can be exploited therapeutically to reverse this exhaustion. We searched various databases (e.g. Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, and other scientific database sites) using the keywords T cell exhaustion, T cell activation, co-inhibitory receptors, and reversing T cell exhaustion.Expert opinion:The discovery of the immune checkpoints pathways represents a significant milestone toward understanding and reversing T cell exhaustion. Antibodies that target these pathways have already demonstrated promising activities in reversing T cell exhaustion. Nevertheless, there are still many associated limitations. In this context, next-generation alternatives are on the horizon. This includes the use of small molecules to block the immune checkpoints' receptors, combining them with other treatments, and identifying novel, safer and more effective immunotherapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Tabana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tae Chul Moon
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Arno Siraki
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Xia Z, Nan Y, Liu C, Lin G, Gu K, Chen C, Zhao W, Ju D, Dong X. Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel 1,2,5-Oxadiazol-3- Carboximidamide Derivatives as Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) Inhibitors. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:1592-1603. [PMID: 32496990 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200604121225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), which catalyzes the degradation of L-tryptophan (L-Trp) to N-formyl kynurenine (NFK) in the first and rate-limiting step of Kynurenine (KYN) pathway has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. The small molecule Epacadostat developed by Incyte Corp is the most advanced IDO1 inhibitor in clinical trials. METHODS In this study, various amidine derivatives were individually installed as the polar capping group onto the amino ethylene side chain to replace the sulfamoylamino moiety of Epacadostat to develop novel IDO1 inhibitors. A series of novel 1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-carboximidamide derivatives were designed, prepared, and evaluated for their inhibitory activities against human IDO1 enzyme and cellular IDO1. RESULTS In vitro human IDO1 enzyme and cellular IDO1 assay results demonstrate that the inhibitory activities of compound 13a and 13b were comparable to Epacadostat, with the enzymatic IC50 values of 49.37nM and 52.12nM and cellular IC50 values of 12.34nM and 14.34nM, respectively. The anti-tumor efficacy of 13b is slightly better than Epacadosta in Lewis Lung Cancer (LLC) tumor-bearing mice model. CONCLUSION 13b is a potent IDO1 inhibitor with therapeutic potential in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Xia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yanyang Nan
- Department of Microbiological and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Guangyu Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Kedan Gu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Weili Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Department of Microbiological and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiaochun Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
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21
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Kwiatkowska I, Hermanowicz JM, Przybyszewska-Podstawka A, Pawlak D. Not Only Immune Escape-The Confusing Role of the TRP Metabolic Pathway in Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2667. [PMID: 34071442 PMCID: PMC8198784 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recently discovered phenomenon that cancer cells can avoid immune response has gained scientists' interest. One of the pathways involved in this process is tryptophan (TRP) metabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP). Individual components involved in TRP conversion seem to contribute to cancerogenesis both through a direct impact on cancer cells and the modulation of immune cell functionality. Due to this fact, this pathway may serve as a target for immunotherapy and attempts are being made to create novel compounds effective in cancer treatment. However, the results obtained from clinical trials are not satisfactory, which raises questions about the exact role of KP elements in tumorigenesis. An increasing number of experiments reveal that TRP metabolites may either be tumor promoters and suppressors and this is why further research in this field is highly needed. The aim of this study is to present KP as a modulator of cancer development through multiple mechanisms and to point to its ambiguity, which may be a reason for failures in treatment based on the inhibition of tryptophan metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Kwiatkowska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (D.P.)
| | - Justyna Magdalena Hermanowicz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (D.P.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Dariusz Pawlak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (D.P.)
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22
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Li T, Copeland C, Le A. Glutamine Metabolism in Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1311:17-38. [PMID: 34014532 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-65768-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Metabolism is a fundamental process for all cellular functions. For decades, there has been growing evidence of a relationship between metabolism and malignant cell proliferation. Unlike normal differentiated cells, cancer cells have reprogrammed metabolism in order to fulfill their energy requirements. These cells display crucial modifications in many metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis and glutaminolysis, which include the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the electron transport chain (ETC), and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) [1]. Since the discovery of the Warburg effect, it has been shown that the metabolism of cancer cells plays a critical role in cancer survival and growth. More recent research suggests that the involvement of glutamine in cancer metabolism is more significant than previously thought. Glutamine, a nonessential amino acid with both amine and amide functional groups, is the most abundant amino acid circulating in the bloodstream [2]. This chapter discusses the characteristic features of glutamine metabolism in cancers and the therapeutic options to target glutamine metabolism for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Anne Le
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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23
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Öztürk S, Kalter V, Roessner PM, Sunbul M, Seiffert M. IDO1-Targeted Therapy Does Not Control Disease Development in the Eµ-TCL1 Mouse Model of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081899. [PMID: 33920868 PMCID: PMC8071295 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme IDO1 and its metabolite kynurenine were shown to be enhanced in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and their involvement in T cell suppression and immune escape was suggested. As we have observed increased IDO1 expression and kynurenine serum levels in the Eµ-TCL1 mouse model of CLL, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of targeting IDO1 in preclinical treatment studies with two IDO1 inhibitors in mice developing CLL. As both studies revealed only minor effects of IDO1 inhibition on leukemia development and the immune compartment at early time points of treatment which disappeared over time, our data suggest that even though IDO1 might be involved in immunosuppressive mechanisms in CLL, its targeting is not sufficient for preventing immune escape. Thus, compensatory mechanisms beyond IDO1 seem to be of relevance to prevent clinically relevant benefits with IDO1-targeting drugs. Abstract Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), a tryptophan (Trp)-catabolizing enzyme producing metabolites such as kynurenine (Kyn), is expressed by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and associated with cancer immune escape. IDO1-expressing monocytic MDSCs were shown to accumulate in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and to suppress T cell activity and induce suppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) in vitro. In the Eµ-TCL1 mouse model of CLL, we observed a strong upregulation of IDO1 in monocytic and granulocytic MDSCs, and a significantly increased Kyn to Trp serum ratio. To explore the potential of IDO1 as a therapeutic target for CLL, we treated mice after adoptive transfer of Eµ-TCL1 leukemia cells with the IDO1 modulator 1-methyl-D-tryptophan (1-MT) which resulted in a minor reduction in leukemia development which disappeared over time. 1-MT treatment further led to a partial rescue of the immune cell changes that are induced with CLL development. Similarly, treatment of leukemic mice with the clinically investigated IDO1 inhibitor epacadostat reduced the frequency of Tregs and initially delayed CLL development slightly, an effect that was, however, lost at later time points. In sum, despite the observed upregulation of IDO1 in CLL, its inhibition is not sufficient to control leukemia development in the Eµ-TCL1 adoptive transfer model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selcen Öztürk
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.Ö.); (V.K.); (P.M.R.)
| | - Verena Kalter
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.Ö.); (V.K.); (P.M.R.)
| | - Philipp M. Roessner
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.Ö.); (V.K.); (P.M.R.)
| | - Murat Sunbul
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Martina Seiffert
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.Ö.); (V.K.); (P.M.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Biros E, Reznik JE, Moran CS. Role of inflammatory cytokines in genesis and treatment of atherosclerosis. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2021; 32:138-142. [PMID: 33571665 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis demonstrates an increased rate of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) plasticity characterized by switching from the differentiated contractile phenotype to a de-differentiated synthetic state. In healthy blood vessels, phenotypic switching represents a fundamental property of VSMC in maintaining vascular homeostasis. However, in atherosclerosis, it is an initial and necessary step in VSMC-derived foam cell formation. These foam cells play a decisive role in atherosclerosis progression since approximately half of all the foam cells are of VSMC origin. Our recent work showed that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), a primary inflammatory cytokine in progressive atherosclerosis, mediates VSMC phenotype switching exclusively through upregulating mini-tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (mini-TrpRS). Here, we discuss the pro-atherosclerotic implication of this phenomenon that inevitably occurs in the context of a more complex regulation mediated by IFN-γ. An emerging therapeutic option for patients with progressive atherosclerosis is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Biros
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Jacqueline E Reznik
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Corey S Moran
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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25
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Wei Z, Liu X, Cheng C, Yu W, Yi P. Metabolism of Amino Acids in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:603837. [PMID: 33511116 PMCID: PMC7835483 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.603837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming has been widely recognized as a hallmark of malignancy. The uptake and metabolism of amino acids are aberrantly upregulated in many cancers that display addiction to particular amino acids. Amino acids facilitate the survival and proliferation of cancer cells under genotoxic, oxidative, and nutritional stress. Thus, targeting amino acid metabolism is becoming a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer patients. In this review, we will systematically summarize the recent progress of amino acid metabolism in malignancy and discuss their interconnection with mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, epigenetic modification, tumor growth and immunity, and ferroptosis. Finally, we will highlight the potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wei
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunming Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Wei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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26
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Mariotti V, Han H, Ismail-Khan R, Tang SC, Dillon P, Montero AJ, Poklepovic A, Melin S, Ibrahim NK, Kennedy E, Vahanian N, Link C, Tennant L, Schuster S, Smith C, Danciu O, Gilman P, Soliman H. Effect of Taxane Chemotherapy With or Without Indoximod in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol 2021; 7:61-69. [PMID: 33151286 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.5572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Importance Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) causes tumor immune suppression. The IDO1 pathway inhibitor indoximod combined with a taxane in patients with ERBB2-negative metastatic breast cancer was tested in a prospective clinical trial. Objective To assess clinical outcomes in patients with ERBB2-negative metastatic breast cancer treated with indoximod plus a taxane. Design, Setting, and Participants This phase 2 double-blinded randomized 1:1 placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled patients at multiple international centers from August 26, 2013, to January 25, 2016. Eligibility criteria included ERBB2-negative metastatic breast cancer, ability to receive taxane therapy, good performance status, normal organ function, no previous immunotherapy use, and no autoimmune disease. The study was discontinued in June 2017 because of lack of efficacy. Data analysis was performed from February 2019 to April 2020. Interventions A taxane (paclitaxel [80 mg/m2] weekly 3 weeks on, 1 week off, or docetaxel [75 mg/m2] every 3 weeks) plus placebo or indoximod (1200 mg) orally twice daily as first-line treatment. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary end points were median overall survival, objective response rate, and toxic effects. A sample size of 154 patients would detect a hazard ratio of 0.64 with 1-sided α = .1 and β = .2 after 95 events. Archival tumor tissue was stained with immunohistochemistry for IDO1 expression as an exploratory analysis. Results Of 209 patients enrolled, 169 were randomized and 164 were treated (85 in the indoximod arm; 79 in the placebo arm). The median (range) age was 58 (29-85) years; 166 (98.2%) were female, and 135 (79.9%) were White. The objective response rate was 40% and 37%, respectively (indoximod vs placebo) (P = .74). The median (range) follow-up time was 17.4 (0.1-39.4) months. The median PFS was 6.8 months (95% CI, 4.8-8.9) in the indoximod arm and 9.5 months (95% CI, 7.8-11.2) in the placebo arm (hazard ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.8-1.8). Differences between the experimental and placebo arms in median PFS (6.8 vs 9.5 months) and overall survival (19.5 vs 20.6 months) were not statistically significant. Grade 3 or greater treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 60% of patients in both arms. Conclusions and Relevance This randomized clinical trial found that, among patients with ERBB2-negative metastatic breast cancer, addition of indoximod to a taxane did not improve PFS compared with a taxane alone. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01792050.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyo Han
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Shou-Ching Tang
- University of Mississippi Cancer Center and Research Institute, Jackson
| | | | | | | | - Susan Melin
- Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Gilman
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania
| | - Hatem Soliman
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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27
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Balog A, Lin TA, Maley D, Gullo-Brown J, Kandoussi EH, Zeng J, Hunt JT. Preclinical Characterization of Linrodostat Mesylate, a Novel, Potent, and Selective Oral Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 Inhibitor. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 20:467-476. [PMID: 33298590 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumors can exploit the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) pathway to create an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Activated IDO1 metabolizes tryptophan into immunosuppressive kynurenine, leading to suppressed effector T-cell (Teff) proliferation, allowing for tumor escape from host immune surveillance. IDO1 inhibition counteracts this immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and may improve cancer outcomes, particularly when combined with other immunotherapies. Linrodostat mesylate (linrodostat) is a potent, selective oral IDO1 inhibitor that occupies the heme cofactor-binding site to prevent further IDO1 activation and is currently in multiple clinical trials for treatment of patients with advanced cancers. Here, we assess the in vitro potency, in vivo pharmacodynamic (PD) activity, and preclinical pharmacokinetics (PKs) of linrodostat. Linrodostat exhibited potent cellular activity, suppressing kynurenine production in HEK293 cells overexpressing human IDO1 and HeLa cells stimulated with IFNγ, with no activity against tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase or murine indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 detected. Linrodostat restored T-cell proliferation in a mixed-lymphocyte reaction of T cells and allogeneic IDO1-expressing dendritic cells. In vivo, linrodostat reduced kynurenine levels in human tumor xenograft models, exhibiting significant PD activity. Linrodostat demonstrated a PK/PD relationship in the xenograft model, preclinical species, and samples from patients with advanced cancers, with high oral bioavailability in preclinical species and low to moderate systemic clearance. Our data demonstrate that linrodostat potently and specifically inhibits IDO1 to block an immunosuppressive mechanism that could be responsible for tumor escape from host immune surveillance with favorable PK/PD characteristics that support clinical development.
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28
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Tryptophan Metabolism as a Pharmacological Target. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 42:60-73. [PMID: 33256987 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid required for protein synthesis. It undergoes an extensive and complex metabolism along several pathways, resulting in many bioactive molecules acting in various organs through different action mechanisms. Enzymes involved in its metabolism, metabolites themselves, or their receptors, represent potential therapeutic targets, which are the subject of dynamic research. Disruptions in L-tryptophan metabolism are reported in several neurological, metabolic, psychiatric, and intestinal disorders, paving the way to develop drugs to target it. This review will briefly describe L-tryptophan metabolism and present and discuss the most recent pharmacological developments targeting it.
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29
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Chambers MR, Bentley RT, Crossman DK, Foote JB, Koehler JW, Markert JM, Omar NB, Platt SR, Self DM, Shores A, Sorjonen DC, Waters AM, Yanke AB, Gillespie GY. The One Health Consortium: Design of a Phase I Clinical Trial to Evaluate M032, a Genetically Engineered HSV-1 Expressing IL-12, in Combination With a Checkpoint Inhibitor in Canine Patients With Sporadic High Grade Gliomas. Front Surg 2020; 7:59. [PMID: 33005623 PMCID: PMC7484881 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most common and deadly of primary brain tumors, malignant gliomas have earned their place within one of the most multifaceted and heavily-funded realms of medical research. Numerous avenues of pre-clinical investigation continue to provide valuable insight, but modeling the complex evolution and behavior of these tumors within a host under simulated circumstances may pose challenges to extrapolation of data. Remarkably, certain breeds of pet dogs spontaneously and sporadically develop high grade gliomas that follow similar incidence, treatment, and outcome patterns as their human glioma counterparts. The most malignant of these tumors have been refractory to limited treatment options despite aggressive treatment; outcomes are dismal with median survivals of just over 1 year in humans and 2 months in dogs. Novel treatments are greatly needed and combination therapies appear to hold promise. This clinical protocol, a dose-escalating phase I study in dogs with sporadic malignant glioma, represents a first in comparative oncology and combination immunotherapy. The trial will evaluate M032, an Interleukin-12 expressing Herpes Simplex virus, alone and combined with a checkpoint inhibitor, Indoximod. Extensive pre-clinical work has demonstrated safety of intracranial M032 administration in mice and non-human primates. M032 is currently being tested in humans with high-grade malignant gliomas. Thus, in a novel fashion, both canine and human trials will proceed concurrently allowing a direct “head-to-head” comparison of safety and efficacy. We expect this viral oncolytic therapy to be as safe as it is in human patients and M032 to (a) infect and kill glioma cells, producing a virus and tumor cell antigen-rich debris field; (b) provide an adjuvant effect due to liberation of viral DNA, which is rich in unmethylated CpG sequences that “toggle” TLR-9 receptors; and (c) express IL-12 locally, stimulating induction of TH1 lymphocytes. The resultant immune-mediated anti-viral responses should, through cross-epitope spreading, translate into a strong response to tumor antigens. The ability to compare human and dog responses in real time affords the most stringent test of suitability of the dog as an informative model of human brain tumors. Subsequent studies will allow canine trials to properly inform the design of human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Chambers
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - R Timothy Bentley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - David K Crossman
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jeremy B Foote
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jey W Koehler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - James M Markert
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Nidal B Omar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Simon R Platt
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - D Mitchell Self
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Andy Shores
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Donald C Sorjonen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Alicia M Waters
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Amy B Yanke
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - G Yancey Gillespie
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Liu Z, Wu H, Deng J, Wang H, Wang Z, Yang A, Liang B, Luo J, Li J, Xu Y, Tang X, Fu F, Deng L. Molecular classification and immunologic characteristics of immunoreactive high‐grade serous ovarian cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2020. [PMCID: PMC7348149 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15441] [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] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
High‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGS‐OvCa) is one of the most lethal gynaecological malignancies. Molecular classification identified an immunoreactive subtype of HGS‐OvCa; however, the immunologic characteristics of immunoreactive HGS‐OvcA remain unclear. In this study, 121 immunoreactive HGS‐OvCa samples were identified from a meta‐analysis of 5 large transcriptome profiling data sets using a cross‐platform immunoreactive HGS‐OvCa subgroup‐specific classifier. By comparing the gene expression profiles of immunoreactive HGS‐OvCa samples and normal tissues, 653 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the leukocyte transendothelial migration pathways were significantly enriched in the immunoreactive HGS‐OvCa. Protein‐protein interaction analysis identified a module that showed strong involvement of the immune‐related chemokine signalling pathway. Moreover, the GSEA enrichment analysis showed a T‐cell subgroup and M1 macrophages were significantly enriched in immunoreactive OvCa compared with normal samples. Macrophage infiltration levels were significantly elevated in immunoreactive HGS‐OvCa compared with other OvCa subtypes. In addition, expression of immune checkpoint molecules VTCN1 and IDO1 was significantly increased in immunoreactive HGS‐OvCa. In summary, our results suggest that the immunoreactive HGS‐OvCa has unique molecular characteristics and a tumour‐associated immune microenvironment featured by increased infiltration of macrophages, rather than lymphocytes. VTCN1 could be potential targets for the treatment of immunoreactive HGS‐OvCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheran Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
- Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Haifang Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Jiachen Deng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Haoqing Wang
- School of Information Engineering Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Ailin Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Bowen Liang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine School of Public Health Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Ji Luo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Jianyong Li
- School of Basic Medical Science Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Yanmei Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Xiaoli Tang
- School of Basic Medical Science Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Fen Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Libin Deng
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine School of Public Health Nanchang University Nanchang China
- School of Basic Medical Science Nanchang University Nanchang China
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Indoximod opposes the immunosuppressive effects mediated by IDO and TDO via modulation of AhR function and activation of mTORC1. Oncotarget 2020; 11:2438-2461. [PMID: 32637034 PMCID: PMC7321702 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoximod has shaped our understanding of the biology of IDO1 in the control of immune responses, though its mechanism of action has been poorly understood. Previous studies demonstrated that indoximod creates a tryptophan (Trp) sufficiency signal that reactivates mTOR in the context of low Trp concentrations, thus opposing the effects caused by IDO1. Here we extend the understanding of indoximod’s mechanism of action by showing that it has pleiotropic effects on immune regulation. Indoximod can have a direct effect on T cells, increasing their proliferation as a result of mTOR reactivation. Further, indoximod modulates the differentiation of CD4+ T cells via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which controls transcription of several genes in response to different ligands including kynurenine (Kyn). Indoximod increases the transcription of RORC while inhibiting transcription of FOXP3, thus favoring differentiation to IL-17-producing helper T cells and inhibiting the differentiation of regulatory T cells. These indoximod-driven effects on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were independent from the activity of IDO/TDO and from the presence of exogenous Kyn, though they do oppose the effects of Kyn produced by these Trp catabolizing enzymes. Indoximod can also downregulate expression of IDO protein in vivo in murine lymph node dendritic cells and in vitro in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells via a mechanism that involves signaling through the AhR. Together, these data improve the understanding of how indoximod influences the effects of IDO, beyond and distinct from direct enzymatic inhibition of the enzyme.
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Mardiana S, Gill S. CAR T Cells for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: State of the Art and Future Directions. Front Oncol 2020; 10:697. [PMID: 32435621 PMCID: PMC7218049 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapse after conventional chemotherapy remains a major problem in patients with myeloid malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and the major cause of death after diagnosis of AML is from relapsed disease. The only potentially curative treatment option currently available is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), which through its graft-vs.-leukemia effects has the ability to eliminate residual leukemia cells. Despite its long history of success however, relapse following allo-HSCT is still a major challenge and is associated with poor prognosis. In the field of adoptive therapy, CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have yielded remarkable clinical success in certain types of B-cell malignancies, and substantial efforts aimed at translating this success to myeloid malignancies are currently underway. While complete ablation of CD19-expressing B cells, both cancerous and healthy, is clinically tolerated, the primary challenge limiting the use of CAR T cells in myeloid malignancies is the absence of a dispensable antigen, as myeloid antigens are often co-expressed on normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), depletion of which would lead to intolerable myeloablation. This review provides a discussion on the current state of CAR T cell therapy in myeloid malignancies, limitations for clinical translation, as well as the most recent approaches to overcome these barriers, through various genetic modification and combinatorial strategies in an attempt to make CAR T cell therapy a safe and viable option for patients with myeloid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherly Mardiana
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, PA, United States
| | - Saar Gill
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, PA, United States
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Kumar S, Jaipuri FA, Waldo JP, Potturi H, Marcinowicz A, Adams J, Van Allen C, Zhuang H, Vahanian N, Link C, Brincks EL, Mautino MR. Discovery of indoximod prodrugs and characterization of clinical candidate NLG802. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 198:112373. [PMID: 32422549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A series of different prodrugs of indoximod, including estesrs and peptide amides were synthesized with the aim of improving its oral bioavailability in humans. The pharmacokinetics of prodrugs that were stable in buffers, plasma and simulated gastric and intestinal fluids was first assessed in rats after oral dosing in solution or in capsule formulation. Two prodrugs that produced the highest exposure to indoximod in rats were further tested in Cynomolgus monkeys, a species in which indoximod has oral bioavailability of 6-10% and an equivalent dose-dependent exposure profile as humans. NLG802 was selected as the clinical development candidate after increasing oral bioavailability (>5-fold), Cmax (6.1-3.6 fold) and AUC (2.9-5.2 fold) in monkeys, compared to equivalent molar oral doses of indoximod. NLG802 is extensively absorbed and rapidly metabolized to indoximod in all species tested and shows a safe toxicological profile at the anticipated therapeutic doses. NLG802 markedly enhanced the anti-tumor responses of tumor-specific pmel-1 T cells in a melanoma tumor model. In conclusion, NLG802 is a prodrug of indoximod expected to increase clinical drug exposure to indoximod above the current achievable levels, thus increasing the possibility of therapeutic effects in a larger fraction of the target patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hima Potturi
- NewLink Genetics, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
| | | | - James Adams
- NewLink Genetics, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
| | | | - Hong Zhuang
- NewLink Genetics, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
| | | | - Charles Link
- NewLink Genetics, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
| | - Erik L Brincks
- NewLink Genetics, Ames, IA, 50010, United States; Lumos Pharma, Inc., Ames, IA, 50010, United States.
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Trojaniello C, Vitale MG, Scarpato L, Esposito A, Ascierto PA. Melanoma immunotherapy: strategies to overcome pharmacological resistance. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:289-304. [PMID: 32195606 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1745634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Although checkpoint inhibitors have provided a breakthrough in how melanoma is treated, about half of patients still do not respond due to primary or acquired resistance. New strategies are, therefore, required to increase the number of patients benefiting from immunotherapy. This systematic review investigates novel combinations that may overcome immune resistance in patients with melanoma.Areas covered: We provide an overview of immune-related resistance mechanisms and the various therapeutic strategies that can be considered in attempting to overcome these barriers, including combined immunotherapy approaches and combinations with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy.Expert opinion: The immune response is a dynamic process in which the tumor microenvironment and immune cells interact in a variety of ways. New treatment approaches aim to enrich the tumor microenvironment with immune-infiltrate and increase response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Trojaniello
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Scarpato
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Assunta Esposito
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo A Ascierto
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
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Rapoport BL, Steel HC, Theron AJ, Smit T, Anderson R. Role of the Neutrophil in the Pathogenesis of Advanced Cancer and Impaired Responsiveness to Therapy. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25071618. [PMID: 32244751 PMCID: PMC7180559 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Notwithstanding the well-recognized involvement of chronic neutrophilic inflammation in the initiation phase of many types of epithelial cancers, a growing body of evidence has also implicated these cells in the pathogenesis of the later phases of cancer development, specifically progression and spread. In this setting, established tumors have a propensity to induce myelopoiesis and to recruit neutrophils to the tumor microenvironment (TME), where these cells undergo reprogramming and transitioning to myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) with a pro-tumorigenic phenotype. In the TME, these MDSCs, via the production of a broad range of mediators, not only attenuate the anti-tumor activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, but also exclude these cells from the TME. Realization of the pro-tumorigenic activities of MDSCs of neutrophilic origin has resulted in the development of a range of adjunctive strategies targeting the recruitment of these cells and/or the harmful activities of their mediators of immunosuppression. Most of these are in the pre-clinical or very early clinical stages of evaluation. Notable exceptions, however, are several pharmacologic, allosteric inhibitors of neutrophil/MDSC CXCR1/2 receptors. These agents have entered late-stage clinical assessment as adjuncts to either chemotherapy or inhibitory immune checkpoint-targeted therapy in patients with various types of advanced malignancy. The current review updates the origins and identities of MDSCs of neutrophilic origin and their spectrum of immunosuppressive mediators, as well as current and pipeline MDSC-targeted strategies as potential adjuncts to cancer therapies. These sections are preceded by a consideration of the carcinogenic potential of neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo L. Rapoport
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.); (R.A.)
- The Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-11-880-4169
| | - Helen C. Steel
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.); (R.A.)
| | - Annette J. Theron
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.); (R.A.)
| | - Teresa Smit
- The Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa;
| | - Ronald Anderson
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.); (R.A.)
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Zhang H, Zhang J, Li Q, Song A, Tian H, Wang J, Li Z, Luan Y. Site-specific MOF-based immunotherapeutic nanoplatforms via synergistic tumor cells-targeted treatment and dendritic cells-targeted immunomodulation. Biomaterials 2020; 245:119983. [PMID: 32229333 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.119983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
An efficient antitumor immune response relies on multiple cells-based process including tumor cells-targeted immunogenicity increment, dendritic cells (DCs)-targeted vaccine delivery and T cells-mediated tumor elimination. Only limited immune efficacy could be achieved by strengthening the function of single type of cells. Therefore, building an effective immunotherapeutic nanoplatform by simultaneously modulating the functions of multiple cells involved in immune process is urgently demanded. However, it is challenging to modulate multiple cells since the on-demand delivery of diverse agents to different cells is restricted by inherent different target sites. Herein, as a proof of concept, dual tailor-made metal organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles based on zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) are designed to comprehensively enhance the immunotherapy via the spatiotemporal cooperation of various therapeutic agents including photothermal agent IR820, adjuvant imiquimod (R837) and immunomodulator 1-methyl-d-tryptophan (1 MT). On one hand, IR820@ZIF-8 is modified with hyaluronic acid for realizing tumor-targeted photothermal therapy, accompanied with the release of tumor antigens. On the other hand, (R837+1 MT)@ZIF-8 is modified with mannan for achieving DCs-targeted immune amplification. The synergistic tumor cells-targeted treatment and DCs-targeted immunomodulation can efficiently overcome two major obstacles in immunotherapy: inadequate activation of immune response and immune evasion, offering powerful platform against invasive malignancy and rechallenged tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyuan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Aixin Song
- Key Laboratory of Colloid & Interface Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250100, China
| | - Hailong Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Jiqian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266580, China
| | - Zhonghao Li
- Key Laboratory of Colloid & Interface Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250100, China
| | - Yuxia Luan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China.
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Zhou QH, Han H, Lu JB, Liu TY, Huang KB, Deng CZ, Li ZS, Chen JP, Yao K, Qin ZK, Liu ZW, Li YH, Guo SJ, Ye YL, Zhou FJ, Liu RY. Up-regulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) expression and catalytic activity is associated with immunosuppression and poor prognosis in penile squamous cell carcinoma patients. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2020; 40:3-15. [PMID: 32125093 PMCID: PMC7163927 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan (Trp) catabolism have been demonstrated to play an important role in tumor immunosuppression. This study examined the expression and catalytic activity of IDO1 in penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) and explored their clinical significance. Methods IDO1 expression level, serum concentrations of Trp and kynurenine (Kyn) were examined in 114 PSCC patients by immunohistonchemistry and solid‐phase extraction‐liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The survival was analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier method and the log‐rank test. Hazard ratio of death was analyzed via univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Immune cell types were defined by principal component analysis. The correlativity was assessed by Pearson's correlation analysis. Results The expression level of IDO1 in PSCC cells was positively correlated with serum Kyn concentration and Kyn/Trp radio (KTR; both P < 0.001) but negatively correlated with serum Trp concentration (P = 0.001). Additionally, IDO1 up‐regulation in cancer cells and the increase of serum KTR were significantly associated with advanced N stage (both P < 0.001) and high pathologic grade (P = 0.008 and 0.032, respectively). High expression level of IDO1 in cancer cells and serum KTR were associated with short disease‐specific survival (both P < 0.001). However, besides N stage (hazard radio [HR], 6.926; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.458‐19.068; P < 0.001) and pathologic grade (HR, 2.194; 95% CI, 1.021‐4.529; P = 0.038), only serum KTR (HR, 2.780; 95% CI, 1.066‐7.215; P = 0.036) was an independent predictor for PSCC prognosis. IDO1 expression was positively correlated with the expression of interferon‐γ (IFNγ, P < 0.001) and immunosuppressive markers (programmed cell death protein 1, cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 and programmed death‐ligand 1 and 2; all P < 0.05), and the infiltration of immune cells (including cytotoxic T lymphocytes, regulatory T lymphocytes, tumor‐associated macrophages, and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells; all P < 0.001) in PSCC tissues. Furthermore, the expression of IDO1 was induced by IFNγ in a dose‐dependent manner in PSCC cells. Conclusions IFNγ‐induced IDO1 plays a crucial role in immunoediting and immunosuppression in PSCC. Additionally, serum KTR, an indicator of IDO1 catabolic activity, can be utilized as an independent prognostic factor for PSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-Hua Zhou
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, P. R. China
| | - Hui Han
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Bin Lu
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Ting-Yu Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Kang-Bo Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Chuang-Zhong Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Zai-Shang Li
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518021, P. R. China
| | - Jie-Ping Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Kai Yao
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Ke Qin
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo-Wei Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Hong Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Sheng-Jie Guo
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yun-Lin Ye
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Fang-Jian Zhou
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Ran-Yi Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
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Opitz CA, Somarribas Patterson LF, Mohapatra SR, Dewi DL, Sadik A, Platten M, Trump S. The therapeutic potential of targeting tryptophan catabolism in cancer. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:30-44. [PMID: 31819194 PMCID: PMC6964670 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0664-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on its effects on both tumour cell intrinsic malignant properties as well as anti-tumour immune responses, tryptophan catabolism has emerged as an important metabolic regulator of cancer progression. Three enzymes, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 and 2 (IDO1/2) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2), catalyse the first step of the degradation of the essential amino acid tryptophan (Trp) to kynurenine (Kyn). The notion of inhibiting IDO1 using small-molecule inhibitors elicited high hopes of a positive impact in the field of immuno-oncology, by restoring anti-tumour immune responses and synergising with other immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibition. However, clinical trials with IDO1 inhibitors have yielded disappointing results, hence raising many questions. This review will discuss strategies to target Trp-degrading enzymes and possible down-stream consequences of their inhibition. We aim to provide comprehensive background information on Trp catabolic enzymes as targets in immuno-oncology and their current state of development. Details of the clinical trials with IDO1 inhibitors, including patient stratification, possible effects of the inhibitors themselves, effects of pre-treatments and the therapies the inhibitors were combined with, are discussed and mechanisms proposed that might have compensated for IDO1 inhibition. Finally, alternative approaches are suggested to circumvent these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane A Opitz
- DKTK Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Luis F Somarribas Patterson
- DKTK Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Soumya R Mohapatra
- DKTK Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dyah L Dewi
- DKTK Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery - Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Ahmed Sadik
- DKTK Brain Cancer Metabolism Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Saskia Trump
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Unit for Molecular Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany
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Yang L, Li A, Lei Q, Zhang Y. Tumor-intrinsic signaling pathways: key roles in the regulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:125. [PMID: 31775797 PMCID: PMC6880373 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0804-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a currently popular treatment strategy for cancer patients. Although recent developments in cancer immunotherapy have had significant clinical impact, only a subset of patients exhibits clinical response. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance is necessary. The mechanisms of immune escape appear to consist of two distinct tumor characteristics: a decrease in effective immunocyte infiltration and function and the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment. Several host-derived factors may also contribute to immune escape. Moreover, inter-patient heterogeneity predominantly results from differences in somatic mutations between cancers, which has led to the hypothesis that differential activation of specific tumor-intrinsic pathways may explain the phenomenon of immune exclusion in a subset of cancers. Increasing evidence has also shown that tumor-intrinsic signaling plays a key role in regulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and tumor immune escape. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying immune avoidance mediated by tumor-intrinsic signaling may help identify new therapeutic targets for expanding the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Aitian Li
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyang Lei
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China. .,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China. .,School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China. .,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China.
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40
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Tryptophan metabolism as a common therapeutic target in cancer, neurodegeneration and beyond. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:379-401. [PMID: 30760888 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0016-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 785] [Impact Index Per Article: 157.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
L-Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP) is involved in the regulation of immunity, neuronal function and intestinal homeostasis. Imbalances in Trp metabolism in disorders ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative disease have stimulated interest in therapeutically targeting the KP, particularly the main rate-limiting enzymes indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), IDO2 and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) as well as kynurenine monooxygenase (KMO). However, although small-molecule IDO1 inhibitors showed promise in early-stage cancer immunotherapy clinical trials, a phase III trial was negative. This Review summarizes the physiological and pathophysiological roles of Trp metabolism, highlighting the vast opportunities and challenges for drug development in multiple diseases.
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Du Q, Feng X, Wang Y, Xu X, Zhang Y, Qu X, Li Z, Bian J. Discovery of phosphonamidate IDO1 inhibitors for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 182:111629. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Wang XX, Sun SY, Dong QQ, Wu XX, Tang W, Xing YQ. Recent advances in the discovery of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitors. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1740-1754. [PMID: 32055299 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00208a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), an important immunoregulatory enzyme ubiquitously expressed in various tissues and cells, plays a key role in tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway and has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and arthritis. IDO1 has diverse biological roles in immune suppression and tumor progression by tryptophan catabolism. In addition, IDO1-mediated immune tolerance assists tumor cells in escaping the immune surveillance. Recently, extensive and enormous investigations have been made in the discovery of IDO1 inhibitors in both academia and pharmaceutical companies. In this review, IDO1 inhibitors are grouped as tryptophan derivatives, inhibitors with an imidazole, 1,2,3-triazole or tetrazole scaffold, inhibitors with quinone or iminoquinone, N-hydroxyamidines and other derivatives, and their enzymatic inhibitory activity, selectivity and other biological activities are also introduced and summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Xiu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy , The Second Affliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , Anhuir 233040 , P.R. China .
| | - Si-Yu Sun
- Department of Pharmacy , The Second Affliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , Anhuir 233040 , P.R. China .
| | - Qing-Qing Dong
- Department of Pharmacy , The Second Affliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , Anhuir 233040 , P.R. China .
| | - Xiao-Xiang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy , The Second Affliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , Anhuir 233040 , P.R. China .
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Pharmacy , The Second Affliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , Anhuir 233040 , P.R. China .
| | - Ya-Qun Xing
- Department of Pharmacy , The Second Affliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , Anhuir 233040 , P.R. China .
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Li M, Kwok MK, Fong SSM, Schooling CM. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and ischemic heart disease: a Mendelian Randomization study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8491. [PMID: 31186442 PMCID: PMC6560130 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44819-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the rate-limiting enzyme in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, is positively associated with cardiac events, and may be relevant to cancer. We used Mendelian Randomization to obtain unconfounded estimates of the association of IDO1 with ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke and their risk factors, all-cancer, cancer of the prostate, lung and bronchus, and breast. We obtained genetic instruments independently and strongly (p-value < 5 × 10-8) predicting plasma IDO1 from a proteome genome-wide association study (GWAS), and applied them to consortia GWAS of the outcomes, including the UK Biobank SOFT CAD GWAS (cases < = 76 014, non-cases < = 264 785) for IHD. Estimates were obtained using inverse variance weighting; with MR-Egger, weighted median and MR-PRESSO as sensitivity analyses. IDO1 was inversely associated with IHD (odds ratio (OR) 0.96 per standard deviation, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93 to 1.00, p-value = 0.04), diabetes (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.97) and prostate cancer (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99) with a directionally consistent estimate for stroke (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.02) but not with blood pressure, or the other cancers considered. IDO1 might be a potential therapeutic target for IHD, diabetes and prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Li
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man Ki Kwok
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shirley Siu Ming Fong
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Catherine Mary Schooling
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- City University of New York, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA.
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Kwiatkowska D, Kluska P, Reich A. Beyond PD-1 Immunotherapy in Malignant Melanoma. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2019; 9:243-257. [PMID: 30927248 PMCID: PMC6522569 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-019-0292-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
For many years, the standard therapy for malignant melanoma was based mainly on surgical resection. Unfortunately, this treatment is curative only in the early localized stage of this malignancy. The metastatic stage of malignant melanoma still remains a huge therapeutic challenge. Despite the many new therapeutic options that have become available over the last years, there is a constant need for safer and more effective treatment modalities. There has been a dynamic development of various anti-cancer immunotherapies directed against new molecular targets. A number of clinical trials are currently being conducted to confirm their effectiveness and safety. In this review of the literature, we summarize the contemporary knowledge on promising new immunotherapies beyond the currently available treatment options for malignant melanoma, including oncolytic immunotherapy, selective inhibitors of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenease, anti-PD-(L)1 (programmed death ligand 1) drugs, immune checkpoint protein LAG-3 antibodies, inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and inhibitors of B7-H3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piotr Kluska
- Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Adam Reich
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszów, Poland.
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Kiyozumi Y, Baba Y, Okadome K, Yagi T, Ogata Y, Eto K, Hiyoshi Y, Ishimoto T, Iwatsuki M, Iwagami S, Miyamoto Y, Yoshida N, Watanabe M, Baba H. Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 promoter hypomethylation is associated with poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:1863-1871. [PMID: 31012515 PMCID: PMC6549929 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a primary enzyme that generates immunosuppressive metabolites. It plays a major role in tumor immunology and is a potential immune-based therapeutic target. We have reported that IDO1 protein expression was associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome in esophageal cancer. Recently, it has been reported that IDO1 expression is regulated by methylation of the IDO1 promoter. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between IDO1 expression, IDO1 promoter methylation, and clinicopathological features in esophageal cancer. We first confirmed changes in IDO1 expression levels in vitro by treating cells with 5-azacytidine. We then evaluated the relationship between IDO1 expression levels, IDO1 promoter methylation (bisulfite pyrosequencing), and clinicopathological features using 40 frozen samples and 242 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples resected from esophageal cancer patients. We treated cell lines with 5-azacytidine, and the resulting hypomethylation induced significantly higher IDO1 expression (P < .001). In frozen samples, IDO1 expression levels correlated inversely with IDO1 promoter methylation levels (R = -0.47, P = .0019). Furthermore, patients in the IDO1 promoter hypomethylation group (n = 67) had a poor prognosis compared with those in the IDO1 promoter hypermethylation group (n = 175) (overall survival, P = .011). Our results showed that IDO1 promoter hypomethylation regulated IDO1 expression and was associated with a poor prognosis in esophageal cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kiyozumi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kazuo Okadome
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Taisuke Yagi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoko Ogata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kojiro Eto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yukiharu Hiyoshi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Ishimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Division of Translational Research and Advanced Treatment Against Gastrointestinal Cancer, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masaaki Iwatsuki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shiro Iwagami
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuji Miyamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Naoya Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Division of Translational Research and Advanced Treatment Against Gastrointestinal Cancer, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masayuki Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Huang GL, Tao A, Miyazaki T, Khan T, Hong T, Nakagawa Y, Cabral H. PEG-Poly(1-Methyl-l-Tryptophan)-Based Polymeric Micelles as Enzymatically Activated Inhibitors of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 9:E719. [PMID: 31075929 PMCID: PMC6566635 DOI: 10.3390/nano9050719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an immunomodulating enzyme that is overexpressed in many cancers with poor prognosis. IDO suppresses T cell immunity by catabolizing tryptophan into kynurenine (KYN), which induces apoptosis in T effector cells and enhances T regulatory cells, providing a powerful immunosuppressive mechanism in tumors. Thus, major efforts for developing IDO inhibitors have been undertaken. Among them, 1-Methyl-l-Tryptophan (MLT) and 1-Methyl-d-Tryptophan (MDT) effectively inhibit IDO in preclinical tumor models and the latter is under clinical evaluation. However, both MLT and MDT present poor pharmacokinetics, with the maximum serum concentration being below their 50% inhibitory concentration value. Herein, we have developed polymeric IDO inhibitors based on MLT, which can release active MLT after enzymatic degradation, toward establishing superior antitumor immunotherapies. These polymers were prepared by ring opening polymerization of an N-phenyl carbamate (NPC) derivative of MLT that was synthesized by carbamylation with diphenyl carbonate. By using ω-amino-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-NH2) as the macroinitiator, we prepared amphiphilic PEG-poly(MLT) block copolymers, which self-assembled into polymeric micelles in aqueous conditions. The PEG-poly(MLT) block copolymers could be readily degraded by chymotrypsin and the micelles were able to reduce the levels of KYN in activated macrophages. These results provide a strong rationale for pursuing MLT-based polymeric micelles as tumor-targeted prodrug systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Lo Huang
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Anqi Tao
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Takuya Miyazaki
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Thahomina Khan
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Taehun Hong
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Nakagawa
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
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Sacchetti B, Botticelli A, Pierelli L, Nuti M, Alimandi M. CAR-T with License to Kill Solid Tumors in Search of a Winning Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1903. [PMID: 30999624 PMCID: PMC6514830 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial receptors designed for adoptive immune therapies need to absolve dual functions: antigen recognition and abilities to trigger the lytic machinery of reprogrammed effector T lymphocytes. In this way, CAR-T cells deliver their cytotoxic hit to cancer cells expressing targeted tumor antigens, bypassing the limitation of HLA-restricted antigen recognition. Expanding technologies have proposed a wide repertoire of soluble and cellular "immunological weapons" to kill tumor cells; they include monoclonal antibodies recognizing tumor associated antigens on tumor cells and immune cell checkpoint inhibition receptors expressed on tumor specific T cells. Moreover, a wide range of formidable chimeric antigen receptors diversely conceived to sustain quality, strength and duration of signals delivered by engineered T cells have been designed to specifically target tumor cells while minimize off-target toxicities. The latter immunological weapons have shown distinct efficacy and outstanding palmarès in curing leukemia, but limited and durable effects for solid tumors. General experience with checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell immunotherapy has identified a series of variables, weaknesses and strengths, influencing the clinical outcome of the oncologic illness. These aspects will be shortly outlined with the intent of identifying the still "missing strategy" to combat epithelial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Botticelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Luca Pierelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Marianna Nuti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Alimandi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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The ‘Yin’ and the ‘Yang’ of the kynurenine pathway: excitotoxicity and neuroprotection imbalance in stress-induced disorders. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 30:163-186. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Rapoport BL, Anderson R. Realizing the Clinical Potential of Immunogenic Cell Death in Cancer Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040959. [PMID: 30813267 PMCID: PMC6412296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD), which is triggered by exposure of tumor cells to a limited range of anticancer drugs, radiotherapy, and photodynamic therapy, represents a recent innovation in the revitalized and burgeoning field of oncoimmunnotherapy. ICD results in the cellular redistribution and extracellular release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which have the potential to activate and restore tumor-targeted immune responses. Although a convincing body of evidence exists with respect to the antitumor efficacy of ICD in various experimental systems, especially murine models of experimental anticancer immunotherapy, evidence for the existence of ICD in the clinical setting is less compelling. Following overviews of hallmark developments, which have sparked the revival of interest in the field of oncoimmunotherapy, types of tumor cell death and the various DAMPs most prominently involved in the activation of antitumor immune responses, the remainder of this review is focused on strategies which may potentiate ICD in the clinical setting. These include identification of tumor- and host-related factors predictive of the efficacy of ICD, the clinical utility of combinatorial immunotherapeutic strategies, novel small molecule inducers of ICD, novel and repurposed small molecule immunostimulants, as well as the critical requirement for validated biomarkers in predicting the efficacy of ICD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo L Rapoport
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
- The Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa.
| | - Ronald Anderson
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
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Targeting Immune-Related Molecules in Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive In Vitro Analysis on Patient-Derived Tumor Models. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:4938285. [PMID: 30891459 PMCID: PMC6390245 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4938285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of immune-related pathway inhibition, among them indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), alone and together with immune cells on growth and viability of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. A panel of patient-derived CRC cell lines with different molecular characteristics (CpG island methylator phenotype, chromosomal, and microsatellite instability) was included. Initial phenotyping of CRC cell lines (n=17) revealed high abundance of immunosuppressive checkpoint-molecules in general, but an individual profile for IDO. Presence of immune-related molecules was independent of the molecular subtype. Selective treatment of CRC cell lines showing high or low IDO expression (n=2 cell lines each) was performed with single agents and combinations of Indoximod, Curcumin, and Gemcitabine with and without the addition of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in an allogeneic setting. All substances affected CRC cell growth in a cell line specific manner. The combination of Curcumin and Gemcitabine proved to be most effective in tumor cell elimination. Functional read-out analyses identified cellular senescence, after both single and combined treatment. Curcumin alone exerted strong cytotoxic effects by inducing early and late apoptosis. Necrosis was not detectable at all. Addition of lymphocytes generally boosted antitumoral effects of all IDO-inhibitors, with up to 80 % cytotoxicity for the Curcumin treatment. Here, no obvious differences became apparent between individual cell lines. Combined application of Curcumin and low-dose chemotherapy is a promising strategy to kill tumor target cells and to stimulate antitumoral immune responses.
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