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Tan S, Ding X, Pan D, Xu Y, Wang C, Yan J, Chen C, Wang L, Wang X, Yang M, Xu Y. Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel PET Tracer for Noninvasive Evaluation of FGL1 Status in Tumors. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:3425-3433. [PMID: 38836286 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00137] [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: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) is a potential novel immune checkpoint target for malignant tumor diagnosis and therapy. Accurate detection of FGL1 levels in tumors via noninvasive PET imaging might be beneficial for managing the disease. To achieve this, multiple FGL1-targeting peptides (FGLP) were designed, and a promising candidate, 68Ga-NOTA-FGLP2, was identified through a high-throughput screening approach using microPET imaging of 68Ga-labeled peptides. Subsequent in vitro cell experiments showed that uptake values of 68Ga-NOTA-FGLP2 in FGL1 positive Huh7 tumor cells were significantly higher than those in FGL1 negative U87 MG tumor cells. Further microPET imaging showed that the Huh7 xenografts were clearly visualized with a favorable contrast. ROI analysis showed that the uptake values of the tracer in Huh7 xenografts were 2.63 ± 0.07% ID/g at 30 min p.i.. After treatment with an excess of unlabeled FGLP2, the tumor uptake significantly decreased to 0.54 ± 0.05% ID/g at 30 min p.i.. Moreover, the uptake in U87 MG xenografts was 0.44 ± 0.06% ID/g at the same time point. The tracer was excreted mainly through the renal system. 18F-FDG PET imaging was also performed in mice bearing Huh7 and U87 MG xenografts, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the uptake between the tumors with different FGL1 expressions. Preclinical data indicated that 68Ga-NOTA-FGLP2 might be a suitable radiotracer for in vivo noninvasive visualization of tumors with abundant expression of FGL1. Further investigation of 68Ga-NOTA-FGLP2 for tumor diagnosis and therapy is undergoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiang Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Donghui Pan
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Yue Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ce Wang
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Junjie Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Chongyang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Lizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Min Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
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Tufail M, Hu JJ, Liang J, He CY, Wan WD, Huang YQ, Jiang CH, Wu H, Li N. Hallmarks of cancer resistance. iScience 2024; 27:109979. [PMID: 38832007 PMCID: PMC11145355 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores the hallmarks of cancer resistance, including drug efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, metabolic reprogramming characterized by the Warburg effect, and the dynamic interplay between cancer cells and mitochondria. The role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in treatment resistance and the regulatory influence of non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are studied. The chapter emphasizes future directions, encompassing advancements in immunotherapy, strategies to counter adaptive resistance, integration of artificial intelligence for predictive modeling, and the identification of biomarkers for personalized treatment. The comprehensive exploration of these hallmarks provides a foundation for innovative therapeutic approaches, aiming to navigate the complex landscape of cancer resistance and enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia-Ju Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Liang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cai-Yun He
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Dong Wan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Qi Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Can-Hua Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Iyer K, Ivanov J, Tenchov R, Ralhan K, Rodriguez Y, Sasso JM, Scott S, Zhou QA. Emerging Targets and Therapeutics in Immuno-Oncology: Insights from Landscape Analysis. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8519-8544. [PMID: 38787632 PMCID: PMC11181335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00568] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
In the ever-evolving landscape of cancer research, immuno-oncology stands as a beacon of hope, offering novel avenues for treatment. This study capitalizes on the vast repository of immuno-oncology-related scientific documents within the CAS Content Collection, totaling over 350,000, encompassing journals and patents. Through a pioneering approach melding natural language processing with the CAS indexing system, we unveil over 300 emerging concepts, depicted in a comprehensive "Trend Landscape Map". These concepts, spanning therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and types of cancers among others, are hierarchically organized into eight major categories. Delving deeper, our analysis furnishes detailed quantitative metrics showcasing growth trends over the past three years. Our findings not only provide valuable insights for guiding future research endeavors but also underscore the merit of tapping the vast and unparalleled breadth of existing scientific information to derive profound insights.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Ivanov
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Rumiana Tenchov
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | | | - Yacidzohara Rodriguez
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Janet M. Sasso
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Sabina Scott
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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Kuncman Ł, Orzechowska M, Milecki T, Kucharz J, Fijuth J. High FLT3 expression increases immune-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment and correlates with prolonged disease-free survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1316-1326. [PMID: 38327131 PMCID: PMC11076988 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13597] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Most of the currently used cancer immunotherapies inhibit the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1)-programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PDL1) axis of T-cells. However, dendritic cells (DCs) controlled by natural killer (NK) cells via the FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) axis are necessary for activation of T-cells. The aim of the study was to evaluate FLT3 as a prognostic factor and determine its role in immune infiltration (with emphasis on NK cells and DCs). Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we performed bioinformatic analysis of the gene expression datasets of 501 lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and 515 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patient who had corresponding clinical data [analysis was performed in R (version 4.2.0)]. Disease-free survival (DFS) differed between the FLT3-low and FLT3-high expression groups, respectively, in LUSC (61.0 vs 71.3 months P = 0.075) and LUAD (32.7 vs 47.5 months P = 0.045). A tumor microenvironment (TME) with high immune infiltration and rich in T-cell exhaustion markers was observed in the FLT3-high group. We showed overexpression of NK cell and DC gene signatures in the FLT3-high expression group as well as overexpression of key effector genes of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING) pathway, which is crucial in response to radiotherapy. High expression of FLT3 in the TME was associated with immune cell infiltration (especially of NK cells and DCs), increased expression of T-cell exhaustion markers and expression of effector genes of the cGAS-STING pathway, which may consequently increase susceptibility to immunotherapy and radiotherapy. High FLT3 expression correlated with prolonged DFS in the LUSC and LUAD cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Kuncman
- Department of RadiotherapyMedical University of LodzPoland
- Department of External Beam RadiotherapyNicolaus Copernicus Multidisciplinary Centre for Oncology and TraumatologyŁódźPoland
| | | | - Tomasz Milecki
- Department of UrologyPoznan University of Medical SciencesPoland
| | - Jakub Kucharz
- Department of Genitourinary OncologyThe Maria Sklodowska‐Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in WarsawPoland
| | - Jacek Fijuth
- Department of RadiotherapyMedical University of LodzPoland
- Department of External Beam RadiotherapyNicolaus Copernicus Multidisciplinary Centre for Oncology and TraumatologyŁódźPoland
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5
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Marín-Aquino LA, Mora-García MDL, Moreno-Lafont MC, García-Rocha R, Montesinos-Montesinos JJ, López-Santiago R, Sánchez-Torres LE, Torres-Pineda DB, Weiss-Steider B, Hernández-Montes J, Don-López CA, Monroy-García A. Adenosine increases PD-L1 expression in mesenchymal stromal cells derived from cervical cancer through its interaction with A 2AR/A 2BR and the production of TGF-β1. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4010. [PMID: 38613217 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4010] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) together with malignant cells present in the tumor microenvironment (TME), participate in the suppression of the antitumor immune response through the production of immunosuppressive factors, such as transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). In previous studies, we reported that adenosine (Ado), generated by the adenosinergic activity of cervical cancer (CeCa) cells, induces the production of TGF-β1 by interacting with A2AR/A2BR. In the present study, we provide evidence that Ado induces the production of TGF-β1 in MSCs derived from CeCa tumors (CeCa-MSCs) by interacting with both receptors and that TGF-β1 acts in an autocrine manner to induce the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in CeCa-MSCs, resulting in an increase in their immunosuppressive capacity on activated CD8+ T lymphocytes. The addition of the antagonists ZM241385 and MRS1754, specific for A2AR and A2BR, respectively, or SB-505124, a selective TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor, in CeCa-MSC cultures significantly inhibited the expression of PD-L1. Compared with CeCa-MSCs, MSCs derived from normal cervical tissue (NCx-MSCs), used as a control and induced with Ado to express PD-L1, showed a lower response to TGF-β1 to increase PD-L1 expression. Those results strongly suggest the presence of a feedback mechanism among the adenosinergic pathway, the production of TGF-β1, and the induction of PD-L1 in CeCa-MSCs to suppress the antitumor response of CD8+ T lymphocytes. The findings of this study suggest that this pathway may have clinical importance as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Antonio Marín-Aquino
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Cáncer, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas, CMN SXXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades Ciencias y Tecnologías, CONAHCyT, Ciudad de México, México
| | - María de Lourdes Mora-García
- Laboratorio de Inmunobiología, Unidad de Investigación en Diferenciación Celular y Cáncer -UMIEZ, FES-Zaragoza, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Martha C Moreno-Lafont
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Rosario García-Rocha
- Laboratorio de Inmunobiología, Unidad de Investigación en Diferenciación Celular y Cáncer -UMIEZ, FES-Zaragoza, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Juan José Montesinos-Montesinos
- Laboratorio de Células Troncales Mesenquimales, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas, CMN SXXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ruben López-Santiago
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Luvia Enid Sánchez-Torres
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de los microorganismos, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Daniela Berenice Torres-Pineda
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Cáncer, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas, CMN SXXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
- Laboratorio de Inmunobiología, Unidad de Investigación en Diferenciación Celular y Cáncer -UMIEZ, FES-Zaragoza, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Benny Weiss-Steider
- Laboratorio de Inmunobiología, Unidad de Investigación en Diferenciación Celular y Cáncer -UMIEZ, FES-Zaragoza, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jorge Hernández-Montes
- Laboratorio de Inmunobiología, Unidad de Investigación en Diferenciación Celular y Cáncer -UMIEZ, FES-Zaragoza, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Christian Azucena Don-López
- Laboratorio de Inmunobiología, Unidad de Investigación en Diferenciación Celular y Cáncer -UMIEZ, FES-Zaragoza, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alberto Monroy-García
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Cáncer, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas, CMN SXXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
- Laboratorio de Inmunobiología, Unidad de Investigación en Diferenciación Celular y Cáncer -UMIEZ, FES-Zaragoza, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
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Chen J, Xiao Z, Wu H. Research progress of immunotherapy against anaplastic thyroid cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1365055. [PMID: 38595813 PMCID: PMC11002090 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1365055] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the most aggressive type of thyroid cancer. While ATC is rare, its mortality is high. Standard treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have demonstrated limited efficacy in managing ATC. However, the advent of immunotherapy has significantly improved the prognosis for patients with ATC. Immunotherapy effectively targets and eliminates tumor cells by using the power of the body's immune cells. The neoantigen is an atypical protein generated by somatic mutation, is exclusively observed in neoplastic cells, and is devoid of central tolerance. Neoantigens exhibit enhanced specificity towards tumor cells and display robust immunogenic properties. Currently, neoantigen therapy is primarily applied in immune checkpoint inhibitors and cellular immunotherapy, encompassing adoptive immunotherapy and tumor vaccines. This study discusses the mechanism, tumor microenvironment, clinical trials, adverse events, limitations and future directions associated with ATC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hongyan Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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Maggiorani D, Le O, Lisi V, Landais S, Moquin-Beaudry G, Lavallée VP, Decaluwe H, Beauséjour C. Senescence drives immunotherapy resistance by inducing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2435. [PMID: 38499573 PMCID: PMC10948808 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46769-9] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may be limited in situations where immune cell fitness is impaired. Here, we show that the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies is compromised by the accumulation of senescent cells in mice and in the context of therapy-induced senescence (TIS). Resistance to immunotherapy is associated with a decrease in the accumulation and activation of CD8 T cells within tumors. Elimination of senescent cells restores immune homeostasis within the tumor micro-environment (TME) and increases mice survival in response to immunotherapy. Using single-cell transcriptomic analysis, we observe that the injection of ABT263 (Navitoclax) reverses the exacerbated immunosuppressive profile of myeloid cells in the TME. Elimination of these myeloid cells also restores CD8 T cell proliferation in vitro and abrogates immunotherapy resistance in vivo. Overall, our study suggests that the use of senolytic drugs before ICI may constitute a pharmacological approach to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Maggiorani
- Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de pharmacologie et physiologie (Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Oanh Le
- Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Véronique Lisi
- Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Vincent Philippe Lavallée
- Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de pédiatrie (Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Hélène Decaluwe
- Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de pédiatrie (Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, immunologie et infectiologie (Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christian Beauséjour
- Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Département de pharmacologie et physiologie (Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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Timofeev O, Giron P, Lawo S, Pichler M, Noeparast M. ERK pathway agonism for cancer therapy: evidence, insights, and a target discovery framework. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:70. [PMID: 38485987 PMCID: PMC10940698 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00554-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
At least 40% of human cancers are associated with aberrant ERK pathway activity (ERKp). Inhibitors targeting various effectors within the ERKp have been developed and explored for over two decades. Conversely, a substantial body of evidence suggests that both normal human cells and, notably to a greater extent, cancer cells exhibit susceptibility to hyperactivation of ERKp. However, this vulnerability of cancer cells remains relatively unexplored. In this review, we reexamine the evidence on the selective lethality of highly elevated ERKp activity in human cancer cells of varying backgrounds. We synthesize the insights proposed for harnessing this vulnerability of ERK-associated cancers for therapeutical approaches and contextualize these insights within established pharmacological cancer-targeting models. Moreover, we compile the intriguing preclinical findings of ERK pathway agonism in diverse cancer models. Lastly, we present a conceptual framework for target discovery regarding ERKp agonism, emphasizing the utilization of mutual exclusivity among oncogenes to develop novel targeted therapies for precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Timofeev
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Giron
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Clinical Sciences, Research group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steffen Lawo
- CRISPR Screening Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Pichler
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Noeparast
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany.
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9
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Qin Y, Huo M, Liu X, Li SC. Biomarkers and computational models for predicting efficacy to tumor ICI immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368749. [PMID: 38524135 PMCID: PMC10957591 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy has great potential as a cancer treatment, leading to significant clinical improvements in numerous cases. However, it benefits a minority of patients, underscoring the importance of discovering reliable biomarkers that can be used to screen for potential beneficiaries and ultimately reduce the risk of overtreatment. Our comprehensive review focuses on the latest advancements in predictive biomarkers for ICI therapy, particularly emphasizing those that enhance the efficacy of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors immunotherapies. We explore biomarkers derived from various sources, including tumor cells, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), body fluids, gut microbes, and metabolites. Among them, tumor cells-derived biomarkers include tumor mutational burden (TMB) biomarker, tumor neoantigen burden (TNB) biomarker, microsatellite instability (MSI) biomarker, PD-L1 expression biomarker, mutated gene biomarkers in pathways, and epigenetic biomarkers. TIME-derived biomarkers include immune landscape of TIME biomarkers, inhibitory checkpoints biomarkers, and immune repertoire biomarkers. We also discuss various techniques used to detect and assess these biomarkers, detailing their respective datasets, strengths, weaknesses, and evaluative metrics. Furthermore, we present a comprehensive review of computer models for predicting the response to ICI therapy. The computer models include knowledge-based mechanistic models and data-based machine learning (ML) models. Among the knowledge-based mechanistic models are pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models, partial differential equation (PDE) models, signal networks-based models, quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models, and agent-based models (ABMs). ML models include linear regression models, logistic regression models, support vector machine (SVM)/random forest/extra trees/k-nearest neighbors (KNN) models, artificial neural network (ANN) and deep learning models. Additionally, there are hybrid models of systems biology and ML. We summarized the details of these models, outlining the datasets they utilize, their evaluation methods/metrics, and their respective strengths and limitations. By summarizing the major advances in the research on predictive biomarkers and computer models for the therapeutic effect and clinical utility of tumor ICI, we aim to assist researchers in choosing appropriate biomarkers or computer models for research exploration and help clinicians conduct precision medicine by selecting the best biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Qin
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Miaozhe Huo
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingwu Liu
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuai Cheng Li
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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10
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Khushalani NI, Ott PA, Ferris RL, Cascone T, Schadendorf D, Le DT, Sharma MR, Barlesi F, Sharfman W, Luke JJ, Melero I, Lathers D, Neely J, Suryawanshi S, Sanyal A, Holloway JL, Suryawanshi R, Ely S, Segal NH. Final results of urelumab, an anti-CD137 agonist monoclonal antibody, in combination with cetuximab or nivolumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007364. [PMID: 38458639 PMCID: PMC10921538 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007364] [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] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted treatments for cancer is common; thus, novel immunotherapy agents are needed. Urelumab is a monoclonal antibody agonist that binds to CD137 receptors expressed on T cells. Here, we report two studies that evaluated urelumab in combination with cetuximab or nivolumab in patients with select, advanced solid tumors. METHODS CA186-018: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) were treated in a dose-evaluation phase with urelumab 0.1 mg/kg (urelumab-0.1) every 3 weeks (Q3W)+cetuximab 250 mg/m2 (cetuximab-250) weekly; and in a dose-expansion phase with urelumab 8 mg flat dose (urelumab-8) Q3W+cetuximab-250 weekly. CA186-107: The dose-escalation phase included patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors (or treated or treatment-naive melanoma); patients received urelumab 3 mg flat dose (urelumab-3) or urelumab-8 every 4 weeks+nivolumab 3 mg/kg (nivolumab-3) or 240 mg (nivolumab-240) every 2 weeks. In the expansion phase, patients with melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, or SCCHN were treated with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability, and the secondary endpoint included efficacy assessments. RESULTS CA186-018: 66 patients received study treatment. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were fatigue (75%; n=3) with urelumab-0.1+cetuximab-250 and dermatitis (45%; n=28) with urelumab-8+cetuximab-250. Three patients (5%) discontinued due to TRAE(s) (with urelumab-8+cetuximab-250). One patient with SCCHN had a partial response (objective response rate (ORR) 5%, with urelumab-8+cetuximab-250).CA186-107: 134 patients received study treatment. Fatigue was the most common TRAE (32%; n=2 with urelumab-3+nivolumab-3; n=1 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-3; n=40 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240). Nine patients (7%) discontinued due to TRAE(s) (n=1 with urelumab-3+nivolumab-3; n=8 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240). Patients with melanoma naive to anti-PD-1 therapy exhibited the highest ORR (49%; n=21 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240). Intratumoral gene expression in immune-related pathways (CD3, CD8, CXCL9, GZMB) increased on treatment with urelumab+nivolumab. CONCLUSIONS Although the addition of urelumab at these doses was tolerable, preliminary response rates did not indicate an evident additive benefit. Nevertheless, the positive pharmacodynamics effects observed with urelumab and the high response rate in treatment-naive patients with melanoma warrant further investigation of other anti-CD137 agonist agents for treatment of cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS NCT02110082; NCT02253992.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil I Khushalani
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick A Ott
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tina Cascone
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dung T Le
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Fabrice Barlesi
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Hopital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | | | - Jason J Luke
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ignacio Melero
- CIBERONC, and Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Deanne Lathers
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jaclyn Neely
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - James L Holloway
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Scott Ely
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Neil H Segal
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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11
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Ko J, Song J, Choi N, Kim HN. Patient-Derived Microphysiological Systems for Precision Medicine. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303161. [PMID: 38010253 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303161] [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: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Patient-derived microphysiological systems (P-MPS) have emerged as powerful tools in precision medicine that provide valuable insight into individual patient characteristics. This review discusses the development of P-MPS as an integration of patient-derived samples, including patient-derived cells, organoids, and induced pluripotent stem cells, into well-defined MPSs. Emphasizing the necessity of P-MPS development, its significance as a nonclinical assessment approach that bridges the gap between traditional in vitro models and clinical outcomes is highlighted. Additionally, guidance is provided for engineering approaches to develop microfluidic devices and high-content analysis for P-MPSs, enabling high biological relevance and high-throughput experimentation. The practical implications of the P-MPS are further examined by exploring the clinically relevant outcomes obtained from various types of patient-derived samples. The construction and analysis of these diverse samples within the P-MPS have resulted in physiologically relevant data, paving the way for the development of personalized treatment strategies. This study describes the significance of the P-MPS in precision medicine, as well as its unique capacity to offer valuable insights into individual patient characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Song
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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12
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Rossini S, Ambrosino S, Volpi C, Belladonna ML, Pallotta MT, Panfili E, Suvieri C, Macchiarulo A, Mondanelli G, Orabona C. Epacadostat stabilizes the apo-form of IDO1 and signals a pro-tumorigenic pathway in human ovarian cancer cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1346686. [PMID: 38333210 PMCID: PMC10850306 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1346686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The tryptophan-degrading enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a plastic immune checkpoint molecule that potently orchestrates immune responses within the tumor microenvironment (TME). As a heme-containing protein, IDO1 catalyzes the conversion of the essential amino acid tryptophan into immunoactive metabolites, called kynurenines. By depleting tryptophan and enriching the TME with kynurenines, IDO1 catalytic activity shapes an immunosuppressive TME. Accordingly, the inducible or constitutive IDO1 expression in cancer correlates with a negative prognosis for patients, representing one of the critical tumor-escape mechanisms. However, clinically trialed IDO1 catalytic inhibitors disappointed the expected anti-tumor efficacy. Interestingly, the non-enzymatic apo-form of IDO1 is still active as a transducing protein, capable of promoting an immunoregulatory phenotype in dendritic cells (DCs) as well as a pro-tumorigenic behavior in murine melanoma. Moreover, the IDO1 catalytic inhibitor epacadostat can induce a tolerogenic phenotype in plasmacytoid DCs, overcoming the catalytic inhibition of IDO1. Based on this recent evidence, IDO1 plasticity was investigated in the human ovarian cancer cell line, SKOV-3, that constitutively expresses IDO1 in a dynamic balance between the holo- and apo-protein, and thus potentially endowed with a dual function (i.e., enzymatic and non-enzymatic). Besides inhibiting the catalytic activity, epacadostat persistently stabilizes the apo-form of IDO1 protein, favoring its tyrosine-phosphorylation and promoting its association with the phosphatase SHP-2. In SKOV-3 cells, both these early molecular events activate a signaling pathway transduced by IDO1 apo-protein, which is independent of its catalytic activity and contributes to the tumorigenic phenotype of SKOV-3 cells. Overall, our findings unveiled a new mechanism of action of epacadostat on IDO1 target, repositioning the catalytic inhibitor as a stabilizer of the apo-form of IDO1, still capable of transducing a pro-tumorigenic pathway in SKOV-3 tumor. This mechanism could contribute to clarify the lack of effectiveness of epacadostat in clinical trials and shed light on innovative immunotherapeutic strategies to tackle IDO1 target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Rossini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Ambrosino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Volpi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Eleonora Panfili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Suvieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giada Mondanelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ciriana Orabona
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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13
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Rastin F, Oryani MA, Iranpour S, Javid H, Hashemzadeh A, Karimi-Shahri M. A new era in cancer treatment: harnessing ZIF-8 nanoparticles for PD-1 inhibitor delivery. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:872-894. [PMID: 38193564 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02471g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
This review delves into the potential of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles in augmenting the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, with a special focus on the delivery of programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitors. The multifunctional nature of ZIF-8 nanoparticles as drug carriers is emphasized, with their ability to encapsulate a range of therapeutic agents, including PD-1 inhibitors, and facilitate their targeted delivery to tumor locations. By manipulating the pore size and surface characteristics of ZIF-8 nanoparticles, controlled drug release can be realized. The strategic use of ZIF-8 nanoparticles to deliver PD-1 inhibitors presents a precise and targeted modality for cancer treatment, reducing off-target impacts and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. This combined strategy addresses the existing challenges and constraints of current immunotherapy techniques, with the ultimate goal of enhancing patient outcomes in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farangis Rastin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mahsa Akbari Oryani
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Sonia Iranpour
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Alireza Hashemzadeh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Karimi-Shahri
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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14
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Tanaka I, Yano Y, Mori M, Manabe S, Fukuo K. Impact of serum eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio on overall survival in lung cancer patients treated with pembrolizumab: a pilot study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1384. [PMID: 38228757 PMCID: PMC10792072 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51967-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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This pilot study analyzed the dietary patterns of patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing initial pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), treatment in the month before treatment. Serum fatty acid fractions and their associations with ICI treatment efficacy were also investigated. The results showed that long-term survivors (those who survived for ≥ 3 years) consumed significantly more seafood than short-term survivors (those who survived for < 3 years). Furthermore, the serum levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as well as the ratio of EPA to arachidonic acid (EPA/AA) were higher in the long-term survivors than those in the short-term survivors. The group with a high serum EPA/AA ratio had a significantly higher overall survival rate after ICI treatment than the group with a low serum EPA/AA ratio. In conclusion, higher dietary seafood consumption may improve OS in lung cancer patients treated with ICI and the serum EPA/AA ratio may be a useful biomarker for determining the efficacy of ICI treatment. Thus, supplements that increase the serum EPA/AA ratio could serve as new nutritional interventions for enhancing the efficacy of ICI treatment. However, further large-scale case and intervention studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikue Tanaka
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition Major, Graduate School of Human Environmental Science, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yano
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Hospital Organization, NHO Osaka Toneyama Medical Center, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Masahide Mori
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Hospital Organization, NHO Osaka Toneyama Medical Center, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Satoru Manabe
- Department of Nutrition, National Hospital Organization, NHO Osaka Toneyama Medical Center, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Fukuo
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition Major, Graduate School of Human Environmental Science, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Japan.
- Research Institute for Nutrition Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Japan.
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15
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Qu Z, Dong J, Zhang ZY. Protein tyrosine phosphatases as emerging targets for cancer immunotherapy. Br J Pharmacol 2023:10.1111/bph.16304. [PMID: 38116815 PMCID: PMC11186978 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Contemporary strategies in cancer immunotherapy, despite remarkable success, remain constrained by inherent limitations such as suboptimal patient responses, the emergence of drug resistance, and the manifestation of pronounced adverse effects. Consequently, the need for alternative strategies for immunotherapy becomes clear. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) wield a pivotal regulatory influence over an array of essential cellular processes. Substantial research has underscored the potential in targeting PTPs to modulate the immune responses and/or regulate antigen presentation, thereby presenting a novel paradigm for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on recent advances in genetic and biological validation of several PTPs as emerging targets for immunotherapy. We also highlight recent development of small molecule inhibitors and degraders targeting these PTPs as novel cancer immunotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Qu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jiajun Dong
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Zhong-Yin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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16
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Kumar PPP, Lim DK. Photothermal Effect of Gold Nanoparticles as a Nanomedicine for Diagnosis and Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2349. [PMID: 37765317 PMCID: PMC10534847 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092349] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have received great attention for various medical applications due to their unique physicochemical properties. AuNPs with tunable optical properties in the visible and near-infrared regions have been utilized in a variety of applications such as in vitro diagnostics, in vivo imaging, and therapeutics. Among the applications, this review will pay more attention to recent developments in diagnostic and therapeutic applications based on the photothermal (PT) effect of AuNPs. In particular, the PT effect of AuNPs has played an important role in medical applications utilizing light, such as photoacoustic imaging, photon polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and hyperthermia therapy. First, we discuss the fundamentals of the optical properties in detail to understand the background of the PT effect of AuNPs. For diagnostic applications, the ability of AuNPs to efficiently convert absorbed light energy into heat to generate enhanced acoustic waves can lead to significant enhancements in photoacoustic signal intensity. Integration of the PT effect of AuNPs with PCR may open new opportunities for technological innovation called photonic PCR, where light is used to enable fast and accurate temperature cycling for DNA amplification. Additionally, beyond the existing thermotherapy of AuNPs, the PT effect of AuNPs can be further applied to cancer immunotherapy. Controlled PT damage to cancer cells triggers an immune response, which is useful for obtaining better outcomes in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors or vaccines. Therefore, this review examines applications to nanomedicine based on the PT effect among the unique optical properties of AuNPs, understands the basic principles, the advantages and disadvantages of each technology, and understands the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Based on this, it is expected that it will help understand the current status and development direction of new nanoparticle-based disease diagnosis methods and treatment methods, and we hope that it will inspire the development of new innovative technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dong-Kwon Lim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Integrative Energy Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
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17
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Zheng H, Wang M, Zhang S, Hu D, Yang Q, Chen M, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Dai J, Liou YC. Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis reveals NUSAP1 is a novel predictive biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy response. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4689-4708. [PMID: 37781040 PMCID: PMC10535697 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.80017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleolar and spindle-associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) is a microtubule-associated protein that plays a crucial role in mitosis. Despite initial reports suggesting a potential involvement of NUSAP1 in tumor progression and malignant cell regulation, there has been no systematic analysis of its role in the tumor immune microenvironment, nor its predictive value for prognosis and immunotherapy response across different cancer types. In this study, we analyze NUSAP1 mRNA and protein expression levels in various human normal and tumor tissues, using data from TCGA, GTEx, CPTAC, HPA databases, and clinical samples. Our findings reveal that NUSAP1 is highly expressed in multiple tumor tissues across most cancer types and is primarily expressed in malignant and immune cells, according to single-cell sequencing data from the TISCH database. Prognostic analysis based on curated survival data from the TCGA database indicates that NUSAP1 expression levels can predict clinical outcomes for 26 cancer types. Furthermore, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) suggests that NUSAP1 promotes cell proliferation, tumor cell invasion, and regulation of anti-tumor response. Analysis of immune score, immune cell infiltration, and anti-cancer immunity cycle using ESTIMATE, TIMER, and TIP databases show that high NUSAP1 levels are associated with low CD4+T and NKT cell infiltration but high Th2 and MDSC infiltration, inversely correlated with antigen-presenting molecules and positively correlated with a variety of immune negative regulatory molecules. Notably, patients with melanoma, lung, and kidney cancer with high NUSAP1 expression levels have shorter survival times and lower immunotherapy response rates. Using Cmap analysis, we identify Entinostat and AACOCF3 as potential inhibitors of NUSAP1-mediated pro-oncogenic effects. In vitro and in vivo experiments further confirm that NUSAP1 knockdown significantly reduces the proliferation ability of A549 and MCF-7 cells. Overall, our study highlights the potential of NUSAP1 expression as a novel biomarker for predicting prognosis and immuno-therapeutic efficacy across different human cancers and suggests its potential for developing novel antitumor drugs or improving immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zheng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Minghao Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dongxue Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qiaoyun Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jigang Dai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yih-Cherng Liou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Verschleiser B, MacDonald W, Carlsen L, Huntington KE, Zhou L, El-Deiry WS. Pan-integrin inhibitor GLPG-0187 promotes T-cell killing of mismatch repair-deficient colorectal cancer cells by suppression of SMAD/TGF-β signaling. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:2878-2885. [PMID: 37559992 PMCID: PMC10408466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death and the third most common cause of cancer. As the five-year survival with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is 14%, new treatment strategies are needed. Immune checkpoint blockade, which takes advantage of an individual's immune system to fight cancer, has an impact in the clinic; however, for CRC, it is only effective and approved for treating mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient cancer. Moreover, long-term outcomes in MMR-deficient mCRC suggest that most patients are not cured and eventually develop therapy resistance. We hypothesized that targeting TGF-β signaling may enhance immune-mediated T-cell killing by MMR-deficient CRC cells. Using GLPG-0187, an inhibitor of multiple integrin receptors and TGF-β, we demonstrate minimal cytotoxicity against MMR-deficient HCT116 or p53null HCT116 human CRC cells. GLPG-0187 promoted significant immune cell killing of the CRC cells by TALL-104 T lymphoblast cells and reduced phosphoSMAD2 in HCT116 p53-null cells either in the absence or presence of exogenous TGF-β. We observed a reduction in CCL20, CXCL5, prolactin, and TRAIL-R3, while GDF-15 was increased in TALL-104 cells treated with a T-cell activating dose of GLPG-0187 (4 µM). Our results suggest that TGF-β signaling inhibition by a general integrin receptor inhibitor may boost T-cell killing of MMR-deficient colorectal cancer cells and suggest that a combination of anti-GDF-15 in combination with TGF-β blockade be further investigated in the treatment of MMR-deficient mCRC. Our results support the development of a novel immune-based therapeutic strategy to treat colorectal cancer by targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway through integrin receptor blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Verschleiser
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
| | - William MacDonald
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Lindsey Carlsen
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Kelsey E Huntington
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Lanlan Zhou
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and The Lifespan Health SystemProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Wafik S El-Deiry
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and The Lifespan Health SystemProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
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19
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Shaikh U, Khan A, Kumari P, Ishfaq A, Ekhator C, Yousuf P, Halappa Nagaraj R, Raza H, Ur Rehman U, Zaman MU, Lakshmipriya Vetrivendan G, Nguyen N, Kadel B, Sherpa TN, Ullah A, Bellegarde SB. Novel Therapeutic Targets for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: Emerging Strategies and Future Directions. Cureus 2023; 15:e42614. [PMID: 37521595 PMCID: PMC10378717 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), also known as Stoneman syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormal bone development caused by activating mutations of the ACVR1 gene. FOP affects both the developmental and postnatal stages, resulting in musculoskeletal abnormalities and heterotopic ossification. Current treatment options for FOP are limited, emphasizing the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Challenges in the development of management criteria for FOP include difficulties in recruitment due to the rarity of FOP, disease variability, the absence of reliable biomarkers, and ethical considerations regarding placebo-controlled trials. This narrative review provides an overview of the disease and explores emerging strategies for FOP treatment. Gene therapy, particularly the CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9) system, holds promise in treating FOP by specifically targeting the ACVR1 gene mutation. Another gene therapy approach being investigated is RNA interference, which aims to silence the mutant ACVR1 gene. Small molecule inhibitors targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3β and modulation of the bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway are also being explored as potential therapies for FOP. Stem cell-based approaches, such as mesenchymal stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, show potential in tissue regeneration and inhibiting abnormal bone formation in FOP. Immunotherapy and nanoparticle delivery systems provide alternative avenues for FOP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Shaikh
- Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | - Anoosha Khan
- Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | - Priya Kumari
- Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, PAK
| | | | - Chukwuyem Ekhator
- Neuro-Oncology, New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, USA
| | - Paras Yousuf
- Emergency Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, PAK
| | | | - Hassan Raza
- Internal Medicine, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, PAK
| | | | | | | | - Nhan Nguyen
- Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, HUN
| | - Bijan Kadel
- Internal Medicine, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospitals, Kathmandu, NPL
| | - Tenzin N Sherpa
- Internal Medicine, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospitals, Kathmandu, NPL
| | | | - Sophia B Bellegarde
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Antigua, Saint John's, ATG
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20
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Czajka-Francuz P, Prendes MJ, Mankan A, Quintana Á, Pabla S, Ramkissoon S, Jensen TJ, Peiró S, Severson EA, Achyut BR, Vidal L, Poelman M, Saini KS. Mechanisms of immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment and implications for targeted therapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1200646. [PMID: 37427115 PMCID: PMC10325690 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1200646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of cancer therapies is limited to a great extent by immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Numerous immune escape mechanisms have been identified. These include not only processes associated with tumor, immune or stromal cells, but also humoral, metabolic, genetic and epigenetic factors within the TME. The identification of immune escape mechanisms has enabled the development of small molecules, nanomedicines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell and epigenetic therapies that can reprogram the TME and shift the host immune response towards promoting an antitumor effect. These approaches have translated into series of breakthroughs in cancer therapies, some of which have already been implemented in clinical practice. In the present article the authors provide an overview of some of the most important mechanisms of immunosuppression within the TME and the implications for targeted therapies against different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ángela Quintana
- Breast Cancer Unit, Vall d'Hebrón Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Sandra Peiró
- Breast Cancer Unit, Vall d'Hebrón Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Kamal S. Saini
- Fortrea, Inc., Durham, NC, United States
- Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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21
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Song J, Jeong BS, Kim SW, Im SB, Kim S, Lai CJ, Cho W, Jung JU, Ahn MJ, Oh BH. Noncovalent antibody catenation on a target surface greatly increases the antigen-binding avidity. eLife 2023; 12:e81646. [PMID: 37249578 PMCID: PMC10229114 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81646] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are widely used for diagnosis and therapy. Given the unique dimeric structure of IgG, we hypothesized that, by genetically fusing a homodimeric protein (catenator) to the C-terminus of IgG, reversible catenation of antibody molecules could be induced on a surface where target antigen molecules are abundant, and that it could be an effective way to greatly enhance the antigen-binding avidity. A thermodynamic simulation showed that quite low homodimerization affinity of a catenator, e.g. dissociation constant of 100 μM, can enhance nanomolar antigen-binding avidity to a picomolar level, and that the fold enhancement sharply depends on the density of the antigen. In a proof-of-concept experiment where antigen molecules are immobilized on a biosensor tip, the C-terminal fusion of a pair of weakly homodimerizing proteins to three different antibodies enhanced the antigen-binding avidity by at least 110 or 304 folds from the intrinsic binding avidity. Compared with the mother antibody, Obinutuzumab(Y101L) which targets CD20, the same antibody with fused catenators exhibited significantly enhanced binding to SU-DHL5 cells. Together, the homodimerization-induced antibody catenation would be a new powerful approach to improve antibody applications, including the detection of scarce biomarkers and targeted anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyeop Song
- Department of Physics, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - Bo-Seong Jeong
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - Seong-Woo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - Seong-Bin Im
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - Seonghoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - Chih-Jen Lai
- Cancer Biology Department, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandUnited States
| | - Wonki Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - Jae U Jung
- Cancer Biology Department, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandUnited States
| | - Myung-Ju Ahn
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Byung-Ha Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeonRepublic of Korea
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22
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Dalens L, Lecuelle J, Favier L, Fraisse C, Lagrange A, Kaderbhai C, Boidot R, Chevrier S, Mananet H, Derangère V, Truntzer C, Ghiringhelli F. Exome-Based Genomic Markers Could Improve Prediction of Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy Independently of Tumor Type. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087592. [PMID: 37108755 PMCID: PMC10144126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087592] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved the care of patients in multiple cancer types. However, PD-L1 status, high Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB), and mismatch repair deficiency are the only validated biomarkers of efficacy for ICIs. These markers remain imperfect, and new predictive markers represent an unmet medical need. Whole-exome sequencing was carried out on 154 metastatic or locally advanced cancers from different tumor types treated by immunotherapy. Clinical and genomic features were investigated using Cox regression models to explore their capacity to predict progression-free survival (PFS). The cohort was split into training and validation sets to assess validity of observations. Two predictive models were estimated using clinical and exome-derived variables, respectively. Stage at diagnosis, surgery before immunotherapy, number of lines before immunotherapy, pleuroperitoneal, bone or lung metastasis, and immune-related toxicity were selected to generate a clinical score. KRAS mutations, TMB, TCR clonality, and Shannon entropy were retained to generate an exome-derived score. The addition of the exome-derived score improved the prediction of prognosis compared with the clinical score alone. Exome-derived variables could be used to predict responses to ICI independently of tumor type and might be of value in improving patient selection for ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Dalens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Julie Lecuelle
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Laure Favier
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Cléa Fraisse
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Aurélie Lagrange
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Courèche Kaderbhai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Romain Boidot
- Department of Biopathology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Sandy Chevrier
- Department of Biopathology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Hugo Mananet
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Valentin Derangère
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
- Department of Biopathology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Caroline Truntzer
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France
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23
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Radiotherapy, PARP Inhibition, and Immune-Checkpoint Blockade: A Triad to Overcome the Double-Edged Effects of Each Single Player. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041093. [PMID: 36831435 PMCID: PMC9954050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy and, more recently, PARP inhibitors (PARPis) and immune-checkpoint inhibitors represent effective tools in cancer therapy. Radiotherapy exerts its effects not only by damaging DNA and inducing tumor cell death, but also stimulating anti-tumor immune responses. PARPis are known to exert their therapeutic effects by inhibiting DNA repair, and they may be used in combination with radiotherapy. Both radiotherapy and PARPis modulate inflammatory signals and stimulate type I IFN (IFN-I)-dependent immune activation. However, they can also support the development of an immunosuppressive tumor environment and upregulate PD-L1 expression on tumor cells. When provided as monotherapy, immune-checkpoint inhibitors (mainly antibodies to CTLA-4 and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis) result particularly effective only in immunogenic tumors. Combinations of immunotherapy with therapies that favor priming of the immune response to tumor-associated antigens are, therefore, suitable strategies. The widely explored association of radiotherapy and immunotherapy has confirmed this benefit for several cancers. Association with PARPis has also been investigated in clinical trials. Immunotherapy counteracts the immunosuppressive effects of radiotherapy and/or PARPis and synergies with their immunological effects, promoting and unleashing immune responses toward primary and metastatic lesions (abscopal effect). Here, we discuss the beneficial and counterproductive effects of each therapy and how they can synergize to overcome single-therapy limitations.
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24
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Jain S, Sheth RA. Modulating the tumor immune microenvironment with locoregional image-guided interventions. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1057597. [PMID: 36685505 PMCID: PMC9846152 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057597] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has gained significant attention in recent years and has revolutionized the modern approach to cancer therapy. However, cancer immunotherapy is still limited in its full potential due to various tumor immune-avoidance behaviors and delivery barriers, and this is seen in the low objective response rates of most cancers to immunotherapy. A novel approach to immunotherapy utilizes image-guided administration of immunotherapeutic agents directly into a tumor site; this technique offers several advantages, including avoidance of potent toxicity, bypassing the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, and higher therapeutic bioavailability relative to systemic drug administration. This review presents the biological rationale for locoregional image-guided immunotherapy administration, summarizes the existing interventional oncology approaches to immunotherapy, and discusses emerging technological advances in biomaterials and drug delivery that could further advance the field of interventional oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samagra Jain
- Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rahul A. Sheth
- Department of Interventional Radiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Rahul A. Sheth,
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25
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Abstract
High-fidelity DNA replication is critical for the faithful transmission of genetic information to daughter cells. Following genotoxic stress, specialized DNA damage tolerance pathways are activated to ensure replication fork progression. These pathways include translesion DNA synthesis, template switching and repriming. In this Review, we describe how DNA damage tolerance pathways impact genome stability, their connection with tumorigenesis and their effects on cancer therapy response. We discuss recent findings that single-strand DNA gap accumulation impacts chemoresponse and explore a growing body of evidence that suggests that different DNA damage tolerance factors, including translesion synthesis polymerases, template switching proteins and enzymes affecting single-stranded DNA gaps, represent useful cancer targets. We further outline how the consequences of DNA damage tolerance mechanisms could inform the discovery of new biomarkers to refine cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Cybulla
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alessandro Vindigni
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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26
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Rodolfo M, Huber V, Cossa M, Gallino G, Leone BE, Vallacchi V, Rivoltini L, Vergani E. 3D tumor explant as a novel platform to investigate therapeutic pathways and predictive biomarkers in cancer patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1068091. [PMID: 36591316 PMCID: PMC9794575 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1068091] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors can induce durable clinical responses in different human malignancies but the number of responding patients remains globally modest. The limited therapeutic efficacy of ICI depends on multiple factors, among which the immune suppressive features of the tumor microenvironment play a key role. For this reason, experimental models that enable dissection of the immune-hostile tumor milieu components are required to unravel how to overcome resistance and obtain full-fledged anti-tumor immunity. Recent evidence supports the usefulness of 3D ex vivo systems in retaining features of tumor microenvironment to elucidate molecular and immunologic mechanisms of response and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. In this perspective article we discuss the recent advances in patient-derived 3D tumor models and their potential in support of treatment decision making in clinical setting. We will also share our experience with dynamic bioreactor tumor explant culture of samples from melanoma and sarcoma patients as a reliable and promising platform to unravel immune responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Rodolfo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Translational Immunology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy,*Correspondence: Monica Rodolfo,
| | - Veronica Huber
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Translational Immunology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Cossa
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfrancesco Gallino
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Biagio E. Leone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Viviana Vallacchi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Translational Immunology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Licia Rivoltini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Translational Immunology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vergani
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Translational Immunology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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27
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Zhan S, Yung MMH, Siu MKY, Jiao P, Ngan HYS, Chan DW, Chan KKL. New Insights into Ferroptosis Initiating Therapies (FIT) by Targeting the Rewired Lipid Metabolism in Ovarian Cancer Peritoneal Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315263. [PMID: 36499591 PMCID: PMC9737695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological cancers worldwide. The poor prognosis of this malignancy is substantially attributed to the inadequate symptomatic biomarkers for early diagnosis and effective remedies to cure the disease against chemoresistance and metastasis. Ovarian cancer metastasis is often relatively passive, and the single clusters of ovarian cancer cells detached from the primary ovarian tumor are transcoelomic spread by the peritoneal fluid throughout the peritoneum cavity and omentum. Our earlier studies revealed that lipid-enriched ascitic/omental microenvironment enforced metastatic ovarian cancer cells to undertake metabolic reprogramming and utilize free fatty acids as the main energy source for tumor progression and aggression. Intriguingly, cell susceptibility to ferroptosis has been tightly correlated with the dysregulated fatty acid metabolism (FAM), and enhanced iron uptake as the prominent features of ferroptosis are attributed to the strengthened lipid peroxidation and aberrant iron accumulation, suggesting that ferroptosis induction is a targetable vulnerability to prevent cancer metastasis. Therefore, the standpoints about tackling altered FAM in combination with ferroptosis initiation as a dual-targeted therapy against advanced ovarian cancer were highlighted herein. Furthermore, a discussion on the prospect and challenge of inducing ferroptosis as an innovative therapeutic approach for reversing remedial resistance in cancer interventions was included. It is hoped this proof-of-concept review will indicate appropriate directions for speeding up the translational application of ferroptosis-inducing compounds (FINs) to improve the efficacy of ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Zhan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mingo M. H. Yung
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michelle K. Y. Siu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peili Jiao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hextan Y. S. Ngan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David W. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
- Correspondence: (D.W.C.); (K.K.L.C.); Tel.: +86-755-2351-6153 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-4260 (K.K.L.C.); Fax: +852-2255-0947 (K.K.L.C.)
| | - Karen K. L. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence: (D.W.C.); (K.K.L.C.); Tel.: +86-755-2351-6153 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-4260 (K.K.L.C.); Fax: +852-2255-0947 (K.K.L.C.)
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28
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Wei W, Liu C, Wang C, Wang M, Jiang W, Zhou Y, Zhang S. Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of N7-methylguanosine regulators: Expression features and potential implications in prognosis and immunotherapy. Front Genet 2022; 13:1016797. [PMID: 36339001 PMCID: PMC9633684 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1016797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although immunotherapy has made great strides in cancer therapy, its effectiveness varies widely among individual patients as well as tumor types, and there is an urgent need to develop biomarkers for effectively assessing immunotherapy response. In recent years, RNA methylation regulators have demonstrated to be novel potential biomarkers for prognosis as well as immunotherapy of cancers, such as N6-methyladenine (m6A) and 5-methylcytosine (m5C). N7-methylguanosine (m7G) is a prevalent RNA modification in eukaryotes, but the relationship between m7G regulators and prognosis as well as tumor immune microenvironment is still unclear. In this study, a pan-cancer analysis of 26 m7G regulators across 17 cancer types was conducted based on the bioinformatics approach. On the one hand, a comprehensive analysis of expression features, genetic variations and epigenetic regulation of m7G regulators was carried out, and we found that the expression tendency of m7G regulators were different among tumors and their aberrant expression in cancers could be affected by single nucleotide variation (SNV), copy number variation (CNV), DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) separately or simultaneously. On the other hand, the m7Gscore was modeled based on single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) for evaluating the relationships between m7G regulators and cancer clinical features, hallmark pathways, tumor immune microenvironment, immunotherapy response as well as pharmacotherapy sensitivity, and we illustrated that the m7Gscore exhibited tight correlations with prognosis, several immune features, immunotherapy response and drug sensitivity in most cancers. In conclusion, our pan-cancer analysis revealed that m7G regulators may exert critical roles in the tumor progression and immune microenvironment, and have the potential as biomarkers for predicting prognosis, immunotherapy response as well as candidate drug compounds for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Caihong Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yaqian Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- *Correspondence: Shuqun Zhang, ; Yaqian Zhou,
| | - Shuqun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Shuqun Zhang, ; Yaqian Zhou,
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29
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Plasma-Based microRNA Expression Analysis in Advanced Stage NSCLC Patients Treated with Nivolumab. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194739. [PMID: 36230658 PMCID: PMC9564103 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nivolumab (anti-PD-1 inhibitor) is the first monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of NSCLC, with research results showing that patients who had received previous lines of therapy had a better response to this treatment and better overall survival. Tissue-level analyses fail to capture the dynamic tumor-host relationship, in contrast to circulating biomarkers, which can reflect the systemic response of the tumor, allowing for repeated sampling and monitoring. In the context of liquid biopsy, microRNAs are studied as biomarkers of immunotherapy efficacy based on their role in regulating antitumor immunity. The present study suggests that miR-200c and miR-34a plasma expression levels have a prognostic role in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving Nivolumab. It further supports that the expression profile of circulating immunomodulatory microRNAs provides information on the survival of patients with advanced NSCLC receiving Nivolumab and could represent promising circulating biomarkers that may provide information about patients’ responses to immunotherapy. Abstract Since circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the modulation of the immune response, they are tested as liquid biopsy-based biomarkers in patients with NSCLC treated with immunotherapy. We analyzed the expression levels and examined the clinical significance of immunoregulatory miRNAs involved in immune checkpoint regulation (miR-34a, miR-200b, miR-200c), T-cell activity (miR-155), and the function of myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) (miR-223) or regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) (miR-146a), in patients with advanced NSCLC (N = 69) treated with anti-PD-1 (Nivolumab) immunotherapy as 2nd or 3rd line of treatment therapy. Plasma levels of circulating miRNAs were analyzed by RT-qPCR before the initiation of immunotherapy. Expression of miR-34a, miR-146a, mir-200c, and miR-223 was found to be associated with response to immunotherapy. High miR-200c expression emerged as an independent prognostic factor for inferior overall survival in all patients with NSCLC (OS, HR: 2.243, 95% CI: 1.208–4.163; p = 0.010) and in patients with non-Squamous (non-SqCC) subtype (N = 38) (HR: 2.809, 95% CI: 1.116–7.074; p = 0.028). Low miR-34a expression independently predicted for shorter OS (HR: 3.189, 95% CI: 1.193–8.527; p = 0.021) in the non-SqCC subgroup. Our findings suggest that alterations in circulating miR-200c and miR-34a expression levels are associated with the response and outcome in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
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Recombinant Viral Vectors for Therapeutic Programming of Tumour Microenvironment: Advantages and Limitations. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092142. [PMID: 36140243 PMCID: PMC9495732 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have been widely investigated as tools for cancer immunotherapy. Although many preclinical studies demonstrate significant virus-mediated tumour inhibition in synergy with immune checkpoint molecules and other drugs, the clinical success of viral vector applications in cancer therapy currently is limited. A number of challenges have to be solved to translate promising vectors to clinics. One of the key elements of successful virus-based cancer immunotherapy is the understanding of the tumour immune state and the development of vectors to modify the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME). Tumour-associated immune cells, as the main component of TME, support tumour progression through multiple pathways inducing resistance to treatment and promoting cancer cell escape mechanisms. In this review, we consider DNA and RNA virus vectors delivering immunomodulatory genes (cytokines, chemokines, co-stimulatory molecules, antibodies, etc.) and discuss how these viruses break an immunosuppressive cell development and switch TME to an immune-responsive “hot” state. We highlight the advantages and limitations of virus vectors for targeted therapeutic programming of tumour immune cell populations and tumour stroma, and propose future steps to establish viral vectors as a standard, efficient, safe, and non-toxic cancer immunotherapy approach that can complement other promising treatment strategies, e.g., checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T, and advanced chemotherapeutics.
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31
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Eini L, Naseri M, Karimi-Busheri F, Bozorgmehr M, Ghods R, Madjd Z. Preventive cancer stem cell-based vaccination modulates tumor development in syngeneic colon adenocarcinoma murine model. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04303-8. [PMID: 36040667 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04303-8] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a rare sub-fraction of tumor cells, with the capability of self-renewal and strong oncogenicity are tightly responsible for chemo and radio resistance and tumor metastasis in colorectal cancer. Hence, CSCs targeting would improve the efficacy of therapeutic strategies and clinical outcomes. METHODS Here, using three-dimensional CSC spheroids and syngeneic mice model, we evaluated the cancer preventive impact of CSCs-based vaccination. CSCs enrichment was performed via colonosphere formation from CT-26 cell line and CT-26-derived tumor biopsy and characterized by confirming high expression of key stemness genes (OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG) and CSC-related surface biomarkers (CD166, DCLK1, and CD133) via real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. Then, the stemness phenotype and self-renewal in CSC-enriched spheroids were further confirmed by showing serial sphere formation capacity, clonogenicity potential, and enhanced in vivo tumorigenic capacity compared to their parental counterparts. CSCs lysates were used as vaccines in prophylactic settings compared to the parental cell lysate and PBS groups. RESULT Immunization of syngeneic mice with CSCs lysates was effective in the prevention of tumor establishment and significantly decreased tumor growth rate accompanied by an improvement in survival rate in tumor-bearing mice compared to groups subjected to parental cells lysate and PBS. These results, for the first time, showed that mice immunized with cell lysate from tumor biopsy-derived spheroids are resistant to tumor induction. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that only the serum antibodies from CSC-vaccinated mice reacted with colonospheres. CONCLUSIONS These findings represent CSCs lysate-based vaccination as a potential approach to hampering immunotherapy failure of colorectal cancer which along with other traditional therapies may effectively apply to prevent the establishment of aggressive tumors harboring stemness features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Eini
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Division of Histology, Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Naseri
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Mahmood Bozorgmehr
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Ghods
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Recent Advances and Challenges in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163972. [PMID: 36010965 PMCID: PMC9406446 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy helps a person’s immune system to target tumor cells. Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibition, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and cancer vaccination, have changed the landscape of cancer treatment. These approaches have had profound success in certain cancer types but still fail in the majority of cases. This review will cover both successes and current challenges in cancer immunotherapy, as well as recent advances in the field of basic tumor immunology that will allow us to overcome resistance to existing treatments. Abstract Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the field of oncology in recent years. Harnessing the immune system to treat cancer has led to a large growth in the number of novel immunotherapeutic strategies, including immune checkpoint inhibition, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and cancer vaccination. In this review, we will discuss the current landscape of immuno-oncology research, with a focus on elements that influence immunotherapeutic outcomes. We will also highlight recent advances in basic aspects of tumor immunology, in particular, the role of the immunosuppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment in regulating antitumor immunity. Lastly, we will discuss how the understanding of basic tumor immunology can lead to the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies.
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The unique role of innate lymphoid cells in cancer and the hepatic microenvironment. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:1012-1029. [PMID: 35962192 PMCID: PMC9424527 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00901-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease, and despite incredible progress over the last decade, it remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver metastases are distinct from other cancers in that they typically emerge as a consequence of long-term low-grade inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms that underpin inflammation-driven tissue remodeling of the hepatic immune environment is likely to provide new insights into much needed treatments for this devastating disease. Group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which include natural killer (NK) cells and ILC1s, are particularly enriched in the liver and thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of liver diseases, including cancer. NK cells are an attractive, but underexplored, therapeutic target in hepatic disease due to their role in immunosurveillance and their ability to recognize and eliminate malignant cells. ILC1s are closely related to and share many phenotypic features with NK cells but are less well studied. Thus, their utility in immunotherapeutic approaches is not yet well understood. Here, we review our current understanding of ILCs in cancer with a particular focus on liver and liver-related diseases.
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Cancer Immunotherapy and Delivery System: An Update. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081630. [PMID: 36015256 PMCID: PMC9413869 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With an understanding of immunity in the tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy turns out to be a powerful tool in the clinic to treat many cancers. The strategies applied in cancer immunotherapy mainly include blockade of immune checkpoints, adoptive transfer of engineered cells, such as T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages, cytokine therapy, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic virotherapy. Many factors, such as product price, off-target side effects, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and cancer cell heterogeneity, affect the treatment efficacy of immunotherapies against cancers. In addition, some treatments, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, are more effective in treating patients with lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma rather than solid tumors. To improve the efficacy of targeted immunotherapy and reduce off-target effects, delivery systems for immunotherapies have been developed in past decades using tools such as nanoparticles, hydrogel matrix, and implantable scaffolds. This review first summarizes the currently common immunotherapies and their limitations. It then synopsizes the relative delivery systems that can be applied to improve treatment efficacy and minimize side effects. The challenges, frontiers, and prospects for applying these delivery systems in cancer immunotherapy are also discussed. Finally, the application of these approaches in clinical trials is reviewed.
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Liu W, Zou Y, Li K, Zhong H, Yu L, Ge S, Lai Y, Dong X, Xu Q, Guo W. Apo-Form Selective Inhibition of IDO for Tumor Immunotherapy. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:180-191. [PMID: 35725271 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological inhibition of IDO1 is considered an effective therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. However, the inadequate response of existing holo-IDO1 inhibitors and unclear biomarkers available in clinical practice limit the possibility of developing efficacious IDO1 inhibitors. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the activity and mechanism of a potent 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid derivative (B37) targeting apo-IDO1 and to determine its role in tumor therapy. By competing with heme for binding to apo-IDO1, B37 potently inhibited IDO1 activity, with an IC50 of 22 pM assessed using a HeLa cell-based assay. The x-ray cocrystal structure of the inhibitor-enzyme complex showed that the B37-human IDO1 complex has strong hydrophobic interactions, which enhances its binding affinity, determined using isothermal titration calorimetry. Stronger noncovalent interactions, including π stacking and hydrogen bonds formed between B37 and apo-human IDO1, underlay the enthalpy-driven force for B37 for binding to the enzyme. These binding properties endowed B37 with potent antitumor efficacy, which was confirmed in a mouse colon cancer CT26 syngeneic model in BALB/c mice and in an azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced colon carcinogenesis model in C57BL/6 mice by activating the host immune system. Moreover, the combination of B37 and anti-PD1 Ab synergistically inhibited tumor growth. These results suggested that B37 may serve as a unique candidate for apo-IDO1 inhibition-mediated tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Engineering Research Center of Protein and Peptide Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Yi Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Engineering Research Center of Protein and Peptide Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Haiqing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Engineering Research Center of Protein and Peptide Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Longbo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Engineering Research Center of Protein and Peptide Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Shushan Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yisheng Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianchi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Engineering Research Center of Protein and Peptide Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Engineering Research Center of Protein and Peptide Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Wenjie Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Engineering Research Center of Protein and Peptide Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; and
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Jia W, Zhang T, Yao Q, Li J, Nie Y, Lei X, Mao Z, Wang Y, Shi W, Song W. Tertiary Lymphatic Structures in Primary Hepatic Carcinoma: Controversy Cannot Overshadow Hope. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870458. [PMID: 35844587 PMCID: PMC9278517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are organized aggregates of immune cells found in the tumor microenvironment. TLS can influence primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) occurrence and have an active role in cancer. TLS can promote or inhibit the growth of PHC depending on their location, and although available findings are controversial, they suggest that TLS have a protective role in PHC tissues and a non-protective role in paracancerous tissues. In addition, the cellular composition of TLS can also influence the outcome of PHC. As an immunity marker, TLS can act as a marker of immunotherapy to predict its effect and help to identify patients who will respond well to immunotherapy. Modulation of TLS formation through the use of chemokines/cytokines, immunotherapy, or induction of high endothelial vein to interfere with tumor growth has been studied extensively in PHC and other cancers. In addition, new tools such as genetic interventions, cellular crosstalk, preoperative radiotherapy, and advances in materials science have been shown to influence the prognosis of malignant tumors by modulating TLS production. These can also be used to develop PHC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Jia
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tianchen Zhang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qianyun Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jianhui Li
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ye Nie
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinjun Lei
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Mao
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenjie Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Wenjie Song,
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Westheim AJF, Stoffels LM, Dubois LJ, van Bergenhenegouwen J, van Helvoort A, Langen RCJ, Shiri-Sverdlov R, Theys J. Fatty Acids as a Tool to Boost Cancer Immunotherapy Efficacy. Front Nutr 2022; 9:868436. [PMID: 35811951 PMCID: PMC9260274 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.868436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although immunotherapy represents one of the most potent therapeutic anti-cancer approaches, only a limited number of patients shows clinical benefit. Recent evidence suggests that patients' nutritional status plays a major role in immunotherapy outcome. Fatty acids are essential in a balanced diet and well-known to influence the immune response. Moreover, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) show beneficial effects in metabolic disorders as well as in cancer and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) contribute to body weight and fat free mass preservation in cancer patients. In line with these data, several studies imply a role for SCFAs and PUFAs in boosting the outcome of immunotherapy. In this review, we specifically focus on mechanistic data showing that SCFAs modulate the immunogenicity of tumor cells and we discuss the direct effects of SCFAs and PUFAs on the immune system in the context of cancer. We provide preclinical and clinical evidence indicating that SCFAs and PUFAs may have the potential to boost immunotherapy efficacy. Finally, we describe the challenges and address opportunities for successful application of nutritional interventions focusing on SCFAs and PUFAs to increase the therapeutic potential of immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie J. F. Westheim
- Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, NUTRIM-School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lara M. Stoffels
- Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, NUTRIM-School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J. Dubois
- Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van Bergenhenegouwen
- Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ardy van Helvoort
- Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM-School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ramon C. J. Langen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM-School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ronit Shiri-Sverdlov
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, NUTRIM-School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Jan Theys
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High Expression of PDLIM2 Predicts a Poor Prognosis in Prostate Cancer and Is Correlated with Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Immune Cell Infiltration. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:2922832. [PMID: 35707002 PMCID: PMC9192325 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2922832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To elucidate the clinical and prognostic role of PDZ and LIM domain protein (PDLIM) genes and the association to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune cell infiltration in patients with prostate cancer (PRAD). Methods The data of RNA-seq, DNA methylation, and clinical features of PRAD patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to define the prognostic value of PDLIM gene expression and the association with EMT and immune cell infiltration. A tissue microarray including 134 radical prostatectomy specimens was served as validation by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining analysis. Results The mRNA levels of PDLIM1/2/3/4/6/7 were significantly downregulated, while PDLIM5 was upregulated in PRAD (P < 0.05). High expression of PDLIM2 mRNA suggests poor progression free interval in PRAD patients. DNA methylation of PDLIM2 was correlated with its mRNA expression level, and that the cg22973076 methylation site in PDLIM2 was associated with shorter PFI (P < 0.05) in PRAD. Single-sample gene-set enrichment and gene functional enrichment results showed that PDLIM2 was correlated with EMT and immune processes. Spearman's test showed a significant correlation with six reported EMT signatures and several EMT signature-related genes. Tumor microenvironment analysis revealed that the PDLIM2 mRNA expression was positively correlated with the immune score, stromal score, and various tumor infiltrating immune cells. Additionally, the results showed that patients in the high-PDLIM2 mRNA expression group may be more sensitive to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Finally, IHC analysis further implicated the protein level of PDLIM2 was upregulated in PRAD and acts as a novel potential biomarker in predicting tumor progression. Conclusion Our study suggests that PDLIM family genes might be significantly correlated with oncogenesis and the progression of PRAD. PDLIM2 correlated with EMT and immune cell infiltration by acting as an oncogene in PRAD, which may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for PRAD patients.
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Wanderley CWS, Correa TS, Scaranti M, Cunha FQ, Barroso-Sousa R. Targeting PARP1 to Enhance Anticancer Checkpoint Immunotherapy Response: Rationale and Clinical Implications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:816642. [PMID: 35572596 PMCID: PMC9094400 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.816642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reinvigorating the antitumor immune response using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of several malignancies. However, extended use of ICIs has resulted in a cancer-specific response. In tumors considered to be less immunogenic, the response rates were low or null. To overcome resistance and improve the beneficial effects of ICIs, novel strategies focused on ICI-combined therapies have been tested. In particular, poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are a class of agents with potential for ICI combined therapy. PARPi impairs single-strand break DNA repair; this mechanism involves synthetic lethality in tumor cells with deficient homologous recombination. More recently, novel evidence indicated that PAPRi has the potential to modulate the antitumor immune response by activating antigen-presenting cells, infiltrating effector lymphocytes, and upregulating programmed death ligand-1 in tumors. This review covers the current advances in the immune effects of PARPi, explores the potential rationale for combined therapy with ICIs, and discusses ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Wagner S. Wanderley
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernando Queiroz Cunha
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
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Circadian and Immunity Cycle Talk in Cancer Destination: From Biological Aspects to In Silico Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061578. [PMID: 35326729 PMCID: PMC8945968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The circadian cycle is a natural cycle of the body repeated every 24 h, based on a day and night rhythm, and it affects many body processes. The present article reviews the importance and role of the circadian cycle in cancer and its association with the immune system and immunotherapy drugs at the cellular and molecular levels. It also examines the genes and cellular pathways involved in both circadian and immune systems. It offers possible computational solutions to increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment concerning the circadian cycle. Abstract Cancer is the leading cause of death and a major problem to increasing life expectancy worldwide. In recent years, various approaches such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, and the newest pillar, immunotherapy, have been developed to treat cancer. Among key factors impacting the effectiveness of treatment, the administration of drugs based on the circadian rhythm in a person and within individuals can significantly elevate drug efficacy, reduce adverse effects, and prevent drug resistance. Circadian clocks also affect various physiological processes such as the sleep cycle, body temperature cycle, digestive and cardiovascular processes, and endocrine and immune systems. In recent years, to achieve precision patterns for drug administration using computational methods, the interaction of the effects of drugs and their cellular pathways has been considered more seriously. Integrated data-derived pathological images and genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics analyses have provided an understanding of the molecular basis of cancer and dramatically revealed interactions between circadian and immunity cycles. Here, we describe crosstalk between the circadian cycle signaling pathway and immunity cycle in cancer and discuss how tumor microenvironment affects the influence on treatment process based on individuals’ genetic differences. Moreover, we highlight recent advances in computational modeling that pave the way for personalized immune chronotherapy.
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Low-Dose Albendazole Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Melanoma Cells by Enhancing Phosphorylated GSK-3 β/Tyr216 Accumulation. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:4475192. [PMID: 34966427 PMCID: PMC8712124 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4475192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Albendazole (ABZ) is an effective broad-spectrum anthelmintic agent that has been widely used for humans and animals. Previous studies have reported that ABZ exhibits antitumor effects against melanoma and other different cancer types; however, it is unknown whether ABZ exerts the inhibitory effect against melanoma metastasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of ABZ on melanoma cells. Through in vitro studies, we discovered that low-dose ABZ treatment significantly inhibited the migration and invasion, but not the proliferation, of A375 and B16-F10 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Further analysis revealed that ABZ treatment reduced the expression level of snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (Snail) in the cytoplasm and nucleus by decreasing the levels of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) Ser473/GSK-3β (pGSK-3β) Ser9 and increasing pGSK-3β/Tyr216, resulting in a significant upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin and ultimately reversing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of melanoma cells. In contrast, the continuous activation of AKT via transfected plasmids elevated the protein levels of pAKT Ser473/pGSK-3β Ser9 and Snail and antagonized the inhibitory action of ABZ. We also confirmed that ABZ treatment effectively inhibited the lung metastasis of melanoma in nude mice in vivo. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis verified the decreased pAKT Ser473/pGSK-3β Ser9 and increased pGSK-3β/Tyr216 levels in ABZ-treated subcutaneous tumors. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that ABZ treatment can suppress the EMT progress of melanoma by increasing the pGSK-3β/Tyr216-mediated degradation of Snail, which may be used as a potential treatment strategy for metastatic melanoma.
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Cao Y, Chen C, Tao Y, Lin W, Wang P. Immunotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:2003. [PMID: 34959285 PMCID: PMC8705248 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by extensive tumor heterogeneity at both the pathologic and molecular levels, particularly accelerated aggressiveness, and terrible metastasis. It is responsible for the increased mortality of breast cancer patients. Due to the negative expression of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, the progress of targeted therapy has been hindered. Higher immune response in TNBCs than for other breast cancer types makes immunotherapy suitable for TNBC therapy. At present, promising treatments in immunotherapy of TNBC include immune checkpoints (ICs) blockade therapy, adoptive T-cell immunotherapy, and tumor vaccine immunotherapy. In addition, nanomedicines exhibit great potential in cancer therapy through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Immunotherapy-involved combination therapy may exert synergistic effects by combining with other treatments, such as traditional chemotherapy and new treatments, including photodynamic therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and sonodynamic therapy (SDT). This review focuses on introducing the principles and latest development as well as progress in using nanocarriers as drug-delivery systems for the immunotherapy of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Cao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (C.C.); (Y.T.)
| | - Chuyang Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (C.C.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yi Tao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (C.C.); (Y.T.)
| | - Weifeng Lin
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (C.C.); (Y.T.)
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