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Tang P, Shen X, Gao J, Zhang J, Feng Y, Zhang J, Huang Z, Wang X. Distinct characteristics of BTLA/HVEM axis expression on Tregs and its impact on the expansion and attributes of Tregs in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1437207. [PMID: 39386167 PMCID: PMC11461443 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1437207] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases. Understanding PTB immunity is of potential value for exploring immunotherapy for treating chemotherapy-resistant PTB. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key players that impair immune responses to Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTB). Currently, the intrinsic factors governing Treg expansion and influencing the immunosuppressive attributes of Tregs in PTB patients are far from clear. Methods Here, we employed flow cytometry to determine the frequency of Tregs and the expression of B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and its ligand, herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), on Tregs in patients with active PTB. Furthermore, the expression of conventional T cells and of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) on Tregs in patients with active PTB was determined. We then examined the characteristics of BTLA/HVEM expression and its correlation with Treg frequency and PD-L1 and PD-1 expression on Tregs in PTB patients. Results The frequency of Tregs was increased in PTB patients and it had a relevance to PTB progression. Intriguingly, the axis of cosignal molecules, BTLA and HVEM, were both downregulated on the Tregs of PTB patients compared with healthy controls (HCs), which was the opposite of their upregulation on conventional T cells. Unexpectedly, their expression levels were positively correlated with the frequency of Tregs, respectively. These seemingly contradictory results may be interpreted as follows: the downregulation of BTLA and HVEM may alleviate BTLA/HVEM cis-interaction-mediated coinhibitory signals pressing on naïve Tregs, helping their activation, while the BTLA/HVEM axis on effector Tregs induces a costimulatory signal, promoting their expansion. Certainly, the mechanism underlying such complex effects remains to be explored. Additionally, PD-L1 and PD-1, regarded as two of the markers characterizing the immunosuppressive attributes and differentiation potential of Tregs, were upregulated on the Tregs of PTB patients. Further analysis revealed that the expression levels of BTLA and HVEM were positively correlated with the frequency of PD-1+Tregs and PD-L1+Tregs, respectively. Conclusion Our study illuminated distinct characteristics of BTLA/HVEM axis expression on Tregs and uncovered its impact on the expansion and attributes of Tregs in patients with active PTB. Therefore, blockade of the BTLA/HVEM axis may be a promising potential pathway to reduce Treg expansion for the improvement of anti-MTB immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijun Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, The Affiliated Infectious Disease Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinghua Shen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, The Affiliated Infectious Disease Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianling Gao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, The Affiliated Infectious Disease Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanjun Feng
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, The Affiliated Infectious Disease Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ziyi Huang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Tumor Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Arifin MZ, Leitner J, Egan D, Waidhofer-Söllner P, Kolch W, Zhernovkov V, Steinberger P. BTLA and PD-1 signals attenuate TCR-mediated transcriptomic changes. iScience 2024; 27:110253. [PMID: 39021788 PMCID: PMC11253514 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110253] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell co-inhibitory immune checkpoints, such as PD-1 or BTLA, are bona fide targets in cancer therapy. We used a human T cell reporter line to measure transcriptomic changes mediated by PD-1- and BTLA-induced signaling. T cell receptor (TCR)-complex stimulation resulted in the upregulation of a large number of genes but also in repression of a similar number of genes. PD-1 and BTLA signals attenuated transcriptomic changes mediated by TCR-complex signaling: upregulated genes tended to be suppressed and the expression of a significant number of downregulated genes was higher during PD-1 or BTLA signaling. BTLA was a significantly stronger attenuator of TCR-complex-induced transcriptome changes than PD-1. A strong overlap between genes that were regulated indicated quantitative rather than qualitative differences between these receptors. In line with their function as attenuators of TCR-complex-mediated changes, we found strongly regulated genes to be prime targets of PD-1 and BTLA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zainul Arifin
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Judith Leitner
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Donagh Egan
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Petra Waidhofer-Söllner
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Vadim Zhernovkov
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Wojciechowicz K, Kuncewicz K, Rutkowski J, Jassem J, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S, Wardowska A, Spodzieja M. Targeting BTLA with the peptide inhibitor HVEM(14-39) - A new way to restore the activity of T cells in melanoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116675. [PMID: 38733770 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116675] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex of B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) plays a critical role in immune regulation and has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the potential of the peptide inhibitor HVEM(14-39) to restore peripheral T cell activity in patients with advanced melanoma. In these patients, CD8+ T cells downregulated BTLA expression and increased HVEM expression upon activation. The addition of HVEM(14-39) reduced the percentage of BTLA+ CD8+ T cells and increased the subpopulation of HVEM+ CD8+ T cells. Additionally, HVEM(14-39) enhanced T cell activation, proliferation, and the shift toward effector memory T cell subpopulations. Finally, this peptide affected the proliferation rate and late apoptosis of melanoma cell line in co-culture with T cells. These findings suggest that HVEM(14-39) can overcome T cell exhaustion and improve antitumor responses. Peptide-based immunotherapy targeting the BTLA-HVEM complex offers a promising alternative to monoclonal antibody-based therapies, with the potential for fewer side effects and higher treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wojciechowicz
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Rutkowski
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Jassem
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Anna Wardowska
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Marta Spodzieja
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Poland.
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4
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Guruprasad P, Carturan A, Zhang Y, Cho JH, Kumashie KG, Patel RP, Kim KH, Lee JS, Lee Y, Kim JH, Chung J, Joshi A, Cohen I, Shestov M, Ghilardi G, Harris J, Pajarillo R, Angelos M, Lee YG, Liu S, Rodriguez J, Wang M, Ballard HJ, Gupta A, Ugwuanyi OH, Hong SJA, Bochi-Layec AC, Sauter CT, Chen L, Paruzzo L, Kammerman S, Shestova O, Liu D, Vella LA, Schuster SJ, Svoboda J, Porazzi P, Ruella M. The BTLA-HVEM axis restricts CAR T cell efficacy in cancer. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:1020-1032. [PMID: 38831106 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01847-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The efficacy of T cell-based immunotherapies is limited by immunosuppressive pressures in the tumor microenvironment. Here we show a predominant role for the interaction between BTLA on effector T cells and HVEM (TNFRSF14) on immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment cells, namely regulatory T cells. High BTLA expression in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells correlated with poor clinical response to treatment. Therefore, we deleted BTLA in CAR T cells and show improved tumor control and persistence in models of lymphoma and solid malignancies. Mechanistically, BTLA inhibits CAR T cells via recruitment of tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2, upon trans engagement with HVEM. BTLA knockout thus promotes CAR signaling and subsequently enhances effector function. Overall, these data indicate that the BTLA-HVEM axis is a crucial immune checkpoint in CAR T cell immunotherapy and warrants the use of strategies to overcome this barrier.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Mice
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Mice, Knockout
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Member 14/metabolism
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Member 14/immunology
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Member 14/genetics
- Signal Transduction
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneeth Guruprasad
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alberto Carturan
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yunlin Zhang
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jong Hyun Cho
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | - Ruchi P Patel
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ki-Hyun Kim
- R&D Center, AbClon Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Seo Lee
- R&D Center, AbClon Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Lee
- R&D Center, AbClon Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Junho Chung
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Akshita Joshi
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ivan Cohen
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maksim Shestov
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Guido Ghilardi
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jaryse Harris
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Raymone Pajarillo
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mathew Angelos
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yong Gu Lee
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Shan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jesse Rodriguez
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael Wang
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hatcher J Ballard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aasha Gupta
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ositadimma H Ugwuanyi
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Seok Jae Albert Hong
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Audrey C Bochi-Layec
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher T Sauter
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Linhui Chen
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Luca Paruzzo
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shane Kammerman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Olga Shestova
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dongfang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Laura A Vella
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen J Schuster
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jakub Svoboda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Patrizia Porazzi
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marco Ruella
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Wojciechowicz K, Kuncewicz K, Rutkowski J, Jassem J, Wardowska A, Spodzieja M. The effect of gD-derived peptides on T cell immune response mediated by BTLA-HVEM protein complex in melanoma patients. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1362152. [PMID: 38835768 PMCID: PMC11148245 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362152] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The effector function of T cells is regulated via immune checkpoints, activating or inhibiting the immune response. The BTLA-HVEM complex, the inhibitory immune checkpoint, may act as one of the tumor immune escape mechanisms. Therefore, interfering with the binding of these proteins can prove beneficial in cancer treatment. Our study focused on peptides interacting with HVEM at the same place as BTLA, thus disrupting the BTLA-HVEM interaction. These peptides' structure and amino acid sequences are based on the gD protein, the ligand of HVEM. Here, we investigated their immunomodulatory potential in melanoma patients. Methods Flow cytometry analyses of activation, proliferation, and apoptosis of T cells from patients were performed. Additionally, we evaluated changes within the T cell memory compartment. Results The most promising compound - Pep(2), increased the percentages of activated T cells and promoted their proliferation. Additionally, this peptide affected the proliferation rate and apoptosis of melanoma cell line in co-culture with T cells. Discussion We conclude that the examined peptide may act as a booster for the immune system. Moreover, the adjuvant and activating properties of the gD-derived peptide could be used in a combinatory therapy with currently used ICI-based treatment. Our studies also demonstrate that even slight differences in the amino acid sequence of peptides and any changes in the position of the disulfide bond can strongly affect the immunomodulatory properties of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wojciechowicz
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Rutkowski
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Jassem
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Wardowska
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marta Spodzieja
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Mélique S, Vadel A, Rouquié N, Yang C, Bories C, Cotineau C, Saoudi A, Fazilleau N, Lesourne R. THEMIS promotes T cell development and maintenance by rising the signaling threshold of the inhibitory receptor BTLA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318773121. [PMID: 38713628 PMCID: PMC11098085 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318773121] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The current paradigm about the function of T cell immune checkpoints is that these receptors switch on inhibitory signals upon cognate ligand interaction. We here revisit this simple switch model and provide evidence that the T cell lineage protein THEMIS enhances the signaling threshold at which the immune checkpoint BTLA (B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator) represses T cell responses. THEMIS is recruited to the cytoplasmic domain of BTLA and blocks its signaling capacity by promoting/stabilizing the oxidation of the catalytic cysteine of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. In contrast, THEMIS has no detectable effect on signaling pathways regulated by PD-1 (Programmed cell death protein 1), which depend mainly on the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2. BTLA inhibitory signaling is tuned according to the THEMIS expression level, making CD8+ T cells more resistant to BTLA-mediated inhibition than CD4+ T cells. In the absence of THEMIS, the signaling capacity of BTLA is exacerbated, which results in the attenuation of signals driven by the T cell antigen receptor and by receptors for IL-2 and IL-15, consequently hampering thymocyte positive selection and peripheral CD8+ T cell maintenance. By characterizing the pivotal role of THEMIS in restricting the transmission of BTLA signals, our study suggests that immune checkpoint operability is conditioned by intracellular signal attenuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Mélique
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse31024, France
| | - Aurélie Vadel
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse31024, France
| | - Nelly Rouquié
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse31024, France
| | - Cui Yang
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse31024, France
| | - Cyrielle Bories
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse31024, France
| | - Coline Cotineau
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse31024, France
| | - Abdelhadi Saoudi
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse31024, France
| | - Nicolas Fazilleau
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse31024, France
| | - Renaud Lesourne
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse31024, France
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7
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Wojciechowicz K, Spodzieja M, Wardowska A. The BTLA-HVEM complex - The future of cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116231. [PMID: 38387336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116231] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The BTLA-HVEM complex plays a pivotal role in cancer and cancer immunotherapy by regulating immune responses. Dysregulation of BTLA and HVEM expression contributes to immunosuppression and tumor progression across various cancer types. Targeting the interaction between BTLA and HVEM holds promise for enhancing anti-tumor immune responses. Disruption of this complex presents a valuable avenue for advancing cancer immunotherapy strategies. Aberrant expression of BTLA and HVEM adversely affects immune cell function, particularly T cells, exacerbating tumor evasion mechanisms. Understanding and modulating the BTLA-HVEM axis represents a crucial aspect of designing effective immunotherapeutic interventions against cancer. Here, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the structure and function of BTLA and HVEM, along with their interaction with each other and various immune partners. Moreover, the expression of soluble and transmembrane forms of BTLA and HVEM in different types of cancer and their impact on the prognosis of patients is also discussed. Additionally, inhibitors of the proteins binding that might be used to block BTLA-HVEM interaction are reviewed. All the presented data highlight the plausible clinical application of BTLA-HVEM targeted therapies in cancer and autoimmune disease management. However, further studies are required to confirm the practical use of this concept. Despite the increasing number of reports on the BTLA-HVEM complex, many aspects of its biology and function still need to be elucidated. This review can be regarded as an encouragement and a guide to follow the path of BTLA-HVEM research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wojciechowicz
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Marta Spodzieja
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Wardowska
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland.
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Wojciechowicz K, Kuncewicz K, Lisowska KA, Wardowska A, Spodzieja M. Peptides targeting the BTLA-HVEM complex can modulate T cell immune response. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 193:106677. [PMID: 38128840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoints secure the proper function of the immune system and the maintenance of the BTLA-HVEM complex, an inhibitory immune checkpoint, is one of the pathways vital for T cell responsiveness to various stimuli. The present study reports the immunomodulatory potential of five peptides targeting the BTLA-HVEM complex on the activity of human T cells. Isolated T cells were exposed to the peptides alone or combined with CD3/CD28 mAb for 72 h or 120 h. The flow cytometry was used to evaluate the activation markers (CD69, CD62L, CD25), changes within the T cell memory compartment, proliferation rate, and apoptosis of T cells. The immunomodulatory effect of the peptides was visible as an increase in the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD69 or CD25, a boost in T cell proliferation, and shifts in the T cell memory compartment. Pep(2) and Pep(5) were the most promising compounds, displaying a putative immune-restoring function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wojciechowicz
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna A Lisowska
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Wardowska
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Marta Spodzieja
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Poland.
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9
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Andrzejczak A, Karabon L. BTLA biology in cancer: from bench discoveries to clinical potentials. Biomark Res 2024; 12:8. [PMID: 38233898 PMCID: PMC10795259 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00556-2] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints play a critical role in maintaining the delicate balance of immune activation in order to prevent potential harm caused by excessive activation, autoimmunity, or tissue damage. B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is one of crucial checkpoint, regulating stimulatory and inhibitory signals in immune responses. Its interaction with the herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) plays an essential role in negatively regulating immune responses, thereby preserving immune homeostasis. In cancer, abnormal cells evade immune surveillance by exploiting checkpoints like BTLA. Upregulated BTLA expression is linked to impaired anti-tumor immunity and unfavorable disease outcomes. In preclinical studies, BTLA-targeted therapies have shown improved treatment outcomes and enhanced antitumor immunity. This review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of BTLA's biology, its role in various cancers, and its potential as a prognostic factor. Additionally, it explores the latest research on BTLA blockade in cancer immunotherapy, offering hope for more effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Andrzejczak
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Karabon
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
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10
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Funk MA, Leitner J, Gerner MC, Hammerler JM, Salzer B, Lehner M, Battin C, Gumpelmair S, Stiasny K, Grabmeier-Pfistershammer K, Steinberger P. Interrogating ligand-receptor interactions using highly sensitive cellular biosensors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7804. [PMID: 38016944 PMCID: PMC10684770 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43589-1] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions of membrane-resident proteins are important targets for therapeutic interventions but most methods to study them are either costly, laborious or fail to reflect the physiologic interaction of membrane resident proteins in trans. Here we describe highly sensitive cellular biosensors as a tool to study receptor-ligand pairs. They consist of fluorescent reporter cells that express chimeric receptors harboring ectodomains of cell surface molecules and intracellular signaling domains. We show that a broad range of molecules can be integrated into this platform and we demonstrate its applicability to highly relevant research areas, including the characterization of immune checkpoints and the probing of cells for the presence of receptors or ligands. The platform is suitable to evaluate the interactions of viral proteins with host receptors and to test for neutralization capability of drugs or biological samples. Our results indicate that cellular biosensors have broad utility as a tool to study protein-interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian A Funk
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Division for Immune Receptors and T cell activation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Division for Immune Receptors and T cell activation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marlene C Gerner
- Division of Biomedical Science, University of Applied Sciences FH Campus Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin M Hammerler
- Division of Biomedical Science, University of Applied Sciences FH Campus Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Salzer
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Lehner
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claire Battin
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Division for Immune Receptors and T cell activation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Gumpelmair
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Division for Immune Receptors and T cell activation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Peter Steinberger
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Division for Immune Receptors and T cell activation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Aigner-Radakovics K, De Sousa Linhares A, Salzer B, Lehner M, Izadi S, Castilho A, Pickl WF, Leitner J, Steinberger P. The ligand-dependent suppression of TCR signaling by the immune checkpoint receptor LAG3 depends on the cytoplasmic RRFSALE motif. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadg2610. [PMID: 37788323 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg2610] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3) is an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor that restrains autoimmune and antitumor responses, but its evolutionarily conserved cytoplasmic tail lacks classical inhibitory motifs. Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC class II) is an established LAG3 ligand, and fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1), lymph node sinusoidal endothelial cell C-type lectin (LSECtin), and Galectin-3 have been proposed as alternative binding partners that play important roles in LAG3 function. Here, we used a fluorescent human T cell reporter system to study the function of LAG3. We found that LAG3 reduced the response to T cell receptor stimulation in the presence of MHC class II molecules to a lesser extent compared with the receptor programmed cell death protein 1. Analysis of deletion mutants demonstrated that the RRFSALE motif in the cytoplasmic tail of LAG3 was necessary and sufficient for LAG3-mediated inhibition. In this system, FGL1, but not LSECtin or Galectin-3, acted as a LAG3 ligand that weakly induced inhibition. LAG3-blocking antibodies attenuated LAG3-mediated inhibition in our reporter cells and enhanced reporter cell activation even in the absence of LAG3 ligands, indicating that they could potentially enhance T cell responses independently of their blocking effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Aigner-Radakovics
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annika De Sousa Linhares
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Salzer
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Lehner
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shiva Izadi
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology (IPBT), Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology (DAGZ), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Castilho
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology (IPBT), Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology (DAGZ), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F Pickl
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner University, Krems, Austria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Kuncewicz K, Bojko M, Battin C, Karczyńska A, Sieradzan A, Sikorska E, Węgrzyn K, Wojciechowicz K, Wardowska A, Steinberger P, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S, Spodzieja M. BTLA-derived peptides as inhibitors of BTLA/HVEM complex formation - design, synthesis and biological evaluation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115161. [PMID: 37473684 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints can be divided into co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules that regulate the activation and effector functions of T cells. The co-inhibitory pathways mediated by ICPs are used by cancer cells to escape from immune surveillance, and therefore the blockade of these receptor/ligand interactions is one of the strategies used in the treatment of cancer. The two main pathways currently under investigation are CTLA-4/CD80/CD86 and PD-1/PD-L1, and the monoclonal Abs targeting them have shown potent immunomodulatory effects and activity in clinical environments. Another interesting target in cancer treatment is the BTLA/HVEM complex. Binding of BTLA protein on T cells to HVEM on cancer cells leads to inhibition of T cell proliferation and cytokine production. In the presented work, we focused on blocking the HVEM protein using BTLA-derived peptides. Based on the crystal structure of the BTLA/HVEM complex and MM/GBSA analysis performed here, we designed and synthesized peptides, specifically fragments of BTLA protein. We subsequently checked the inhibitory capacities of these compounds using ELISA and a cellular reporter platform. Two of these peptides, namely BTLA(35-43) and BTLA(33-64)C58Abu displayed the most promising properties, and we therefore performed further studies to evaluate their affinity to HVEM protein, their stability in plasma and their effect on viability of human PBMCs. In addition, the 3D structure for the peptide BTLA(33-64)C58Abu was determined using NMR. Obtained data confirmed that the BTLA-derived peptides could be the basis for future drugs and their immunomodulatory potential merits further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bojko
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Claire Battin
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Immunology, Division of Immune Receptors and T cell Activation, Lazarettgasse 19, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Agnieszka Karczyńska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Adam Sieradzan
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Emilia Sikorska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- University of Gdańsk, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of the University of Gdańsk and the Medical University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Karolina Wojciechowicz
- Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Physiopathology, Dębinki 7, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Wardowska
- Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Physiopathology, Dębinki 7, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Immunology, Division of Immune Receptors and T cell Activation, Lazarettgasse 19, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Marta Spodzieja
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
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13
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Sordo-Bahamonde C, Lorenzo-Herrero S, Granda-Díaz R, Martínez-Pérez A, Aguilar-García C, Rodrigo JP, García-Pedrero JM, Gonzalez S. Beyond the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 era: promising role of the BTLA/HVEM axis as a future target for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:142. [PMID: 37649037 PMCID: PMC10466776 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01845-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent introduction of monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints to harness antitumor immunity has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape. The therapeutic success of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based therapies mainly relies on PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockade. However, the limited overall responses and lack of reliable predictive biomarkers of patient´s response are major pitfalls limiting immunotherapy success. Hence, this reflects the compelling need of unveiling novel targets for immunotherapy that allow to expand the spectrum of ICB-based strategies to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy and benefit for cancer patients. This review thoroughly dissects current molecular and functional knowledge of BTLA/HVEM axis and the future perspectives to become a target for cancer immunotherapy. BTLA/HVEM dysregulation is commonly found and linked to poor prognosis in solid and hematological malignancies. Moreover, circulating BTLA has been revealed as a blood-based predictive biomarker of immunotherapy response in various cancers. On this basis, BTLA/HVEM axis emerges as a novel promising target for cancer immunotherapy. This prompted rapid development and clinical testing of the anti-BTLA blocking antibody Tifcemalimab/icatolimab as the first BTLA-targeted therapy in various ongoing phase I clinical trials with encouraging results on preliminary efficacy and safety profile as monotherapy and combined with other anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the intricate signaling network constituted by BTLA/HVEM/CD160/LIGHT involved in immune response regulation, tumor development and tumor microenvironment could limit therapeutic success. Therefore, in-depth functional characterization in different cancer settings is highly recommended for adequate design and implementation of BTLA-targeted therapies to guarantee the best clinical outcomes to benefit cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sordo-Bahamonde
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Seila Lorenzo-Herrero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rocío Granda-Díaz
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Martínez-Pérez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Candelaria Aguilar-García
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan P Rodrigo
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juana M García-Pedrero
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.
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14
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Cheung TC, Atwell S, Bafetti L, Cuenca PD, Froning K, Hendle J, Hickey M, Ho C, Huang J, Lieu R, Lim S, Lippner D, Obungu V, Ward-Kavanagh L, Weichert K, Ware CF, Vendel AC. Epitope topography of agonist antibodies to the checkpoint inhibitory receptor BTLA. Structure 2023; 31:958-967.e3. [PMID: 37279757 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is an attractive target for a new class of therapeutics that attempt to rebalance the immune system by agonizing checkpoint inhibitory receptors (CIRs). Herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) binds BTLA in both trans- and cis-orientations. We report here the development and structural characterization of three humanized BTLA agonist antibodies, 22B3, 25F7, and 23C8. We determined the crystal structures of the antibody-BTLA complexes, showing that these antibodies bind distinct and non-overlapping epitopes of BTLA. While all three antibodies activate BTLA, 22B3 mimics HVEM binding to BTLA and shows the strongest agonistic activity in functional cell assays and in an imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis. 22B3 is also capable of modulating HVEM signaling through the BTLA-HVEM cis-interaction. The data obtained from crystal structures, biochemical assays, and functional studies provide a mechanistic model of HVEM and BTLA organization on the cell surface and informed the discovery of a highly active BTLA agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Cheung
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Shane Atwell
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Lisa Bafetti
- Immunology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Paulina Delgado Cuenca
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Karen Froning
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Jorg Hendle
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Michael Hickey
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Carolyn Ho
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Jiawen Huang
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ricky Lieu
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Stacie Lim
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - David Lippner
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
| | - Victor Obungu
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
| | - Lindsay Ward-Kavanagh
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kenneth Weichert
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Carl F Ware
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Andrew C Vendel
- Immunology Discovery Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
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15
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Leitner J, Egerer R, Waidhofer-Söllner P, Grabmeier-Pfistershammer K, Steinberger P. FcγR requirements and costimulatory capacity of Urelumab, Utomilumab, and Varlilumab. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1208631. [PMID: 37575254 PMCID: PMC10413977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1208631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Targeting costimulatory receptors of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily with agonistic antibodies is a promising approach in cancer immuno therapy. It is known that their efficacy strongly depends on FcγR cross-linking. Methods In this study, we made use of a Jurkat-based reporter platform to analyze the influence of individual FcγRs on the costimulatory activity of the 41BB agonists, Urelumab and Utomilumab, and the CD27 agonist, Varlilumab. Results We found that Urelumab (IgG4) can activate 41BB-NFκB signaling without FcγR cross-linking, but the presence of the FcγRs (CD32A, CD32B, CD64) augments the agonistic activity of Urelumab. The human IgG2 antibody Utomilumab exerts agonistic function only when crosslinked via CD32A and CD32B. The human IgG1 antibody Varlilumab showed strong agonistic activity with all FcγRs tested. In addition, we analyzed the costimulatory effects of Urelumab, Utomilumab, and Varlilumab in primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Interestingly, we observed a very weak capacity of Varlilumab to enhance cytokine production and proliferation of CD4 and CD8 T cells. In the presence of Varlilumab the percentage of annexin V positive T cells was increased, indicating that this antibody mediated FcγR-dependent cytotoxic effects. Conclusion Collectively, our data underscore the importance to perform studies in reductionist systems as well as in primary PBMC samples to get a comprehensive understanding of the activity of costimulation agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ricarda Egerer
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Waidhofer-Söllner
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Sordo-Bahamonde C, Lorenzo-Herrero S, Martínez-Pérez A, Gonzalez-Rodriguez AP, Payer ÁR, González-García E, Aguilar-García C, González-Rodríguez S, López-Soto A, García-Torre A, Gonzalez S. BTLA dysregulation correlates with poor outcome and diminished T cell-mediated antitumor responses in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023:10.1007/s00262-023-03435-1. [PMID: 37041226 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) progressively develop marked immunosuppression, dampening innate and adaptive-driven antitumor responses. However, the underlying mechanisms promoting immune exhaustion are largely unknown. Herein, we provide new insights into the role of BTLA/HVEM axis promoting defects in T cell-mediated responses against leukemic cells. Increased expression of BTLA, an inhibitory immune checkpoint, was detected on the surface of CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes in patients with CLL. Moreover, high levels of BTLA on CD4 + T cells correlated with diminished time to treatment. Signaling through BTLA activation led to decreased IL-2 and IFN-γ production ex vivo, whereas BTLA/HVEM binding disruption enhanced IFN-γ + CD8 + T lymphocytes. Accordingly, BTLA blockade in combination with bispecific anti-CD3/anti-CD19 antibody promoted CD8 + T cell-mediated anti-leukemic responses. Finally, treatment with an anti-BLTA blocking monoclonal antibody alone or in combination with ibrutinib-induced leukemic cell depletion in vitro. Altogether, our data reveal that BTLA dysregulation has a prognostic role and is limiting T cell-driven antitumor responses, thus providing new insights about immune exhaustion in patients with CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sordo-Bahamonde
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Seila Lorenzo-Herrero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandra Martínez-Pérez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana P Gonzalez-Rodriguez
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ángel R Payer
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Esther González-García
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital de Cabueñes, 33203, Gijón, Spain
| | - Candelaria Aguilar-García
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Sara González-Rodríguez
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, PharmacologyOviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandro López-Soto
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandra García-Torre
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain.
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17
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Jahan F, Koski J, Schenkwein D, Ylä-Herttuala S, Göös H, Huuskonen S, Varjosalo M, Maliniemi P, Leitner J, Steinberger P, Bühring HJ, Vettenranta K, Korhonen M. Using the Jurkat reporter T cell line for evaluating the functionality of novel chimeric antigen receptors. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2023; 3:1070384. [PMID: 39086686 PMCID: PMC11285682 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2023.1070384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Background: T cells that are genetically modified with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) hold promise for immunotherapy of cancer. Currently, there are intense efforts to improve the safety and efficacy of CAR T cell therapies against liquid and solid tumors. Earlier we designed a novel CAR backbone (FiCAR) where the spacer is derived from immunoglobulin (Ig) -like domains of the signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα). However, the analysis of novel CAR using primary T cells is slow and laborious. Methods: To explore the versatility of the CAR backbone, we designed a set of variant FiCARs with different spacer lengths and targeting antigens. To expedite the analysis of the novel CARs, we transduced the FiCAR genes using lentiviruses into Jurkat reporter T cells carrying fluorescent reporter genes. The expression of fluorescent markers in response to FiCAR engagement with targets was analyzed by flow cytometry, and cytotoxicity was evaluated using killing assays. Furthermore, the killing mechanisms that are employed by FiCAR-equipped Jurkat T cells were investigated by flow cytometry, and the intracellular pathways involved in signaling by FiCAR were analyzed by phosphoproteomic analysis using mass spectrometry. Results: Seven different CARs were designed and transduced into Jurkat reporter cells. We show that the SIRPα derived FiCARs can be detected by flow cytometry using the SE12B6A4 antibody recognizing SIRPα. Furthermore, FiCAR engagement leads to robust activation of NFκβ and NFAT signaling, as demonstrated by the expression of the fluorescent reporter genes. Interestingly, the Jurkat reporter system also revealed tonic signaling by a HER-2 targeting FiCAR. FiCAR-equipped Jurkat T cells were cytotoxic in cocultures with target cells and target cell engagement lead to an upregulation of CD107a on the Jurkat reporter T cell surface. Phosphoproteomic analyses confirmed signal transduction via the intracellular CD28/CD3ζ sequences upon the interaction of the FiCAR1 with its antigen. In addition, downstream signaling of CD3ζ/ZAP70- SLP-76-PLCγ, PI3K-AKT-NFκB pathways and activation of NFAT and AP-1 were observed. Conclusion: We conclude that the FiCAR backbone can be shortened and lengthened at will by engineering it with one to three SIRPα derived Ig-like domains, and the FiCARs are functional when equipped with different single chain variable fragment target binding domains. The Jurkat reporter system expedites the analysis of novel CARs as to their expression, signaling function, evaluation of tonic signaling issues and cytotoxic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Jahan
- R&D, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jan Koski
- R&D, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Diana Schenkwein
- A.I Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Helka Göös
- R&D, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sini Huuskonen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Jörg Bühring
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Clinic of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kim Vettenranta
- R&D, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland
- University of Helsinki and the Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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18
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Zhou H, Jia W, Lu L, Han R. MicroRNAs with Multiple Targets of Immune Checkpoints, as a Potential Sensitizer for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:824. [PMID: 36765782 PMCID: PMC9913694 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030824] [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: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer type and the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in women worldwide. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made significant progress in the treatment of breast cancer, yet there are still a considerable number of patients who are unable to gain lasting and ideal clinical benefits by immunotherapy alone, which leads to the development of a combination regimen as a novel research hotspot. Furthermore, one miRNA can target several checkpoint molecules, mimicking the therapeutic effect of a combined immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), which means that the miRNA therapy has been considered to increase the efficiency of ICIs. In this review, we summarized potential miRNA therapeutics candidates which can affect multiple targets of immune checkpoints in breast cancer with more therapeutic potential, and the obstacles to applying miRNA therapeutically through the analyses of the resources available from a drug target perspective. We also included the content of "too many targets for miRNA effect" (TMTME), combined with applying TargetScan database, to discuss adverse events. This review aims to ignite enthusiasm to explore the application of miRNAs with multiple targets of immune checkpoint molecules, in combination with ICIs for treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Zhou
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Wentao Jia
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
- School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Data Science, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
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