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van Dorst MMAR, Pyuza JJ, Nkurunungi G, Kullaya VI, Smits HH, Hogendoorn PCW, Wammes LJ, Everts B, Elliott AM, Jochems SP, Yazdanbakhsh M. Immunological factors linked to geographical variation in vaccine responses. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:250-263. [PMID: 37770632 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00941-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is one of medicine's greatest achievements; however, its full potential is hampered by considerable variation in efficacy across populations and geographical regions. For example, attenuated malaria vaccines in high-income countries confer almost 100% protection, whereas in low-income regions these same vaccines achieve only 20-50% protection. This trend is also observed for other vaccines, such as bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), rotavirus and yellow fever vaccines, in terms of either immunogenicity or efficacy. Multiple environmental factors affect vaccine responses, including pathogen exposure, microbiota composition and dietary nutrients. However, there has been variable success with interventions that target these individual factors, highlighting the need for a better understanding of their downstream immunological mechanisms to develop new ways of modulating vaccine responses. Here, we review the immunological factors that underlie geographical variation in vaccine responses. Through the identification of causal pathways that link environmental influences to vaccine responsiveness, it might become possible to devise modulatory compounds that can complement vaccines for better outcomes in regions where they are needed most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes M A R van Dorst
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jeremia J Pyuza
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Gyaviira Nkurunungi
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Vesla I Kullaya
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Hermelijn H Smits
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Linda J Wammes
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bart Everts
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alison M Elliott
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Simon P Jochems
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
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2
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Yin J, Ren P. New advances in the treatment of chondrosarcoma under the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. J Cancer Res Ther 2024; 20:522-530. [PMID: 38687921 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_2269_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Bone sarcomas encompass a group of spontaneous mesenchymal malignancies, among which osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and chordoma are the most common subtypes. Chondrosarcoma, a relatively prevalent malignant bone tumor that originates from chondrocytes, is characterized by endogenous cartilage ossification within the tumor tissue. Despite the use of aggressive treatment approaches involving extensive surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for patients with osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and chordoma, limited improvements in patient outcomes have been observed. Furthermore, resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy has been observed in chondrosarcoma and chordoma cases. Consequently, novel therapeutic approaches for bone sarcomas, including chondrosarcoma, need to be uncovered. Recently, the emergence of immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors has garnered attention given their clinical success in various diverse types of cancer, thereby prompting investigations into their potential for managing chondrosarcoma. Considering that circumvention of immune surveillance is considered a key factor in the malignant progression of tumors and that immune checkpoints play an important role in modulating antitumor immune effects, blockers or inhibitors targeting these immune checkpoints have become effective therapeutic tools for patients with tumors. One such checkpoint receptor implicated in this process is programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1). The association between PD-1 and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and cancer progression in humans has been extensively studied, highlighting their remarkable potential as biomarkers for cancer treatment. This review comprehensively examines available studies on current chondrosarcoma treatments and advancements in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy for chondrosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Yin
- Trauma Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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3
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Liu Y, Lu X, Chen M, Wei Z, Peng G, Yang J, Tang C, Yu P. Advances in screening, synthesis, modification, and biomedical applications of peptides and peptide aptamers. Biofactors 2024; 50:33-57. [PMID: 37646383 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Peptides and peptide aptamers have emerged as promising molecules for a wide range of biomedical applications due to their unique properties and versatile functionalities. The screening strategies for identifying peptides and peptide aptamers with desired properties are discussed, including high-throughput screening, display screening technology, and in silico design approaches. The synthesis methods for the efficient production of peptides and peptide aptamers, such as solid-phase peptide synthesis and biosynthesis technology, are described, along with their advantages and limitations. Moreover, various modification techniques are explored to enhance the stability, specificity, and pharmacokinetic properties of peptides and peptide aptamers. This includes chemical modifications, enzymatic modifications, biomodifications, genetic engineering modifications, and physical modifications. Furthermore, the review highlights the diverse biomedical applications of peptides and peptide aptamers, including targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, and therapeutic. This review provides valuable insights into the advancements in screening, synthesis, modification, and biomedical applications of peptides and peptide aptamers. A comprehensive understanding of these aspects will aid researchers in the development of novel peptide-based therapeutics and diagnostic tools for various biomedical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Liu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoling Lu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Meilun Chen
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zheng Wei
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangnan Peng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunhua Tang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
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4
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Wang Q, Huang H, Liang P, Wang L, Zheng J, Zhang Y, Wang H. Development of PD-1 blockade peptide-cell conjugates to enhance cellular therapies for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Med Oncol 2023; 41:14. [PMID: 38078948 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02235-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Blockade of the interaction of the immune checkpoint receptor programmed cell death protein (PD)-1 and its ligand PD-L1 has been found to be a promising cancer treatment. Our previous studies identified that nABPD1 competed with PD-L1 to bind PD-1. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-tumor immunotherapy of ICIK cells conjugated with peptides in vivo and in vitro. Here, we synthesized the nABPD1 derivatives SBP1 and SBP2 and showed that their binding efficiency to PD-1-positive improving cytokine-induced killer (ICIK) cells was 98 and 82%, respectively. The cytotoxicity of ICIK cells to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells was increased by conjugating with SBP1 or SBP2, which was 2 times higher than that of ICIK cells alone. Furthermore, mice experiments showed that the fluorescence intensity of leukemia cells in T-ALL xenograft models was reduced by more than 95%, indicating that the peptides enhanced the therapeutic effect in vivo, while morphological evaluations showed that the peptides had no toxicity to important organs. Therefore, peptide-cell conjugates (PCCs) may be a novel method to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy by blocking PD-1 in T-ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanxiao Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 56 Lingyuan West Road, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongxing Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 56 Lingyuan West Road, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China
| | - Peisheng Liang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 56 Lingyuan West Road, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 56 Lingyuan West Road, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China
| | - Junheng Zheng
- Guangzhou Yidai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Zhuhai Taisujian Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Cheerland Taisujian BioPharm. Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 56 Lingyuan West Road, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China.
- Guangzhou Yidai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Zhuhai Taisujian Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
- Cheerland Taisujian BioPharm. Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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5
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Zhong S, Yin Y. Regulatory role of the programmed cell death 1 signaling pathway in sepsis induced immunosuppression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183542. [PMID: 37292207 PMCID: PMC10244656 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183542] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by the host's immune response to infection, with extremely high incidence and mortality. Immunosuppression is an essential pathophysiological alteration that influences the clinical treatment and prognosis of sepsis. Recent studies have suggested that the programmed cell death 1 signaling pathway is involved in the formation of immunosuppression in sepsis. In this review, we systematically present the mechanisms of immune dysregulation in sepsis and elucidate the expression and regulatory effects of the programmed cell death 1 signaling pathway on immune cells associated with sepsis. We then specify current research developments and prospects for the application of the programmed cell death 1 signaling pathway in immunomodulatory therapy for sepsis. Several open questions and future research are discussed at the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubai Zhong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuanqin Yin
- Cancer Institute, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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6
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Wang Q, Shao X, Zhang Y, Zhu M, Wang FXC, Mu J, Li J, Yao H, Chen K. Role of tumor microenvironment in cancer progression and therapeutic strategy. Cancer Med 2023. [PMID: 36807772 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is now considered a tumor microenvironment (TME) disease, although it was originally thought to be a cell and gene expression disorder. Over the past 20 years, significant advances have been made in understanding the complexity of the TME and its impact on responses to various anticancer therapies, including immunotherapies. Cancer immunotherapy can recognize and kill cancer cells by regulating the body's immune system. It has achieved good therapeutic effects in various solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Recently, blocking of programmed death-1 (PD-1), programmed death-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1), and programmed death Ligand-2 (PD-L2), the construction of antigen chimeric T cells (CAR-T) and tumor vaccines have become popular immunotherapies Tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis are closely related to TME. Therefore, we review the characteristics of various cells and molecules in the TME, the interaction between PD-1 and TME, and promising cancer immunotherapy therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjing Wang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueting Shao
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology & Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miaojin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Frederick X C Wang
- The EnMed Program at Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas A&M University College of Medicine and College of Engineering, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jianjian Mu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxuan Li
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hangping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Keda Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
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7
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Phares TW, Huang J, Kotraiah V, Hauser MJ, Domi A, Oruganti S, Browne CD, Buontempo P, Mansour M, Pannucci J, Tsuji M, Gutierrez GM. Viral delivery of a peptide-based immunomodulator enhances T cell priming during vaccination. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1029636. [PMID: 36582528 PMCID: PMC9792674 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1029636] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern, subunit-based vaccines have so far failed to induce significant T cell responses, contributing to ineffective vaccination against many pathogens. Importantly, while today's adjuvants are designed to trigger innate and non-specific immune responses, they fail to directly stimulate the adaptive immune compartment. Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) partly regulates naïve-to-antigen-specific effector T cell transition and differentiation by suppressing the magnitude of activation. Indeed, we previously reported on a microbial-derived, peptide-based PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, LD01, which showed potent T cell-stimulating activity when combined with a vaccine. Here we sought to improve the potency of LD01 by designing and testing new LD01 derivatives. Accordingly, we found that a modified version of an 18-amino acid metabolite of LD01, LD10da, improved T cell activation capability in a malaria vaccine model. Specifically, LD10da demonstrates improved antigen-specific CD8+ T cell expansion when combined prophylactically with an adenovirus-based malaria vaccine. A single dose of LD10da at the time of vaccination is sufficient to increase antigen-specific CD8+ T cell expansion in wild-type mice. Further, we show that LD10 can be encoded and delivered by a Modified Vaccinia Ankara viral vector and can enhance antigen-specific CD8+ T cell expansion comparable to that of synthetic peptide administration. Therefore, LD10da represents a promising biologic-based immunomodulator that can be genetically encoded and delivered, along with the antigen, by viral or other nucleic acid vectors to improve the efficacy and delivery of vaccines for ineradicable and emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jing Huang
- The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, New York, NY, United States,Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marc Mansour
- MM Scientific Consultants Inc., Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Moriya Tsuji
- The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, New York, NY, United States,Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gabriel M. Gutierrez
- Hibiscus Biotechnology, LLC, Rockville, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Gabriel M. Gutierrez,
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8
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Bojko M, Węgrzyn K, Sikorska E, Kocikowski M, Parys M, Battin C, Steinberger P, Kogut MM, Winnicki M, Sieradzan AK, Spodzieja M, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of PD-1 derived peptides as inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1 complex formation for cancer therapy. Bioorg Chem 2022; 128:106047. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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9
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Chen W, Huang Y, Pan W, Xu M, Chen L. Strategies for developing PD-1 inhibitors and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 202:115113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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10
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Mittal L, Tonk R, Awasthi A, Asthana S. Traversing through the Dynamic Protein-Protein Interaction Landscape and Conformational Plasticity of PD-1 for Small-Molecule Discovery. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5941-5953. [PMID: 35420421 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interface have shown remarkable success in treating malignancies, but they may also initiate lethal immune-related adverse events. Small molecules may circumvent the mAb limitations; however, none has entered clinical trials targeting PD-1. Its complex protein-protein interaction interfaces necessitate an atomic-level understanding of recognition and binding mechanisms. Hence, we have aimed to highlight the PD-1's sequence-structure-dynamic-function link with its cognate ligands and diversely reported inhibitors. We focus primarily on the anti-PD-1 mAbs, their mode of actions, and interactions with PD-1 epitopes. The comparison of co-crystals showed that these ligands/inhibitors harness the PD-1's conformational plasticity and structural determinants differentially. The relationship between modulator binding patterns and biological activity is demonstrated using interaction fingerprinting of all reported human PD-1 co-crystals. The significant dynamical events and hot-spot residues underpinned from crystallographic wealth and computational studies have been highlighted to expedite small-molecule discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lovika Mittal
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Haryana 121001, India.,Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), Delhi 110017, India
| | - Rajiv Tonk
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), Delhi 110017, India
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Haryana 121001, India
| | - Shailendra Asthana
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Haryana 121001, India
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11
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Kuncewicz K, Battin C, Węgrzyn K, Sieradzan A, Wardowska A, Sikorska E, Giedrojć I, Smardz P, Pikuła M, Steinberger P, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S, Spodzieja M. Targeting the HVEM protein using a fragment of glycoprotein D to inhibit formation of the BTLA/HVEM complex. Bioorg Chem 2022; 122:105748. [PMID: 35325694 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy using blockade of immune checkpoints is mainly based on monoclonal antibodies. Despite the tremendous success achieved by using those molecules to block immune checkpoint proteins, antibodies possess some weaknesses, which means that there is still a need to search for new compounds as alternatives to antibodies. Many current approaches are focused on use of peptides/peptidomimetics to destroy receptor/ligand interactions. Our studies concern blockade of the BTLA/HVEM complex, which generates an inhibitory effect on the immune response resulting in tolerance to cancer cells. To design inhibitors of such proteins binding we based our work on the amino acid sequence and structure of a ligand of HVEM protein, namely glycoprotein D, which possesses the same binding site on HVEM as BTLA protein. To disrupt the BTLA and HVEM interaction we designed several peptides, all fragments of glycoprotein D, and tested their binding to HVEM using SPR and their ability to inhibit the BTLA/HVEM complex formation using ELISA tests and cellular reporter platforms. That led to identification of two peptides, namely gD(1-36)(K10C-D30C) and gD(1-36)(A12C-L25C), which interact with HVEM and possess blocking capacities. Both peptides are not cytotoxic to human PBMCs, and show stability in human plasma. We also studied the 3D structure of the gD(1-36)(K10C-D30C) peptide using NMR and molecular modeling methods. The obtained data reveal that it possesses an unstructured conformation and binds to HVEM in the same location as gD and BTLA. All these results suggest that peptides based on the binding fragment of gD protein represent promising immunomodulation agents for future cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Battin
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Immunology, Division of Immune Receptors and T cell Activation, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- University of Gdańsk, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Adam Sieradzan
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Wardowska
- Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Physiopathology, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Emilia Sikorska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Irma Giedrojć
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Pamela Smardz
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Pikuła
- Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Embryology, Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Immunology, Division of Immune Receptors and T cell Activation, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Marta Spodzieja
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
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12
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Pavlicevic M, Marmiroli N, Maestri E. Immunomodulatory peptides-A promising source for novel functional food production and drug discovery. Peptides 2022; 148:170696. [PMID: 34856531 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory peptides are a complex class of bioactive peptides that encompasses substances with different mechanisms of action. Immunomodulatory peptides could also be used in vaccines as adjuvants which would be extremely desirable, especially in response to pandemics. Thus, immunomodulatory peptides in food of plant origin could be regarded both as valuable suplements of novel functional food preparation and/or as precursors or possible active ingredients for drugs design for treatment variety of conditions arising from impaired function of immune system. Given variety of mechanisms, different tests are required to assess effects of immunomodulatory peptides. Some of those effects show good correlation with in vivo results but others, less so. Certain plant peptides, such as defensins, show both immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effect, which makes them interesting candidates for preparation of functional food and feed, as well as templates for design of synthetic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Pavlicevic
- Institute for Food Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nelson Marmiroli
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, and Interdepartmental Center SITEIA.PARMA, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Elena Maestri
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, and Interdepartmental Center SITEIA.PARMA, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
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Emerging targets for anticancer vaccination: PD-1. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100278. [PMID: 34649221 PMCID: PMC8517287 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the mechanisms by which tumor cells escape the immune surveillance, one is the interaction between programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway with monoclonal antibodies as immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 or its ligand, PD-L1, represents a milestone in cancer therapy. The application of these antibodies, however, suffers from drawbacks including failure to show a response or benefit in a majority of patients following monotherapy or combination therapy, their frequent administration, and cost intensiveness. Small peptides capable of interfering with PD-1/PD-L1 interaction represent interesting alternatives to antibody-based immune checkpoint inhibitors. Moreover, peptides representing PD-1 or PD-L1 sequences can be used in active immunization approaches to induce antibodies that enhance antitumor immunity by effectively preventing PD-1-mediated inhibition in the host. Importantly, such peptides can readily be combined with peptides derived from cancer antigens to effectively induce an antitumor immune response. In this review, we have summarized the recent developments in the use of small molecules and peptides either to directly block PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, or in vaccination approaches to induce antibody responses stimulating anticancer immunity by blocking PD-1-mediated T-cell inhibition. Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction by antibodies as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is a milestone in immunotherapy. Treatment by ICIs has disadvantages, like frequent administration, low response in some patients, and cost intensiveness. Direct blockade by small compounds or vaccination by peptides are two promising alternatives to the treatments with ICIs. Such alternatives may pave the way to therapeutics which could be used as monotherapy, or in combination with ICIs.
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Liu Y, Guo X, Zhan L, Wang L, Wang X, Jiang M. LAG3 and PD1 Regulate CD8+ T Cell in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Patients. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:4468140. [PMID: 34422089 PMCID: PMC8378962 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4468140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous lymphoid malignancy. The unsatisfactory outcome for refractory patients has prompted efforts to explore new therapeutic approaches for DLBCL. However, the mechanisms involved in treatment associated with immune checkpoints remain unclear. This study is aimed at investigating the potential roles of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3) in CD8+ T cells for treatment in DLBCL. METHODS Utilizing flow cytometry, we examined the content of T cells, the levels of cytokines, and the expression of PD1 and LAG3 in patients with DLBCL as well as in healthy controls. Levels of cytokines in CD8+ T cells from DLBCL patients before and after treatment were compared by blocking of PD1 and LAG3 in magnetic bead-sorted CD8+ T cells. RESULTS We found that the proportion of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells was increased in DLBCL patients after treatment. The levels of cytokines trended toward those of healthy controls in treatment. PD1 (+), LAG3 (+), or PD1 (+) LAG3 (+) were all expressed in lower amounts in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells after treatment than in untreated DLBCL patients. In addition, blockade of PD1 and LAG3 in sorted CD8+ T cells markedly inhibited cytokine production in response to treatment. CONCLUSION PD1 and LAG3 in CD8+ T cells may be important targets of therapy and play therapeutic role in patients with DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Hematologic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054 Xinjiang, China
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Research Institute of Hematology, Urumqi, 830061 Xinjiang, China
| | - Xinhong Guo
- Hematologic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054 Xinjiang, China
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Research Institute of Hematology, Urumqi, 830061 Xinjiang, China
| | - Lingbo Zhan
- Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830000 Xinjiang, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Hematologic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054 Xinjiang, China
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Research Institute of Hematology, Urumqi, 830061 Xinjiang, China
| | - Xinyou Wang
- Hematologic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054 Xinjiang, China
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Research Institute of Hematology, Urumqi, 830061 Xinjiang, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Hematologic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054 Xinjiang, China
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Research Institute of Hematology, Urumqi, 830061 Xinjiang, China
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Regulatory T cells and vaccine effectiveness in older adults. Challenges and prospects. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107761. [PMID: 34162139 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107761] [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: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of lymphocytes with immunosuppressive activity, increasing interest has arisen in their possible influence on the immune response induced by vaccines. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for maintaining peripheral tolerance, preventing autoimmune diseases, and limiting chronic inflammatory diseases. However, they also limit beneficial immune responses by suppressing anti-infectious and anti-tumor immunity. Mounting evidence suggests that Tregs are involved, at least in part, in the low effectiveness of immunization against various diseases where it has been difficult to obtain protective vaccines. Interestingly, increased activity of Tregs is associated with aging, suggesting a key role for these cells in the lower vaccine effectiveness observed in older people. In this review, we analyze the impact of Tregs on vaccination, with a focus on older adults. Finally, we address an overview of current strategies for Tregs modulation with potential application to improve the effectiveness of future vaccines targeting older populations.
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Chen R, Zhou L. PD-1 signaling pathway in sepsis: Does it have a future? Clin Immunol 2021; 229:108742. [PMID: 33905818 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis is characterized by high mortality and poor prognosis and is one of the leading causes of death among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). In the past, drugs that block early inflammatory responses have done little to reverse the progression of sepsis. Programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its two ligands, programmed cell death receptor ligand 1(PD-L1) and programmed cell death receptor ligand 2 (PD-L2), are negative regulatory factors of the immune response of the body. Recently, the role of the PD-1 signaling pathway in sepsis has been widely studied. Studies showed that the PD-1 signaling pathways are closely related to the mortality and prognosis of sepsis patients. In the immunotherapy of sepsis, whether in animal experiments or clinical trials, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies have shown good promise. In this review, firstly, we focus on the immunosuppressive mechanism of sepsis and the structure and function of the PD-1 signaling pathway. The variety of the PD-1 signaling pathways in sepsis is introduced. Then, the relationship between the PD-1 signaling pathway and immune cells and organ dysfunction and the regulatory factors of the PD-1 signaling pathway in sepsis is discussed. Finally, the application of the PD-1 signaling pathway in sepsis is specifically emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongping Chen
- Department of Intensive care unit, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, Guangdong Province, China; Sun Yet-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lixin Zhou
- Department of Intensive care unit, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, Guangdong Province, China.
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17
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Sasikumar PG, Ramachandra M. Peptide and peptide-inspired checkpoint inhibitors: Protein fragments to cancer immunotherapy. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2020.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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18
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Tao H, Cheng L, Liu L, Wang H, Jiang Z, Qiang X, Xing L, Xu Y, Cai X, Yao J, Wang M, Qiu Z. A PD-1 peptide antagonist exhibits potent anti-tumor and immune regulatory activity. Cancer Lett 2020; 493:91-101. [PMID: 32805322 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.08.009] [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] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have achieved great success. However, some disadvantages of antibodies have been found, which limit their clinical applications. Peptide antagonists are alternatives to antibodies in PD-1/PD-L1 blockage, but successful studies in this area are limited. A PD-1 targeting peptide, P-F4, was identified using phage display. P-F4 bound PD-1 with an affinity of 0.119 μM, inhibited PD-1/PD-L1 interaction at the cellular level and modulated T cell activity in vitro. We have overcome the poor solubility and rapid degradation problems of this peptide by packaging P-F4 in nanoparticles. In vivo experiments demonstrated that P-F4 nanoparticles could strongly inhibit tumor growth in a CT26 mouse model. Further research revealed that treatment of P-F4 nanoparticles increased CD8+T cells and reduced Tregs in the tumor microenvironment and tumor-draining lymph nodes. It was shown that treatment of P-F4 nanoparticles also increased lymphocytic activities, including proliferation, cytokine secretion and cytolytic activity. Moreover, computer modeling suggested that the P-F4 binding site to PD-1 overlaps with the PD-L1 binding surface. In this study, a peptide candidate for cancer immunotherapy was provided, and its working mechanisms were studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Tao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lihua Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Hong Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Zhijie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Xu Qiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lijun Xing
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yifeng Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Xinying Cai
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Jing Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Min Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Zheng Qiu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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Phares TW, Kotraiah V, Karunarathne DS, Huang J, Browne CD, Buontempo P, Mansour M, Noe AR, Wykes MN, Pannucci J, Tsuji M, Gutierrez GM. A Peptide-Based PD1 Antagonist Enhances T-Cell Priming and Efficacy of a Prophylactic Malaria Vaccine and Promotes Survival in a Lethal Malaria Model. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1377. [PMID: 32733457 PMCID: PMC7363839 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The blockade of programmed cell death-1 (PD1) and its ligand PDL1 has been proven to be a successful immunotherapy against several cancers. Similar to cancer, PD1 contributes to the establishment of several chronic infectious diseases, including malaria. While monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting checkpoint receptors are revolutionary in cancer treatment, the immune-related adverse events (irAEs) may prevent their utilization in prophylactic and therapeutic treatments of infectious diseases. The irAEs are, in part, due to the prolonged half-life of mAbs resulting in prolonged activation of the immune system. As an alternative modality to mAbs, peptides represent a viable option because they possess a shorter pharmacokinetic half-life and offer more formulation and delivery options. Here, we report on a 22-amino acid immunomodulatory peptide, LD01, derived from a Bacillus bacteria. When combined prophylactically with an adenovirus-based or irradiated sporozoite-based malaria vaccine, LD01 significantly enhanced antigen-specific CD8+ T cell expansion. Therapeutically, LD01 treatment of mice infected with a lethal malaria strain resulted in survival that was associated with lower numbers of FOXP3+Tbet+CD4+ regulatory T cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that LD01 is a potent immunomodulator that acts upon the adaptive immune system to stimulate T cell responses both prophylactically and therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W Phares
- Explorations in Global Health (ExGloH), Leidos Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Vinayaka Kotraiah
- Explorations in Global Health (ExGloH), Leidos Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
| | | | - Jing Huang
- The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Peter Buontempo
- Explorations in Global Health (ExGloH), Leidos Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Marc Mansour
- Explorations in Global Health (ExGloH), Leidos Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Amy R Noe
- Leidos Life Sciences, Leidos Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
| | | | - James Pannucci
- Explorations in Global Health (ExGloH), Leidos Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Moriya Tsuji
- The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gabriel M Gutierrez
- Explorations in Global Health (ExGloH), Leidos Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
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