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Ebrahimi N, Abdulwahid AHRR, Mansouri A, Karimi N, Bostani RJ, Beiranvand S, Adelian S, Khorram R, Vafadar R, Hamblin MR, Aref AR. Targeting the NF-κB pathway as a potential regulator of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:106. [PMID: 38418707 PMCID: PMC10902086 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05098-8] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Advances in cancer immunotherapy over the last decade have led to the development of several agents that affect immune checkpoints. Inhibitory receptors expressed on T cells that negatively regulate the immune response include cytotoxic T‑lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), which have been studied more than similar receptors. Inhibition of these proteins and other immune checkpoints can stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells, and prevent the tumor from escaping the immune response. However, the administration of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies has been associated with adverse inflammatory responses similar to autoimmune diseases. The current review discussed the role of the NF-κB pathway as a tumor promoter, and how it can govern inflammatory responses and affect various immune checkpoints. More precise knowledge about the communication between immune checkpoints and NF-κB pathways could increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy and reduce the adverse effects of checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Genetics Division, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Atena Mansouri
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Karimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Islamic Azad University Damghan Branch, Damghan, Iran
| | | | - Sheida Beiranvand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Samaneh Adelian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Roya Khorram
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Vafadar
- Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Rizzo A, Miceli A, Racca M, Bauckneht M, Morbelli S, Albano D, Dondi F, Bertagna F, Galizia D, Muoio B, Annunziata S, Treglia G. Diagnostic Accuracy of [ 68Ga]Ga Labeled Fibroblast-Activation Protein Inhibitors in Detecting Head and Neck Cancer Lesions Using Positron Emission Tomography: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1664. [PMID: 38139791 PMCID: PMC10748043 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have examined the use of positron emission tomography (PET) using [68Ga]Ga-radiolabeled fibroblast-activation protein inhibitors (FAPi) across multiple subtypes of head and neck cancer (HNC). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a newly developed molecular imaging approach in the context of HNC through a comprehensive review and meta-analysis. A thorough literature review was conducted to identify scholarly articles about the diagnostic effectiveness of FAP-targeted PET imaging. The present study incorporates original publications assessing the efficacy of this innovative molecular imaging test in both newly diagnosed and previously treated HNC patients. This systematic review examined eleven investigations, of which nine were deemed suitable for inclusion in the subsequent meta-analysis. The quantitative synthesis yielded a pooled detection rate of 99% for primary HNC lesions. Additionally, on a per patient-based analysis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity for regional lymph node metastases were found to be 90% and 84%, respectively. The analysis revealed a statistical heterogeneity among the studies for the detection rate of primary HNC lesions. The quantitative findings presented in this study indicate a favorable diagnostic performance of FAP-targeted PET imaging in detecting primary HNC tumors. In contrast, discordant results concerning the diagnostic accuracy of lymph node metastases were found. However, further multicentric trials are required to validate the efficacy of FAP-targeted PET in this specific group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Rizzo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, 10060 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Alberto Miceli
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy;
| | - Manuela Racca
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, 10060 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Matteo Bauckneht
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16131 Genova, Italy; (M.B.); (S.M.)
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, 16131 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Morbelli
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16131 Genova, Italy; (M.B.); (S.M.)
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, 16131 Genova, Italy
| | - Domenico Albano
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Università degli Studi di Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.A.); (F.D.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Università degli Studi di Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.A.); (F.D.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesco Bertagna
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Università degli Studi di Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.A.); (F.D.); (F.B.)
| | - Danilo Galizia
- SC Oncologia Area Nord ASL CN1, 12038 Savigliano, Italy;
| | - Barbara Muoio
- Division of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6501 Bellinzona, Switzerland;
| | - Salvatore Annunziata
- Unità di Medicina Nucleare, GSTeP Radiopharmacy–TracerGLab, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6501 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
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Li Y, Shen X, Yang X, Lian F, Li Y, Li J, Huang Y, Shen W, Liu H. CHDH, a key mitochondrial enzyme, plays a diagnostic role in metabolic disorders diseases and tumor progression. Front Genet 2023; 14:1240650. [PMID: 37600654 PMCID: PMC10433736 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1240650] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human choline dehydrogenase (CHDH) is a transmembrane protein located in mitochondria. CHDH has been shown to be one of the important catalytic enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of choline to betaine and is involved in mitochondrial autophagy after mitochondrial damage. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on CHDH and found a close association with the pathogenesis of various diseases, including tumor prognosis. Here we summarized the genomic localization, protein structure and basic functions of CHDH and discuss the progress of CHDH research in metabolic disorders and other diseases. Moreover, we described the regulatory role of CHDH on the progression of different types of malignant tumors. In addition, major pathogenic mechanisms of CHDH in multiple diseases may be associated with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). We look forward to providing new strategies and basis for clinical diagnosis and prognosis prediction of diseases by diagnosing SNP loci of CHDH genes. Our work evaluates the feasibility of CHDH as a molecular marker relevant to the diagnosis of some metabolic disorders diseases and tumors, which may provide new targets for the treatment of related diseases and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Li
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xinzhuang Shen
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiaowen Yang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Fuming Lian
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jinmeng Li
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yongming Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Wenzhi Shen
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology in Universities of Shandong, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huan Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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Huang Y, Sun J, Li J, Zhu D, Dong M, Dou S, Tang Y, Shi W, Sun Q, Zhao T, Zhou Z, Zhou X, Liu Y, Li J, Zhu G, Zhang D, Chen Y, Zhu Q, Ju W, Zhong L. Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy for locally advanced resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective single-arm trial (Illuminate Trial). Int J Surg 2023; 109:2220-2227. [PMID: 37288582 PMCID: PMC10442116 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LAOSCC) is associated with a high rate of recurrence and poor survival. Given the recent successes of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NAICT) in solid tumors, it is promising to use this treatment modality to achieve a better pathological response and improve the survival of LAOSCC, and clinical evidence is needed to assess its safety and efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective trial of NAICT with toripalimab (PD-1 inhibitor) and albumin paclitaxel/cisplatin (TTP) was conducted in patients with clinical stage III and IVA OSCC. Intravenous albumin paclitaxel (260 mg/m 2 ), cisplatin (75 mg/m 2 ), and toripalimab (240 mg) were given in sequence on day 1 of each 21 day cycle for two cycles, followed by radical surgery and risk-adapted adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy. The primary endpoints were safety and major pathological response (MPR). Targeted next generation sequencing and multiplex immunofluorescence were performed to assess clinical molecular characteristics and the tumor immune microenvironment in the pre-NAICT and post-NAICT tumor samples. RESULTS Twenty patients were enrolled. NAICT was well-tolerated with a low incidence of grades 3-4 adverse events in three patients. The completion rates of NAICT and subsequent R0 resection were 100%. The MPR rate was 60%, including a 30% pathological complete response. MPR was achieved in all four patients with a combined positive score of PD-L1>10. The density of tertiary lymphatic structure in post-NAICT tumor samples predicted the pathological response to NAICT. During the median 23-month follow-up, the disease-free survival was 90%, and the overall survival was 95%. CONCLUSIONS NAICT with the TTP protocol in LAOSCC is feasible and well tolerated, with a promising MPR and no obstruction on subsequent surgery. This trial is supportive of further randomized trials using NAICT in LAOSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
| | - Jingjing Sun
- Department of Oral Pathology, Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
| | - Dongwang Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
| | | | - Shengjin Dou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
| | | | - Wentao Shi
- Department of Biostatistics in Clinical Research Unit, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | | | - Tongchao Zhao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
| | - Zhihang Zhou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Oral Pathology, Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology
| | - Guopei Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
| | - Ding Zhang
- The Medical Department, 3D Medicines Inc
| | - Yanan Chen
- The Medical Department, 3D Medicines Inc
| | - Qi Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
- Huangpu Branch
| | - Wutong Ju
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
| | - Laiping Zhong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology
- Huangpu Branch
- National Center for Stomatology
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, People’s Republic China
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Cappello A, Zuccotti A, Mancini M, Tosetti G, Fania L, Ricci F, Melino G, Candi E. Serine and one-carbon metabolism sustain non-melanoma skin cancer progression. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:102. [PMID: 36964165 PMCID: PMC10039038 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01398-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is a tumor that arises from human keratinocytes, showing abnormal control of cell proliferation and aberrant stratification. Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (cBCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are the most common sub-types of NMSC. From a molecular point of view, we are still far from fully understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the onset and progression of NMSC and to unravel targetable vulnerabilities to leverage for their treatment, which is still essentially based on surgery. Under this assumption, it is still not elucidated how the central cellular metabolism, a potential therapeutical target, is involved in NMSC progression. Therefore, our work is based on the characterization of the serine anabolism/catabolism and/or one-carbon metabolism (OCM) role in NMSC pathogenesis. Expression and protein analysis of normal skin and NMSC samples show the alteration of the expression of two enzymes involved in the serine metabolism and OCM, the Serine Hydroxy-Methyl Transferase 2 (SHMT2) and Methylen-ThetraHydroFolate dehydrogenase/cyclohydrolase 2 (MTHFD2). Tissues analysis shows that these two enzymes are mainly expressed in the proliferative areas of cBCC and in the poorly differentiated areas of cSCC, suggesting their role in tumor proliferation maintenance. Moreover, in vitro silencing of SHMT2 and MTHFD2 impairs the proliferation of epidermoid cancer cell line. Taken together these data allow us to link the central cellular metabolism (serine and/or OCM) and NMSC proliferation and progression, offering the opportunity to modulate pharmacologically the involved enzymes activity against this type of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cappello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mara Mancini
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Tosetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Fania
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167, Rome, Italy.
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Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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