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Naskar S, Sriraman N, Sarkar A, Mahajan N, Sarkar K. Tumor antigen presentation and the associated signal transduction during carcinogenesis. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 261:155485. [PMID: 39088877 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155485] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Numerous developments have been achieved in the study and treatment of cancer throughout the decades that it has been common. After decades of research, about 100 different kinds of cancer have been found, each with unique subgroups within certain organs. This has significantly expanded our understanding of the illness. A mix of genetic, environmental, and behavioral variables contribute to the complicated and diverse process of cancer formation. Mutations, or changes in the DNA sequence, are crucial to the development of cancer. These mutations have the ability to downregulate the expression and function of Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (MHC I) and MHCII receptors, as well as activate oncogenes and inactivate tumor suppressor genes. Cancer cells use this tactic to avoid being recognized by cytotoxic CD8+T lymphocytes, which causes issues with antigen presentation and processing. This review goes into great length into the PI3K pathway, changes to MHC I, and positive impacts of tsMHC-II on disease-free survival and overall survival and the involvement of dendritic cells (DCs) in different tumor microenvironments. The vital functions that the PI3K pathway and its link to the mTOR pathway are highlighted and difficulties in developing effective cancer targeted therapies and feedback systems has also been mentioned, where resistance mechanisms include RAS-mediated oncogenic changes and active PI3K signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohom Naskar
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Nawaneetan Sriraman
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Ankita Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Nitika Mahajan
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Koustav Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
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2
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Yao X, Matosevic S. Generation and evaluation of cancer binding capacity of HLA-A2-WT1 complex-targeting antibody. Immunol Lett 2024; 268:106881. [PMID: 38810886 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106881] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Wilms' tumor (WT1), a transcription factor highly expressed in various leukemias and solid tumors, is a highly specific intracellular tumor antigen, requiring presentation through complexation with HLA-restricted peptides.. WT1-derived epitopes are able to assemble with MHC-I and thereby be recognized by T cell receptors (TCR). Identification of new targetable epitopes derived from WT1 on solid tumors is a challenge, but meaningful for the development of therapeutics that could in this way target intracellular oncogenic proteins. In this study, we developed and comprehensively describe methods to validate the formation of the complex of WT1126-134 and HLA-A2. Subsequently, we developed an antibody fragment able to recognize the extracellular complex on the surface of cancer cells. The single chain variable fragment (scFv) of an established TCR-mimic antibody, specifically recognizing the WT1-derived peptide presented by the HLA-A2 complex, was expressed, purified, and functionally validated using a T2 cell antigen presentation model. Furthermore, we evaluated the potential of the WT1-derived peptide as a targetable extracellular antigen in multiple solid tumor cell lines. Our study describes methodology for the evaluation of WT1-derived peptides as tumor-specific antigen on solid tumors, and may facilitate the selection of potential candidates for future immunotherapy targeting WT1 epitopes.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- WT1 Proteins/immunology
- WT1 Proteins/metabolism
- HLA-A2 Antigen/immunology
- HLA-A2 Antigen/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Protein Binding
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Single-Chain Antibodies/immunology
- Single-Chain Antibodies/genetics
- Single-Chain Antibodies/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Antigen Presentation/immunology
- Epitopes/immunology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- Peptides/immunology
- Peptides/chemistry
- Peptides/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yao
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Sandro Matosevic
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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3
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Emilius L, Bremm F, Binder AK, Schaft N, Dörrie J. Tumor Antigens beyond the Human Exome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4673. [PMID: 38731892 PMCID: PMC11083240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094673] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
With the advent of immunotherapeutics, a new era in the combat against cancer has begun. Particularly promising are neo-epitope-targeted therapies as the expression of neo-antigens is tumor-specific. In turn, this allows the selective targeting and killing of cancer cells whilst healthy cells remain largely unaffected. So far, many advances have been made in the development of treatment options which are tailored to the individual neo-epitope repertoire. The next big step is the achievement of efficacious "off-the-shelf" immunotherapies. For this, shared neo-epitopes propose an optimal target. Given the tremendous potential, a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms which lead to the formation of neo-antigens is of fundamental importance. Here, we review the various processes which result in the formation of neo-epitopes. Broadly, the origin of neo-epitopes can be categorized into three groups: canonical, noncanonical, and viral neo-epitopes. For the canonical neo-antigens that arise in direct consequence of somatic mutations, we summarize past and recent findings. Beyond that, our main focus is put on the discussion of noncanonical and viral neo-epitopes as we believe that targeting those provides an encouraging perspective to shape the future of cancer immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisabeth Emilius
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Franziska Bremm
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Amanda Katharina Binder
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Lautert-Dutra W, Melo CM, Chaves LP, Souza FC, Crozier C, Sundby AE, Woroszchuk E, Saggioro FP, Avante FS, dos Reis RB, Squire JA, Bayani J. Identification of tumor-agnostic biomarkers for predicting prostate cancer progression and biochemical recurrence. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1280943. [PMID: 37965470 PMCID: PMC10641020 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1280943] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The diverse clinical outcomes of prostate cancer have led to the development of gene signature assays predicting disease progression. Improved prostate cancer progression biomarkers are needed as current RNA biomarker tests have varying success for intermediate prostate cancer. Interest grows in universal gene signatures for invasive carcinoma progression. Early breast and prostate cancers share characteristics, including hormone dependence and BRCA1/2 mutations. Given the similarities in the pathobiology of breast and prostate cancer, we utilized the NanoString BC360 panel, comprising the validated PAM50 classifier and pathway-specific signatures associated with general tumor progression as well as breast cancer-specific classifiers. This retrospective cohort of primary prostate cancers (n=53) was stratified according to biochemical recurrence (BCR) status and the CAPRA-S to identify genes related to high-risk disease. Two public cohort (TCGA-PRAD and GSE54460) were used to validate the results. Expression profiling of our cohort uncovered associations between PIP and INHBA with BCR and high CAPRA-S score, as well as associations between VCAN, SFRP2, and THBS4 and BCR. Despite low levels of the ESR1 gene compared to AR, we found strong expression of the ER signaling signature, suggesting that BCR may be driven by ER-mediated pathways. Kaplan-Meier and univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis indicated the expression of ESR1, PGR, VCAN, and SFRP2 could predict the occurrence of relapse events. This is in keeping with the pathways represented by these genes which contribute to angiogenesis and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It is likely that VCAN works by activating the stroma and remodeling the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, SFRP2 overexpression has been associated with increased tumor size and reduced survival rates in breast cancer and among prostate cancer patients who experienced BCR. ESR1 influences disease progression by activating stroma, stimulating stem/progenitor prostate cancer, and inducing TGF-β. Estrogen signaling may therefore serve as a surrogate to AR signaling during progression and in hormone-refractory disease, particularly in prostate cancer patients with stromal-rich tumors. Collectively, the use of agnostic biomarkers developed for breast cancer stratification has facilitated a precise clinical classification of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting estrogen signaling in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Lautert-Dutra
- Department of Genetics, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila M. Melo
- Department of Genetics, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz P. Chaves
- Department of Genetics, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Francisco C. Souza
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Cheryl Crozier
- Diagnostic Development, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adam E. Sundby
- Diagnostic Development, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Woroszchuk
- Diagnostic Development, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fabiano P. Saggioro
- Department of Pathology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Filipe S. Avante
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo B. dos Reis
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Jeremy A. Squire
- Department of Genetics, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jane Bayani
- Diagnostic Development, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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5
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Pu T, Peddle A, Zhu J, Tejpar S, Verbandt S. Neoantigen identification: Technological advances and challenges. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 183:265-302. [PMID: 38548414 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Neoantigens have emerged as promising targets for cutting-edge immunotherapies, such as cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapy. These neoantigens are unique to tumors and arise exclusively from somatic mutations or non-genomic aberrations in tumor proteins. They encompass a wide range of alterations, including genomic mutations, post-transcriptomic variants, and viral oncoproteins. With the advancements in technology, the identification of immunogenic neoantigens has seen rapid progress, raising new opportunities for enhancing their clinical significance. Prediction of neoantigens necessitates the acquisition of high-quality samples and sequencing data, followed by mutation calling. Subsequently, the pipeline involves integrating various tools that can predict the expression, processing, binding, and recognition potential of neoantigens. However, the continuous improvement of computational tools is constrained by the availability of datasets which contain validated immunogenic neoantigens. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge as well as limitations in neoantigen prediction and validation. Additionally, it delves into the origin and biological role of neoantigens, offering a deeper understanding of their significance in the field of cancer immunotherapy. This article thus seeks to contribute to the ongoing efforts to harness neoantigens as powerful weapons in the fight against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Pu
- Digestive Oncology Unit, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jingjing Zhu
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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6
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Witney MJ, Tscharke DC. BMX-A and BMX-S: Accessible cell-free methods to estimate peptide-MHC-I affinity and stability. Mol Immunol 2023; 161:1-10. [PMID: 37478775 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.07.008] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
The affinity and stability of peptide binding to Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I (MHC-I) molecules are fundamental parameters that underpin the specificity and magnitude of CD8+ T cell responses. These parameters can be estimated in some cases by computational tools, but experimental validation remains valuable, especially for stability. Methods to measure peptide binding can be broadly categorised into either cell-based assays using TAP-deficient cell lines such as RMA/S, or cell-free strategies, such as peptide competition-binding assays and surface plasmon resonance. Cell-based assays are subject to confounding biological activity, including peptide trimming by peptidases and dilution of peptide-loaded MHC-I on the surface of cells through cell division. Current cell-free methods require in-house production and purification of MHC-I. In this study, we present the development of new cell-free assays to estimate the relative affinity and dissociation kinetics of peptide binding to MHC-I. These assays, which we have called BMX-A (relative affinity) and BMX-S (kinetic stability), are reliable, scalable and accessible, in that they use off-the-shelf commercial reagents and standard flow cytometry techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Witney
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - David C Tscharke
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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7
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Nguyen KB, Roerden M, Copeland CJ, Backlund CM, Klop-Packel NG, Remba T, Kim B, Singh NK, Birnbaum ME, Irvine DJ, Spranger S. Decoupled neoantigen cross-presentation by dendritic cells limits anti-tumor immunity against tumors with heterogeneous neoantigen expression. eLife 2023; 12:e85263. [PMID: 37548358 PMCID: PMC10425174 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies, in particular checkpoint blockade immunotherapy (CBT), can induce control of cancer growth, with a fraction of patients experiencing durable responses. However, the majority of patients currently do not respond to CBT and the molecular determinants of resistance have not been fully elucidated. Mounting clinical evidence suggests that the clonal status of neoantigens (NeoAg) impacts the anti-tumor T cell response. High intratumor heterogeneity (ITH), where the majority of NeoAgs are expressed subclonally, is correlated with poor clinical response to CBT and poor infiltration with tumor-reactive T cells. However, the mechanism by which ITH blunts tumor-reactive T cells is unclear. We developed a transplantable murine lung cancer model to characterize the immune response against a defined set of NeoAgs expressed either clonally or subclonally to model low or high ITH, respectively. Here we show that clonal expression of a weakly immunogenic NeoAg with a relatively strong NeoAg increased the immunogenicity of tumors with low but not high ITH. Mechanistically we determined that clonal NeoAg expression allowed cross-presenting dendritic cells to acquire and present both NeoAgs. Dual NeoAg presentation by dendritic cells was associated with a more mature DC phenotype and a higher stimulatory capacity. These data suggest that clonal NeoAg expression can induce more potent anti-tumor responses due to more stimulatory dendritic cell:T cell interactions. Therapeutic vaccination targeting subclonally expressed NeoAgs could be used to boost anti-tumor T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Bich Nguyen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Malte Roerden
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | | | - Coralie M Backlund
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biological Engineering, MITCambridgeUnited States
| | - Nory G Klop-Packel
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Tanaka Remba
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Byungji Kim
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Nishant K Singh
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Michael E Birnbaum
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biological Engineering, MITCambridgeUnited States
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Darrell J Irvine
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biological Engineering, MITCambridgeUnited States
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Stefani Spranger
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
- Ludwig Center at MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer ResearchCambridgeUnited States
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8
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Stutzmann C, Peng J, Wu Z, Savoie C, Sirois I, Thibault P, Wheeler AR, Caron E. Unlocking the potential of microfluidics in mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidomics for tumor antigen discovery. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100511. [PMID: 37426761 PMCID: PMC10326451 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The identification of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) is critical for developing effective cancer immunotherapies. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based immunopeptidomics has emerged as a powerful tool for identifying TSAs as physical molecules. However, current immunopeptidomics platforms face challenges in measuring low-abundance TSAs in a precise, sensitive, and reproducible manner from small needle-tissue biopsies (<1 mg). Inspired by recent advances in single-cell proteomics, microfluidics technology offers a promising solution to these limitations by providing improved isolation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-associated peptides with higher sensitivity. In this context, we highlight the challenges in sample preparation and the rationale for developing microfluidics technology in immunopeptidomics. Additionally, we provide an overview of promising microfluidic methods, including microchip pillar arrays, valved-based systems, droplet microfluidics, and digital microfluidics, and discuss the latest research on their application in MS-based immunopeptidomics and single-cell proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiaxi Peng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhaoguan Wu
- CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Pierre Thibault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aaron R. Wheeler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Etienne Caron
- CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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9
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Zhang C, Raveney B, Takahashi F, Yeh TW, Hohjoh H, Yamamura T, Oki S. Pathogenic Microglia Orchestrate Neurotoxic Properties of Eomes-Expressing Helper T Cells. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060868. [PMID: 36980209 PMCID: PMC10047905 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060868] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to disease-associated microglia (DAM), microglia with MHC-II and/or IFN-I signatures may form additional pathogenic subsets that are relevant to neurodegeneration. However, the significance of such MHC-II and IFN-I signatures remains elusive. We demonstrate here that these microglial subsets play intrinsic roles in orchestrating neurotoxic properties of neurotoxic Eomes+ Th cells under the neurodegeneration-associated phase of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) that corresponds to progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Microglia acquire IFN-signature after sensing ectopically expressed long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) gene. Furthermore, ORF1, an L1-encoded protein aberrantly expressed in the diseased central nervous system (CNS), stimulated Eomes+ Th cells after Trem2-dependent ingestion and presentation in MHC-II context by microglia. Interestingly, administration of an L1 inhibitor significantly ameliorated neurodegenerative symptoms of EAE concomitant with reduced accumulation of Eomes+ Th cells in the CNS. Collectively, our data highlight a critical contribution of new microglia subsets as a neuroinflammatory hub in immune-mediated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Zhang
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8549, Japan
| | - Ben Raveney
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Fumio Takahashi
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Tzu-wen Yeh
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Hirohiko Hohjoh
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamura
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.Y.); (S.O.); Tel.: +81-42-341-2711 (T.Y. & S.O.)
| | - Shinji Oki
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.Y.); (S.O.); Tel.: +81-42-341-2711 (T.Y. & S.O.)
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10
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Suthapot P, Chiangjong W, Chaiyawat P, Choochuen P, Pruksakorn D, Sangkhathat S, Hongeng S, Anurathapan U, Chutipongtanate S. Genomics-Driven Precision Medicine in Pediatric Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051418. [PMID: 36900212 PMCID: PMC10000495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051418] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, several study programs have conducted genetic testing in cancer patients to identify potential genetic targets for the development of precision therapeutic strategies. These biomarker-driven trials have demonstrated improved clinical outcomes and progression-free survival rates in various types of cancers, especially for adult malignancies. However, similar progress in pediatric cancers has been slow due to their distinguished mutation profiles compared to adults and the low frequency of recurrent genomic alterations. Recently, increased efforts to develop precision medicine for childhood malignancies have led to the identification of genomic alterations and transcriptomic profiles of pediatric patients which presents promising opportunities to study rare and difficult-to-access neoplasms. This review summarizes the current state of known and potential genetic markers for pediatric solid tumors and provides perspectives on precise therapeutic strategies that warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praewa Suthapot
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Department of Biomedical Science and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Wararat Chiangjong
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Parunya Chaiyawat
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Pongsakorn Choochuen
- Department of Biomedical Science and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Dumnoensun Pruksakorn
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Surasak Sangkhathat
- Department of Biomedical Science and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Usanarat Anurathapan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (U.A.); or (S.C.)
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: (U.A.); or (S.C.)
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11
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Neoantigens: promising targets for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:9. [PMID: 36604431 PMCID: PMC9816309 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01270-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 164.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in neoantigen research have accelerated the development and regulatory approval of tumor immunotherapies, including cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy and antibody-based therapies, especially for solid tumors. Neoantigens are newly formed antigens generated by tumor cells as a result of various tumor-specific alterations, such as genomic mutation, dysregulated RNA splicing, disordered post-translational modification, and integrated viral open reading frames. Neoantigens are recognized as non-self and trigger an immune response that is not subject to central and peripheral tolerance. The quick identification and prediction of tumor-specific neoantigens have been made possible by the advanced development of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic technologies. Compared to tumor-associated antigens, the highly immunogenic and tumor-specific neoantigens provide emerging targets for personalized cancer immunotherapies, and serve as prospective predictors for tumor survival prognosis and immune checkpoint blockade responses. The development of cancer therapies will be aided by understanding the mechanism underlying neoantigen-induced anti-tumor immune response and by streamlining the process of neoantigen-based immunotherapies. This review provides an overview on the identification and characterization of neoantigens and outlines the clinical applications of prospective immunotherapeutic strategies based on neoantigens. We also explore their current status, inherent challenges, and clinical translation potential.
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12
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Vishweshwaraiah YL, Dokholyan NV. mRNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1029069. [PMID: 36591226 PMCID: PMC9794995 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1029069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough strategy in cancer treatment. mRNA vaccines are an attractive and powerful immunotherapeutic platform against cancer because of their high potency, specificity, versatility, rapid and large-scale development capability, low-cost manufacturing potential, and safety. Recent technological advances in mRNA vaccine design and delivery have accelerated mRNA cancer vaccines' development and clinical application. In this review, we present various cancer vaccine platforms with a focus on nucleic acid vaccines. We discuss rational design and optimization strategies for mRNA cancer vaccine development. We highlight the platforms available for delivery of the mRNA vaccines with a focus on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) based delivery systems. Finally, we discuss the limitations of mRNA cancer vaccines and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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13
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Cleyle J, Hardy MP, Minati R, Courcelles M, Durette C, Lanoix J, Laverdure JP, Vincent K, Perreault C, Thibault P. Immunopeptidomic analyses of colorectal cancers with and without microsatellite instability. Mol Cell Proteomics 2022; 21:100228. [PMID: 35367648 PMCID: PMC9134101 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and the incidence of this disease is expected to increase as global socioeconomic changes occur. Immune checkpoint inhibition therapy is effective in treating a minority of colorectal cancer tumors; however, microsatellite stable tumors do not respond well to this treatment. Emerging cancer immunotherapeutic strategies aim to activate a cytotoxic T cell response against tumor-specific antigens, presented exclusively at the cell surface of cancer cells. These antigens are rare and are most effectively identified with a mass spectrometry-based approach, which allows the direct sampling and sequencing of these peptides. Although the few tumor-specific antigens identified to date are derived from coding regions of the genome, recent findings indicate that a large proportion of tumor-specific antigens originate from allegedly noncoding regions. Here, we employed a novel proteogenomic approach to identify tumor antigens in a collection of colorectal cancer-derived cell lines and biopsy samples consisting of matched tumor and normal adjacent tissue. The generation of personalized cancer databases paired with mass spectrometry analyses permitted the identification of more than 30,000 unique MHC I-associated peptides. We identified 19 tumor-specific antigens in both microsatellite stable and unstable tumors, over two-thirds of which were derived from noncoding regions. Many of these peptides were derived from source genes known to be involved in colorectal cancer progression, suggesting that antigens from these genes could have therapeutic potential in a wide range of tumors. These findings could benefit the development of T cell-based vaccines, in which T cells are primed against these antigens to target and eradicate tumors. Such a vaccine could be used in tandem with existing immune checkpoint inhibition therapies, to bridge the gap in treatment efficacy across subtypes of colorectal cancer with varying prognoses. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD028309.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Cleyle
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Pierre Hardy
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robin Minati
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Courcelles
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chantal Durette
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joel Lanoix
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Laverdure
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Krystel Vincent
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Claude Perreault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Pierre Thibault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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14
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Persson ML, Douglas AM, Alvaro F, Faridi P, Larsen MR, Alonso MM, Vitanza NA, Dun MD. The intrinsic and microenvironmental features of diffuse midline glioma; implications for the development of effective immunotherapeutic treatment strategies. Neuro Oncol 2022; 24:1408-1422. [PMID: 35481923 PMCID: PMC9435509 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including those of the brainstem (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma), are pediatric tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Recognized as the most lethal of all childhood cancers, palliative radiotherapy remains the only proven treatment option, however, even for those that respond, survival is only temporarily extended. DMG harbor an immunologically “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME) with few infiltrating immune cells. The mechanisms underpinning the cold TME are not well understood. Low expression levels of immune checkpoint proteins, including PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, are recurring features of DMG and likely contribute to the lack of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The unique epigenetic signatures (including stem cell-like methylation patterns), a low tumor mutational burden, and recurring somatic mutations (H3K27M, TP53, ACVR1, MYC, and PIK3CA), possibly play a role in the reduced efficacy of traditional immunotherapies. Therefore, to circumvent the lack of efficacy thus far seen for the use of ICIs, adoptive cell transfer (including chimeric antigen receptor T cells) and the use of oncolytic viruses, are currently being evaluated for the treatment of DMG. It remains an absolute imperative that we improve our understanding of DMG’s intrinsic and TME features if patients are to realize the potential benefits offered by these sophisticated treatments. Herein, we summarize the limitations of immunotherapeutic approaches, highlight the emerging safety and clinical efficacy shown for sophisticated cell-based therapies, as well as the evolving knowledge underpinning the DMG-immune axis, to guide the development of immunotherapies that we hope will improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika L Persson
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Precision Medicine Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Alicia M Douglas
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Precision Medicine Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Frank Alvaro
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Precision Medicine Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,John Hunter Children's Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Pouya Faridi
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Martin R Larsen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Protein Research Group, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marta M Alonso
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Foundation for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nicholas A Vitanza
- The Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Precision Medicine Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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15
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Wadden J, Ravi K, John V, Babila CM, Koschmann C. Cell-Free Tumor DNA (cf-tDNA) Liquid Biopsy: Current Methods and Use in Brain Tumor Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:882452. [PMID: 35464472 PMCID: PMC9018987 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.882452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are tumors derived from mutations in glial brain cells. Gliomas cause significant morbidity and mortality and development of precision diagnostics and novel targeted immunotherapies are critically important. Radiographic imaging is the most common technique to diagnose and track response to treatment, but is an imperfect tool. Imaging does not provide molecular information, which is becoming critically important for identifying targeted immunotherapies and monitoring tumor evolution. Furthermore, immunotherapy induced inflammation can masquerade as tumor progression in images (pseudoprogression) and confound clinical decision making. More recently, circulating cell free tumor DNA (cf-tDNA) has been investigated as a promising biomarker for minimally invasive glioma diagnosis and disease monitoring. cf-tDNA is shed by gliomas into surrounding biofluids (e.g. cerebrospinal fluid and plasma) and, if precisely quantified, might provide a quantitative measure of tumor burden to help resolve pseudoprogression. cf-tDNA can also identify tumor genetic mutations to help guide targeted therapies. However, due to low concentrations of cf-tDNA, recovery and analysis remains challenging. Plasma cf-tDNA typically represents <1% of total cf-DNA due to the blood-brain barrier, limiting their usefulness in practice and motivating the development and use of highly sensitive and specific detection methods. This mini review summarizes the current and future trends of various approaches for cf-tDNA detection and analysis, including new methods that promise more rapid, lower-cost, and accessible diagnostics. We also review the most recent clinical case studies for longitudinal disease monitoring and highlight focus areas, such as novel accurate detection methodologies, as critical research priorities to enable translation to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Wadden
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | | | | | - Carl Koschmann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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16
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Tumour mutational burden: an overview for pathologists. Pathology 2022; 54:249-253. [PMID: 35153070 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy holds great promise and has shown durable responses in many patients; however, these responses are not uniform in all patients or all tumour streams. There is an ongoing clinical need for objective diagnostic biomarkers to identify patients that will respond to immunotherapies. Tumour mutational burden (TMB) is a diagnostic biomarker that can stratify cancer patients for response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies. It is commonly defined as the average number of somatic mutations per megabase in a tumour exome. Here we describe the TMB biomarker, how it is determined, its underlying molecular basis, the relationship to neoantigens and the issues around its clinical use. This overview is directed toward practising pathologists wishing to be informed of this predictive biomarker.
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17
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Kim SH, Park HE, Jeong SU, Moon JH, Lee YR, Kim JK, Kong H, Park CS, Lee CK. Induction of Peptide-specific CTL Activity and Inhibition of Tumor Growth Following Immunization with Nanoparticles Coated with Tumor Peptide-MHC-I Complexes. Immune Netw 2022; 21:e44. [PMID: 35036031 PMCID: PMC8733191 DOI: 10.4110/in.2021.21.e44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor peptides associated with MHC class I molecules or their synthetic variants have attracted great attention for their potential use as vaccines to induce tumor-specific CTLs. However, the outcome of clinical trials of peptide-based tumor vaccines has been disappointing. There are various reasons for this lack of success, such as difficulties in delivering the peptides specifically to professional Ag-presenting cells, short peptide half-life in vivo, and limited peptide immunogenicity. We report here a novel peptide vaccination strategy that efficiently induces peptide-specific CTLs. Nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated from a biodegradable polymer, poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid), attached to H-2Kb molecules, and then the natural peptide epitopes associated with the H-2Kb molecules were exchanged with a model tumor peptide, SIINFEKL (OVA257-268). These NPs were efficiently phagocytosed by immature dendritic cells (DCs), inducing DC maturation and activation. In addition, the DCs that phagocytosed SIINFEKL-pulsed NPs potently activated SIINFEKL-H-2Kb complex-specific CD8+ T cells via cross-presentation of SIINFEKL. In vivo studies showed that intravenous administration of SIINFEKL-pulsed NPs effectively generated SIINFEKL-specific CD8+ T cells in both normal and tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, intravenous administration of SIINFEKL-pulsed NPs into EG7.OVA tumor-bearing mice almost completely inhibited the tumor growth. These results demonstrate that vaccination with polymeric NPs coated with tumor peptide-MHC-I complexes is a novel strategy for efficient induction of tumor-specific CTLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Ha-Eun Park
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Seong-Un Jeong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Jun-Hyeok Moon
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Young-Ran Lee
- Center for Convergence Bioceramic Materials, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, Cheongju 28160, Korea
| | - Jeong-Ki Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University College of Pharmacy, Sejong 30019, Korea
| | - Hyunseok Kong
- Department of Animal Biotechnology and Resource, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Korea
| | - Chan-Su Park
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chong-Kil Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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18
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Antonarelli G, Corti C, Tarantino P, Ascione L, Cortes J, Romero P, Mittendorf E, Disis M, Curigliano G. Therapeutic cancer vaccines revamping: technology advancements and pitfalls. Ann Oncol 2021; 32:1537-1551. [PMID: 34500046 PMCID: PMC8420263 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.08.2153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines (CVs) represent a long-sought therapeutic and prophylactic immunotherapy strategy to obtain antigen (Ag)-specific T-cell responses and potentially achieve long-term clinical benefit. However, historically, most CV clinical trials have resulted in disappointing outcomes, despite promising signs of immunogenicity across most formulations. In the past decade, technological advances regarding vaccine delivery platforms, tools for immunogenomic profiling, and Ag/epitope selection have occurred. Consequently, the ability of CVs to induce tumor-specific and, in some cases, remarkable clinical responses have been observed in early-phase clinical trials. It is notable that the record-breaking speed of vaccine development in response to the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic mainly relied on manufacturing infrastructures and technological platforms already developed for CVs. In turn, research, clinical data, and infrastructures put in place for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic can further speed CV development processes. This review outlines the main technological advancements as well as major issues to tackle in the development of CVs. Possible applications for unmet clinical needs will be described, putting into perspective the future of cancer vaccinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Antonarelli
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - C. Corti
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - P. Tarantino
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L. Ascione
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - J. Cortes
- International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC), Quironsalud Group, Barcelona, Spain,Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - P. Romero
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - E.A. Mittendorf
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA,Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, USA
| | - M.L. Disis
- UW Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - G. Curigliano
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy,Correspondence to: Prof. Giuseppe Curigliano, Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy. Tel: +39-0257489599
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19
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Kumar AR, Devan AR, Nair B, Vinod BS, Nath LR. Harnessing the immune system against cancer: current immunotherapy approaches and therapeutic targets. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:8075-8095. [PMID: 34671902 PMCID: PMC8605995 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06752-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a rapidly evolving concept that has been given the tag "fifth pillar" of cancer therapy while radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery and targeted therapy remain the other four pillars. This involves the stimulation of the immune system to control tumor growth and it specifically targets the neoplastic cells rather than the normal cells. Conventional chemotherapy has many limitations which include drug resistance, recurrence of cancer and severe adverse effects. Immunology has made major treatment breakthroughs for several cancers such as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, stomach cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia etc. Currently, therapeutic strategies harnessing the immune system involve Checkpoint inhibitors, Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells), Monoclonal antibodies, Cancer vaccines, Cytokines, Radio-immunotherapy and Oncolytic virus therapy. The molecular characterization of several tumor antigens (TA) indicates that these TA can be utilized as promising candidates in cancer immunotherapy strategies. Here in this review, we highlight and summarize the different categories of emerging cancer immunotherapies along with the immunologically recognized tumor antigens involved in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana R Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Aswathy R Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Balachandran S Vinod
- Department of Biochemistry, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, 691001, India.
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India.
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20
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Kovalchik KA, Ma Q, Wessling L, Saab F, Despault J, Kubiniok P, Hamelin DJ, Faridi P, Li C, Purcell AW, Jang A, Paramithiotis E, Tognetti M, Reiter L, Bruderer R, Lanoix J, Bonneil É, Courcelles M, Thibault P, Caron E, Sirois I. MhcVizPipe: A Quality Control Software for Rapid Assessment of Small- to Large-Scale Immunopeptidome Data Sets. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 21:100178. [PMID: 34798331 PMCID: PMC8717601 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass spectrometry (MS)-based immunopeptidomics is maturing into an automatized, high-throughput technology, producing small- to large-scale datasets of clinically relevant MHC class I- and II-associated peptides. Consequently, the development of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) systems capable of detecting sample and/or measurement issues is important for instrument operators and scientists in charge of downstream data interpretation. Here, we created MhcVizPipe (MVP), a semi-automated QC software tool that enables rapid and simultaneous assessment of multiple MHC class I and II immunopeptidomic datasets generated by MS, including datasets generated from large sample cohorts. In essence, MVP provides a rapid and consolidated view of sample quality, composition and MHC-specificity to greatly accelerate the 'pass-fail' QC decision-making process toward data interpretation. MVP parallelizes the use of well-established immunopeptidomic algorithms (NetMHCpan, NetMHCIIpan and GibbsCluster) and rapidly generates organized and easy-to-understand reports in HTML format. The reports are fully portable and can be viewed on any computer with a modern web browser. MVP is intuitive to use and will find utility in any specialized immunopeptidomic laboratory and proteomics core facility that provides immunopeptidomic services to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qing Ma
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Laura Wessling
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Frederic Saab
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Jérôme Despault
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Peter Kubiniok
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - David J Hamelin
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Pouya Faridi
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Chen Li
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Anthony W Purcell
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Anne Jang
- CellCarta, Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
| | | | | | - Lukas Reiter
- Biognosys, Wagistrasse 21, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | | | - Joël Lanoix
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Éric Bonneil
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mathieu Courcelles
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Pierre Thibault
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Etienne Caron
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
| | - Isabelle Sirois
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada.
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Chiang CLL, Rovelli R, Sarivalasis A, Kandalaft LE. Integrating Cancer Vaccines in the Standard-of-Care of Ovarian Cancer: Translating Preclinical Models to Human. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184553. [PMID: 34572778 PMCID: PMC8469371 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The overall survival of ovarian cancer (OC) remains poor for most patients. Despite incorporation of novel therapeutic agents such as bevacizumab and PARP inhibitors to OC standard-of-care, efficacy is only observed in a subset of patients. Cancer vaccination has demonstrated effectiveness in OC patients and could be considered for potential incorporation into OC standard-of-care. This review provides an overview of the different types of cancer vaccination strategies and discusses the use of murine OC tumor models to evaluate combinatorial regimens comprising cancer vaccines and OC standard-of-care. Abstract As the majority of ovarian cancer (OC) patients are diagnosed with metastatic disease, less than 40% will survive past 5 years after diagnosis. OC is characterized by a succession of remissions and recurrences. The most promising time point for immunotherapeutic interventions in OC is following debulking surgery. Accumulating evidence shows that T cells are important in OC; thus, cancer vaccines capable of eliciting antitumor T cells will be effective in OC treatment. In this review, we discuss different cancer vaccines and propose strategies for their incorporation into the OC standard-of-care regimens. Using the murine ID8 ovarian tumor model, we provide evidence that a cancer vaccine can be effectively combined with OC standard-of-care to achieve greater overall efficacy. We demonstrate several important similarities between the ID8 model and OC patients, in terms of response to immunotherapies, and the ID8 model can be an important tool for evaluating combinatorial regimens and clinical trial designs in OC. Other emerging models, including patient-derived xenograft and genetically engineered mouse models, are continuing to improve and can be useful for evaluating cancer vaccination therapies in the near future. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the completed and current clinical trials evaluating cancer vaccines in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Lai-Lai Chiang
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (R.R.); (A.S.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (C.L.-L.C.); (L.E.K.)
| | - Raphaël Rovelli
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (R.R.); (A.S.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Apostolos Sarivalasis
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (R.R.); (A.S.)
| | - Lana E. Kandalaft
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (R.R.); (A.S.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (C.L.-L.C.); (L.E.K.)
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