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Wang D, Zhang Y, Li Q, Li Y, Li W, Zhang A, Xu J, Meng J, Tang L, Lyu S. Epigenetics: Mechanisms, potential roles, and therapeutic strategies in cancer progression. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101020. [PMID: 38988323 PMCID: PMC11233905 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations or abnormal expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are known to cause cancer. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications are key drivers of cancer development and progression. Nevertheless, the mechanistic role of epigenetic dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment is not fully understood. Here, we reviewed the role of epigenetic modifications of cancer cells and non-cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment and recent research advances in cancer epigenetic drugs. In addition, we discussed the great potential of epigenetic combination therapies in the clinical treatment of cancer. However, there are still some challenges in the field of cancer epigenetics, such as epigenetic tumor heterogeneity, epigenetic drug heterogeneity, and crosstalk between epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics, which may be the focus and difficulty of cancer treatment in the future. In conclusion, epigenetic modifications in the tumor microenvironment are essential for future epigenetic drug development and the comprehensive treatment of cancer. Epigenetic combination therapy may be a novel strategy for the future clinical treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qingbo Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yu Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wen Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingxuan Xu
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingyan Meng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Lin Tang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shuhua Lyu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China
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2
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Xu Y, Bai Z, Lan T, Fu C, Cheng P. CD44 and its implication in neoplastic diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e554. [PMID: 38783892 PMCID: PMC11112461 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
CD44, a nonkinase single span transmembrane glycoprotein, is a major cell surface receptor for many other extracellular matrix components as well as classic markers of cancer stem cells and immune cells. Through alternative splicing of CD44 gene, CD44 is divided into two isoforms, the standard isoform of CD44 (CD44s) and the variant isoform of CD44 (CD44v). Different isoforms of CD44 participate in regulating various signaling pathways, modulating cancer proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance, with its aberrant expression and dysregulation contributing to tumor initiation and progression. However, CD44s and CD44v play overlapping or contradictory roles in tumor initiation and progression, which is not fully understood. Herein, we discuss the present understanding of the functional and structural roles of CD44 in the pathogenic mechanism of multiple cancers. The regulation functions of CD44 in cancers-associated signaling pathways is summarized. Moreover, we provide an overview of the anticancer therapeutic strategies that targeting CD44 and preclinical and clinical trials evaluating the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and drug-related toxicity about CD44-targeted therapies. This review provides up-to-date information about the roles of CD44 in neoplastic diseases, which may open new perspectives in the field of cancer treatment through targeting CD44.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Xu
- Department of BiotherapyLaboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ziyi Bai
- Department of BiotherapyLaboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Tianxia Lan
- Department of BiotherapyLaboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Chenying Fu
- Laboratory of Aging and Geriatric Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ping Cheng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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3
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Lee AV, Nestler KA, Chiappinelli KB. Therapeutic targeting of DNA methylation alterations in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 258:108640. [PMID: 38570075 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a critical component of gene regulation and plays an important role in the development of cancer. Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes and silencing of DNA repair pathways facilitate uncontrolled cell growth and synergize with oncogenic mutations to perpetuate cancer phenotypes. Additionally, aberrant DNA methylation hinders immune responses crucial for antitumor immunity. Thus, inhibiting dysregulated DNA methylation is a promising cancer therapy. Pharmacologic inhibition of DNA methylation reactivates silenced tumor suppressors and bolster immune responses through induction of viral mimicry. Now, with the advent of immunotherapies and discovery of the immune-modulatory effects of DNA methylation inhibitors, there is great interest in understanding how targeting DNA methylation in combination with other therapies can enhance antitumor immunity. Here, we describe the role of aberrant DNA methylation in cancer and mechanisms by which it promotes tumorigenesis and modulates immune responses. Finally, we review the initial discoveries and ongoing efforts to target DNA methylation as a cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail V Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin A Nestler
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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4
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Zhang G, Wang Y, Lu S, Ding F, Wang X, Zhu C, Wang Y, Wang K. Molecular understanding and clinical outcomes of CAR T cell therapy in the treatment of urological tumors. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:359. [PMID: 38789450 PMCID: PMC11126652 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06734-2] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor engineered T (CAR T) cell therapy has developed rapidly in recent years, leading to profound developments in oncology, especially for hematologic malignancies. However, given the pressure of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments, antigen escape, and diverse other factors, its application in solid tumors is less developed. Urinary system tumors are relatively common, accounting for approximately 24% of all new cancers in the United States. CAR T cells have great potential for urinary system tumors. This review summarizes the latest developments of CAR T cell therapy in urinary system tumors, including kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer, and also outlines the various CAR T cell generations and their pathways and targets that have been developed thus far. Finally, the current advantages, problems, and side effects of CAR T cell therapy are discussed in depth, and potential future developments are proposed in view of current shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Shiyang Lu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Fengzhu Ding
- Department of Nursing, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Chunming Zhu
- Department of Family Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Yibing Wang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Kefeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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5
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Ye C, Jiang N, Zheng J, Zhang S, Zhang J, Zhou J. Epigenetic therapy: Research progress of decitabine in the treatment of solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189066. [PMID: 38163523 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189066] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Decitabine's early successful therapeutic outcomes in hematologic malignancies have led to regulatory approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for addressing myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These approvals have sparked keen interest in exploring the potential of decitabine for treating solid tumors. Continuous preclinical and clinical trials have proved that low doses of decitabine also bring benefits in treating solid tumors, and various proposed mechanisms attempt to explain the potential efficacy. It is important to note that the application of decitabine in solid tumors is still considered investigational. This article reviews the application mechanism and current status of decitabine in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlin Ye
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shumeng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingchen Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianya Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Patel DM, Mateen R, Qaddour N, Carrillo A, Verschraegen C, Yang Y, Li Z, Sundi D, Mortazavi A, Collier KA. A Comprehensive Review of Immunotherapy Clinical Trials for Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Alone or in Combination, Novel Antibodies, Cellular Therapies, and Vaccines. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:335. [PMID: 38254823 PMCID: PMC10813852 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020335] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Urothelial cancer is an immune-responsive cancer, but only a subset of patients benefits from immune checkpoint inhibition. Currently, single-agent immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the combination of pembrolizumab with the antibody-drug conjugate enfortumab vedotin are approved to treat patients with metastatic UC (mUC). Approval of first-line nivolumab in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin is expected imminently. Many treatment approaches are being investigated to better harness the immune system to fight mUC. In this review, we summarize the landmark clinical trials of ICIs that led to their incorporation into the current standard of care for mUC. We further discuss recent and ongoing clinical trials in mUC, which are investigating ICIs in combination with other agents, including chemotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and novel antibodies. Lastly, we review novel approaches utilizing bispecific antibodies, cellular therapies, and vaccines. The landscape of immunotherapy for mUC is rapidly evolving and will hopefully lead to better outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixita M. Patel
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ruba Mateen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, Olympia Fields, IL 60461, USA
| | - Noor Qaddour
- Department of Internal Medicine, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, USA
| | - Alessandra Carrillo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, Olympia Fields, IL 60461, USA
| | - Claire Verschraegen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yuanquan Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Debasish Sundi
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Amir Mortazavi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Katharine A. Collier
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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7
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Li K, Qi L, Tang G, Xu H, Li Z, Fan B, Li Z, Li Y. Epigenetic Regulation in Urothelial Carcinoma. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:85-97. [PMID: 36545729 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666221221094432] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a common malignancy that remains a clinical challenge: Non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (NMIUC) has a high rate of recurrence and risk of progression, while muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (MIUC) has a high mortality. Although some new treatments, such as immunotherapies, have shown potential effects on some patients, most cases of advanced UC remain incurable. While treatments based on epigenetic mechanisms, whether combined with traditional platinum-based chemotherapy or emerging immunotherapy, show therapeutic advantages. With the advancement of sequencing and bioinformatics, the study of epigenomics, containing DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA, is increasingly linked with the occurrence and progression of UC. Since the epigenetics of UC is a constantly developing field of medicine, this review aims to summarize the latest research on epigenetic regulation of UC, generalize the mechanism of epigenetics in UC, and reveal the potential epigenetic therapies in the clinical setting, in order to provide some new clues on the discovery of new drugs based on the epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Qi
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guyu Tang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haozhe Xu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Fan
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongbei Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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8
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Lodewijk I, Dueñas M, Paramio JM, Rubio C. CD44v6, STn & O-GD2: promising tumor associated antigens paving the way for new targeted cancer therapies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1272681. [PMID: 37854601 PMCID: PMC10579806 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1272681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies are the state of the art in oncology today, and every year new Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are developed for preclinical research and clinical trials, but few of them really change the therapeutic scenario. Difficulties, either to find antigens that are solely expressed in tumors or the generation of good binders to these antigens, represent a major bottleneck. Specialized cellular mechanisms, such as differential splicing and glycosylation processes, are a good source of neo-antigen expression. Changes in these processes generate surface proteins that, instead of showing decreased or increased antigen expression driven by enhanced mRNA processing, are aberrant in nature and therefore more specific targets to elicit a precise anti-tumor therapy. Here, we present promising TAAs demonstrated to be potential targets for cancer monitoring, targeted therapy and the generation of new immunotherapy tools, such as recombinant antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell (CAR-T) or Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered Natural Killer (CAR-NK) for specific tumor killing, in a wide variety of tumor types. Specifically, this review is a detailed update on TAAs CD44v6, STn and O-GD2, describing their origin as well as their current and potential use as disease biomarker and therapeutic target in a diversity of tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Lodewijk
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology-CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Dueñas
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology-CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesus M. Paramio
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology-CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Rubio
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology-CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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Frerichs LM, Frerichs B, Petzsch P, Köhrer K, Windolf J, Bittersohl B, Hoffmann MJ, Grotheer V. Tumorigenic effects of human mesenchymal stromal cells and fibroblasts on bladder cancer cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1228185. [PMID: 37781195 PMCID: PMC10534007 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1228185] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer face a poor prognosis due to rapid disease progression and chemoresistance. Thus, there is an urgent need for a new therapeutic treatment. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has crucial roles in tumor development, growth, progression, and therapy resistance. TME cells may also survive standard treatment of care and fire up disease recurrence. However, whether specific TME components have tumor-promoting or tumor-inhibitory properties depends on cell type and cancer entity. Thus, a deeper understanding of the interaction mechanisms between the TME and cancer cells is needed to develop new cancer treatment approaches that overcome therapy resistance. Little is known about the function and interaction between mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) or fibroblasts (FB) as TME components and bladder cancer cells. Methods We investigated the functional impact of conditioned media (CM) from primary cultures of different donors of MSC or FB on urothelial carcinoma cell lines (UCC) representing advanced disease stages, namely, BFTC-905, VMCUB-1, and UMUC-3. Underlying mechanisms were identified by RNA sequencing and protein analyses of cancer cells and of conditioned media by oncoarrays. Results Both FB- and MSC-CM had tumor-promoting effects on UCC. In some experiments, the impact of MSC-CM was more pronounced. CM augmented the aggressive phenotype of UCC, particularly of those with epithelial phenotype. Proliferation and migratory and invasive capacity were significantly increased; cisplatin sensitivity was reduced. RNA sequencing identified underlying mechanisms and molecules contributing to the observed phenotype changes. NRF2 and NF-κB signaling was affected, contributing to improved cisplatin detoxification. Likewise, interferon type I signaling was downregulated and regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) were increased. Altered protein abundance of CXCR4, hyaluronan receptor CD44, or TGFβ-signaling was induced by CM in cancer cells and may contribute to phenotypical changes. CM contained high levels of CCL2/MCP-1, MMPs, and interleukins which are well known for their impact on other cancer entities. Conclusions The CM of two different TME components had overlapping tumor-promoting effects and increased chemoresistance. We identified underlying mechanisms and molecules contributing to the aggressiveness of bladder cancer cells. These need to be further investigated for targeting the TME to improve cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie M. Frerichs
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bastian Frerichs
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Windolf
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bernd Bittersohl
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michèle J. Hoffmann
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Grotheer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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10
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Wang Z, Zhao C, Li Y, Wang J, Hou D, Wang L, Wang Y, Wang X, Liu X, Wang H, Xu W. Photostable Cascade-Activatable Peptide Self-Assembly on a Cancer Cell Membrane for High-Performance Identification of Human Bladder Cancer. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2210732. [PMID: 37172955 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Missed or residual tumor burden results in high risk for bladder cancer relapse. However, existing fluorescent probes cannot meet the clinical needs because of inevitable photobleaching properties. Performance can be improved by maintaining intensive and sustained fluorescence signals via resistance to intraoperative saline flushing and intrinsic fluorescent decay, providing surgeons with sufficiently clear and high-contrast surgical fields, avoiding residual tumors or missed diagnosis. This study designs and synthesizes a photostable cascade-activatable peptide, a target reaction-induced aggregation peptide (TRAP) system, which can construct polypeptide-based nanofibers in situ on the cell membrane to achieve long-term and stable imaging of bladder cancer. The probe has two parts: a target peptide (TP) targets CD44v6 to recognize bladder cancer cells, and a reaction-induced aggregation peptide (RAP) is introduced, which effectively reacts with the TP via a click reaction to enhance the hydrophobicity of the whole molecule, assembling into nanofibers and further nanonetworks. Accordingly, probe retention on the cell membrane is prolonged, and photostability is significantly improved. Finally, the TRAP system is successfully employed in the high-performance identification of human bladder cancer in ex vivo bladder tumor tissues. This cascade-activatable peptide molecular probe based on the TRAP system enables efficient and stable imaging of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Wang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Changhao Zhao
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yaowei Li
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Dayong Hou
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Urology, the Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yueze Wang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xunwei Wang
- Department of Urology, the Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Wanhai Xu
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
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11
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Raftery MJ, Franzén AS, Radecke C, Boulifa A, Schönrich G, Stintzing S, Blohmer JU, Pecher G. Next Generation CD44v6-Specific CAR-NK Cells Effective against Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109038. [PMID: 37240385 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a medical need to develop new and effective therapies against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells are a promising alternative to CAR-T cell therapy for cancer. A search for a suitable target in TNBC identified CD44v6, an adhesion molecule expressed in lymphomas, leukemias and solid tumors that is implicated in tumorigenesis and metastases. We have developed a next-generation CAR targeting CD44v6 that incorporates IL-15 superagonist and checkpoint inhibitor molecules. We could show that CD44v6 CAR-NK cells demonstrated effective cytotoxicity against TNBC in 3D spheroid models. The IL-15 superagonist was specifically released upon recognition of CD44v6 on TNBC and contributed to the cytotoxic attack. PD1 ligands are upregulated in TNBC and contribute to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Competitive inhibition of PD1 neutralized inhibition by PD1 ligands expressed on TNBC. In total, CD44v6 CAR-NK cells are resistant to TME immunosuppression and offer a new therapeutic option for the treatment of BC, including TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Raftery
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Clarissa Radecke
- Onkologie und Tumorimmunologie, CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m. S. Hämatologie, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Abdelhadi Boulifa
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Günther Schönrich
- Institute of Virology, CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Stintzing
- Onkologie und Tumorimmunologie, CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m. S. Hämatologie, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens-Uwe Blohmer
- Department of Gynecology and Breast Cancer Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriele Pecher
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Onkologie und Tumorimmunologie, CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m. S. Hämatologie, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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12
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Liu WJ, Zhao Y, Chen X, Miao ML, Zhang RQ. Epigenetic modifications in esophageal cancer: An evolving biomarker. Front Genet 2023; 13:1087479. [PMID: 36704345 PMCID: PMC9871503 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1087479] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is a widespread cancer of the digestive system that has two main subtypes: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA). In the diverse range of cancer therapy schemes, the side effects of conventional treatments remain an urgent challenge to be addressed. Therefore, the pursuit of novel drugs with multiple targets, good efficacy, low side effects, and low cost has become a hot research topic in anticancer therapy. Based on this, epigenetics offers an attractive target for the treatment of esophageal cancer, where major mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA regulation, chromatin remodelling and nucleosome localization offer new opportunities for the prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer. Recently, research on epigenetics has remained at a high level of enthusiasm, focusing mainly on translating the basic research into the clinical setting and transforming epigenetic alterations into targets for cancer screening and detection in the clinic. With the increasing emergence of tumour epigenetic markers and antitumor epigenetic drugs, there are also more possibilities for anti-esophageal cancer treatment. This paper focuses on esophageal cancer and epigenetic modifications, with the aim of unravelling the close link between them to facilitate precise and personalized treatment of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xu Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Man-Li Miao
- School of Basic Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ren-Quan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China,*Correspondence: Ren-Quan Zhang,
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13
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Tang L, Kong Y, Wang H, Zou P, Sun T, Liu Y, Zhang J, Jin N, Mao H, Zhu X, Wang J, Meng F, You Y. Demethylating therapy increases cytotoxicity of CD44v6 CAR-T cells against acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1145441. [PMID: 37180104 PMCID: PMC10174291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1145441] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background CD44v6 chimeric antigen receptor T (CD44v6 CAR-T) cells demonstrate strong anti-tumor ability and safety in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the expression of CD44v6 on T cells leads to transient fratricide and exhaustion of CD44v6 CAR-T cells, which affect the application of CD44v6 CAR-T. The exhaustion and function of T cells and CD44v6 expression of AML cells are associated with DNA methylation. Hypomethylating agents (HAMs) decitabine (Dec) and azacitidine (Aza) have been widely used to treat AML. Therefore, there may be synergy between CD44v6 CAR-T cells and HAMs in the treatment of AML. Methods CD44v6 CAR-T cells pretreated with Dec or Aza were co-cultured with CD44v6+ AML cells. Dec or aza pretreated AML cells were co-cultured with CD44v6 CAR-T cells. The cytotoxicity, exhaustion, differentiation and transduction efficiency of CAR-T cells, and CD44v6 expression and apoptosis in AML cells were detected by flow cytometry. The subcutaneous tumor models were used to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of CD44v6 CAR-T cells combined with Dec in vivo. The effects of Dec or Aza on gene expression profile of CD44v6 CAR-T cells were analyzed by RNA-seq. Results Our results revealed that Dec and Aza improved the function of CD44v6 CAR-T cells through increasing the absolute output of CAR+ cells and persistence, promoting activation and memory phenotype of CD44v6 CAR-T cells, and Dec had a more pronounced effect. Dec and Aza promoted the apoptosis of AML cells, particularly with DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) mutation. Dec and Aza also enhanced the CD44v6 CAR-T response to AML by upregulating CD44v6 expression of AML cells regardless of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) or DNMT3A mutations. The combination of Dec or Aza pretreated CD44v6 CAR-T with pretreated AML cells demonstrated the most potent anti-tumor ability against AML. Conclusion Dec or Aza in combination with CD44v6 CAR-T cells is a promising combination therapy for AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingjie Kong
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haobing Wang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Zou
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of R&D, Wuhan Biological Sample Bank Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of R&D, Wuhan Biological Sample Bank Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Na Jin
- Department of Oncology, The First People’s Hospital of Jiangxia District, Wuhan City and Union Jiangnan Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanwen Mao
- Oncology Department, Wuhan Dongxihu District People’s Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Fankai Meng, ; Jue Wang, ; Yong You,
| | - Fankai Meng
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Fankai Meng, ; Jue Wang, ; Yong You,
| | - Yong You
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Fankai Meng, ; Jue Wang, ; Yong You,
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14
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Meneceur S, Grunewald CM, Niegisch G, Hoffmann MJ. Epigenetic Priming and Development of New Combination Therapy Approaches. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2684:259-281. [PMID: 37410240 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3291-8_16] [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: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (MIBC) has been treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy for over 30 years. With the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibody drug conjugates and FGFR3 inhibitors new therapeutic options have been approved for patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) and are still under investigation regarding association between patients' response and recently defined molecular subtypes. Unfortunately, similar to chemotherapy, only a fraction of UC patients responds to these new treatment approaches. Thus, either further new efficacious therapeutic options for treatment of individual subtypes or new approaches to overcome treatment resistance and to increase patients' response to standard of care treatment are needed.Epigenetic modifications of DNA and chromatin are known to mediate cellular plasticity or treatment resistance, and the responsible epigenetic regulators are frequently mutated or aberrantly expressed in UC. Thus, these enzymes provide targets for novel drug combination therapies to "episensitize" toward approved standard therapies by epigenetic priming. In general, these epigenetic regulators comprise writers and erasers like DNA methyltransferases and DNA demethylases (for DNA methylation), histone methyltransferases and histone demethylases (for histone methylation), as well as acetyl transferases and histone deacetylases (for histone and nonhistone acetylation). Such modifications, e.g., acetyl groups, are recognized by further epigenetic reader proteins, e.g., like the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family proteins that often interact in multi-protein complexes and finally regulate chromatin conformation and transcriptional activity.Concurringly, epigenetic regulators target a plethora of cellular functions. Their pharmaceutical inhibitors often inhibit enzymatic activity of more than one isoenzyme or may have further noncanonical cytotoxic effects. Thus, analysis of their functions in UC pathogenesis as well as of the antineoplastic capacity of corresponding inhibitors alone or in combination with other approved drugs should follow a multidimensional approach. Here, we present our standard approach to analyze cellular effects of new epigenetic inhibitors on UC cells alone to define their potency and to conclude on putative reasonable combination therapy partners. We further describe our approach to identify efficacious synergistic combination therapies (e.g., with cisplatin or PARP inhibitors) that may have reduced normal toxicity through dose reduction, which can then be further analyzed in animal experiments. This approach may also serve as prototype for the preclinical evaluation of other epigenetic treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Meneceur
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Camilla M Grunewald
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Günter Niegisch
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Michèle J Hoffmann
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany.
- German Study Group of Bladder Cancer (DFBK e.V.), Munich, Germany.
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15
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Targeted Epigenetic Interventions in Cancer with an Emphasis on Pediatric Malignancies. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010061. [PMID: 36671446 PMCID: PMC9855367 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010061] [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: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, novel hallmarks of cancer have been described, including the altered epigenetic landscape of malignant diseases. In addition to the methylation and hyd-roxymethylation of DNA, numerous novel forms of histone modifications and nucleosome remodeling have been discovered, giving rise to a wide variety of targeted therapeutic interventions. DNA hypomethylating drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors and agents targeting histone methylation machinery are of distinguished clinical significance. The major focus of this review is placed on targeted epigenetic interventions in the most common pediatric malignancies, including acute leukemias, brain and kidney tumors, neuroblastoma and soft tissue sarcomas. Upcoming novel challenges include specificity and potential undesirable side effects. Different epigenetic patterns of pediatric and adult cancers should be noted. Biological significance of epigenetic alterations highly depends on the tissue microenvironment and widespread interactions. An individualized treatment approach requires detailed genetic, epigenetic and metabolomic evaluation of cancer. Advances in molecular technologies and clinical translation may contribute to the development of novel pediatric anticancer treatment strategies, aiming for improved survival and better patient quality of life.
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16
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Bister A, Ibach T, Haist C, Gerhorst G, Smorra D, Soldierer M, Roellecke K, Wagenmann M, Scheckenbach K, Gattermann N, Wiek C, Hanenberg H. Optimized NGFR-derived hinges for rapid and efficient enrichment and detection of CAR T cells in vitro and in vivo. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 26:120-134. [PMID: 35795096 PMCID: PMC9240717 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.05.012] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated unprecedented success with high remission rates for heavily pretreated patients with hematological malignancies. The hinge connecting the extracellular antigen recognition unit to the transmembrane domain provides the length and flexibility of the CAR constructs and ensures that the CAR can reach the target antigen and mediate recognition and killing of target cells. The hinge can also include specific amino acid sequences to improve CAR expression, influence T cell proliferation, and facilitate CAR T cell detection, enrichment, and even elimination. Here, we report the generation of two novel hinge domains derived from the low-affinity p75 chain of the human nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), termed N3 and N4, which, when incorporated into the CAR backbone, allow detection as well as high-grade enrichment of CAR T cells with GMP-compatible immunomagnetic reagents. After optimizing the MACS protocol for excellent CAR T cell purity and yield, we demonstrated that N3- and N4-hinged CAR T cells are as efficacious as their CD8-hinged counterparts in vitro against hematological blasts and also in vivo in the control of acute monocytic leukemia in an immunodeficient mouse xenograft model. Thus, both hinges could potentially be an integral part of future CAR designs and universally applicable in clinical applications.
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17
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Zhang Z, Li D, Yun H, Liu W, Chai K, Tong J, Zeng T, Gao Z, Xie Y. CAR-T Cells in the Treatment of Urologic Neoplasms: Present and Future. Front Oncol 2022; 12:915171. [PMID: 35860578 PMCID: PMC9292130 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.915171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, with the breakthrough of CAR-T cells in the treatment of hematological tumors, they are increasingly being used to treat solid tumors, including urologic neoplasms. There are many relatively specific targets for urologic neoplasms, especially prostate cancer. Besides, urologic neoplasms tend to progress more slowly than tumors in other organs of the body, providing ample time for CAR-T cell application. Therefore, CAR-T cells technology has inherent advantages in urologic neoplasms. CAR-T cells in the treatment of urologic neoplasms have been extensively studied and preliminary achievements have been made. However, no breakthrough has been made due to the problems of targeting extra-tumor cytotoxicity and poor anti-tumor activity. we systematacially summarized the research actuality of CAR-T cells in urologic neoplasms, discussed the potential value and difficulties of the research. The application of CAR-T cells in the treatment of urologic neoplasms requires improvement of function through screening for better targets, modification of CAR structures, or in combination with other antitumor approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchao Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, China
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, China
| | - Heng Yun
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, China
| | - Keqiang Chai
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, China
| | - Jie Tong
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, China
| | - Tongwei Zeng
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, China
| | - Zhenghua Gao
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, China
- *Correspondence: Yongqiang Xie, ; Zhenghua Gao,
| | - Yongqiang Xie
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, China
- *Correspondence: Yongqiang Xie, ; Zhenghua Gao,
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18
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Soldierer M, Bister A, Haist C, Thivakaran A, Cengiz SC, Sendker S, Bartels N, Thomitzek A, Smorra D, Hejazi M, Uhrberg M, Scheckenbach K, Monzel C, Wiek C, Reinhardt D, Niktoreh N, Hanenberg H. Genetic Engineering and Enrichment of Human NK Cells for CAR-Enhanced Immunotherapy of Hematological Malignancies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:847008. [PMID: 35464442 PMCID: PMC9022481 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.847008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The great clinical success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has unlocked new levels of immunotherapy for hematological malignancies. Genetically modifying natural killer (NK) cells as alternative CAR immune effector cells is also highly promising, as NK cells can be transplanted across HLA barriers without causing graft-versus-host disease. Therefore, off-the-shelf usage of CAR NK cell products might allow to widely expand the clinical indications and to limit the costs of treatment per patient. However, in contrast to T cells, manufacturing suitable CAR NK cell products is challenging, as standard techniques for genetically engineering NK cells are still being defined. In this study, we have established optimal lentiviral transduction of primary human NK cells by systematically testing different internal promoters for lentiviral CAR vectors and comparing lentiviral pseudotypes and viral entry enhancers. We have additionally modified CAR constructs recognizing standard target antigens for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy—CD19, CD33, and CD123—to harbor a CD34-derived hinge region that allows efficient detection of transduced NK cells in vitro and in vivo and also facilitates CD34 microbead-assisted selection of CAR NK cell products to >95% purity for potential clinical usage. Importantly, as most leukemic blasts are a priori immunogenic for activated primary human NK cells, we developed an in vitro system that blocks the activating receptors NKG2D, DNAM-1, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, and NKp80 on these cells and therefore allows systematic testing of the specific killing of CAR NK cells against ALL and AML cell lines and primary AML blasts. Finally, we evaluated in an ALL xenotransplantation model in NOD/SCID-gamma (NSG) mice whether human CD19 CAR NK cells directed against the CD19+ blasts are relying on soluble or membrane-bound IL15 production for NK cell persistence and also in vivo leukemia control. Hence, our study provides important insights into the generation of pure and highly active allogeneic CAR NK cells, thereby advancing adoptive cellular immunotherapy with CAR NK cells for human malignancies further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Soldierer
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Arthur Bister
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Corinna Haist
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Aniththa Thivakaran
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sevgi Can Cengiz
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Sendker
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nina Bartels
- Department of Experimental Medical Physics, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Antonia Thomitzek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Denise Smorra
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Maryam Hejazi
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Markus Uhrberg
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kathrin Scheckenbach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Cornelia Monzel
- Department of Experimental Medical Physics, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Constanze Wiek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dirk Reinhardt
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Naghmeh Niktoreh
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Helmut Hanenberg
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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19
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Bister A, Ibach T, Haist C, Smorra D, Roellecke K, Wagenmann M, Scheckenbach K, Gattermann N, Wiek C, Hanenberg H. A novel CD34-derived hinge for rapid and efficient detection and enrichment of CAR T cells. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 23:534-546. [PMID: 34901395 PMCID: PMC8640169 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has revolutionized modern cancer therapy and has achieved remarkable remission and survival rates for several malignancies with historically dismal outcomes. The hinge of the CAR connects the antigen binding to the transmembrane domain and can be exploited to confer features to CAR T cells including additional stimulation, targeted elimination or detection and enrichment of the genetically modified cells. For establishing a novel hinge derived from human CD34, we systematically tested CD34 fragments of different lengths, all containing the binding site of the QBend-10 monoclonal antibody, in a FMC63-based CD19 CAR lentiviral construct. A final construct of 99 amino acids called C6 proved to be the best candidate for flow cytometry-based detection of CAR T cells and >95% enrichment of genetically modified T cells on MACS columns. The C6 hinge was functionally indistinguishable from the commonly used CD8α hinge in vitro as well as in in vivo experiments in NSG mice. We also showed that the C6 hinge can be used for a variety of different CARs and mediates high killing efficacy without unspecific activation by target antigen-negative cells, thus making C6 ideally suited as a universal hinge for CARs for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Bister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Tabea Ibach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Corinna Haist
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Denise Smorra
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Katharina Roellecke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Martin Wagenmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kathrin Scheckenbach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Norbert Gattermann
- Department of Hematology, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Constanze Wiek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helmut Hanenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
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