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Frederico SC, Raphael I, Nisnboym M, Huq S, Schlegel BT, Sneiderman CT, Jackson SA, Jain A, Olin MR, Rood BR, Pollack IF, Hwang EI, Rajasundaram D, Kohanbash G. Transcriptomic observations of intra and extracellular immunotherapy targets for pediatric brain tumors. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39114885 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2390023] [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: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite surgical resection, chemoradiation, and targeted therapy, brain tumors remain a leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Immunotherapy has shown some promise and is actively being investigated for treating childhood brain tumors. However, a critical step in advancing immunotherapy for these patients is to uncover targets that can be effectively translated into therapeutic interventions. METHODS In this study, our team performed a transcriptomic analysis across pediatric brain tumor types to identify potential targets for immunotherapy. Additionally, we assessed components that may impact patient response to immunotherapy, including the expression of genes essential for antigen processing and presentation, inhibitory ligands and receptors, interferon signature, and overall predicted T cell infiltration. RESULTS We observed distinct expression patterns across tumor types. These included elevated expression of antigen genes and antigen processing machinery in some tumor types while other tumors had elevated inhibitory checkpoint receptors, known to be associated with response to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that pediatric brain tumors exhibit distinct potential for specific immunotherapies. We believe our findings can guide investigators in their assessment of appropriate immunotherapy classes and targets in pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Frederico
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Itay Raphael
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michal Nisnboym
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sakibul Huq
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brent T Schlegel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chaim T Sneiderman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sydney A Jackson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anya Jain
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael R Olin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Brian R Rood
- Division of Oncology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ian F Pollack
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eugene I Hwang
- Division of Oncology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Gary Kohanbash
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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2
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Choi S, Bae HG, Jo DG, Kim WY. The Role of IRF9 Upregulation in Modulating Sensitivity to Olaparib and Platinum-Based Chemotherapies in Breast Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:959. [PMID: 39062738 PMCID: PMC11276373 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are targeted therapies that accumulate DNA damage by interfering with DNA repair mechanisms and are approved for treating several cancers with BRCA1/2 mutations. In this study, we utilized CRISPR-dCas9 interference screening to identify genes regulating sensitivity to PARP inhibitors in breast cancer cell lines. Our findings indicated that the interferon (IFN) signaling gene IRF9 was critically involved in modulating sensitivity to these inhibitors. We revealed that the loss of IRF9 leads to increased resistance to the PARP inhibitor in MDA-MB-468 cells, and a similar desensitization was observed in another breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. Further analysis indicated that while the basal expression of IRF9 did not correlate with the response to the PARP inhibitor olaparib, its transcriptional induction was significantly associated with increased sensitivity to the DNA-damaging agent cisplatin in the NCI-60 cell line panel. This finding suggests a mechanistic link between IRF9 induction and cellular responses to DNA damage. Additionally, data from the METABRIC patient tissue study revealed a complex network of IFN-responsive gene expressions postchemotherapy, with seven upregulated genes, including IRF9, and three downregulated genes. These findings underscore the intricate role of IFN signaling in the cellular response to chemotherapy. Collectively, our CRISPR screening data and subsequent bioinformatic analyses suggest that IRF9 is a novel biomarker for sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents, such as olaparib and platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents. Our findings for IRF9 not only enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of drug sensitivity, but also elucidate the role of IRF9 as a critical effector within IFN signaling pathways, potentially influencing the association between the host immune system and chemotherapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- SeokGyeong Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea;
| | - Han-Gyu Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; (H.-G.B.); (D.-G.J.)
| | - Dong-Gyu Jo
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; (H.-G.B.); (D.-G.J.)
| | - Woo-Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea;
- Muscle Physiome Research Center, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
- Drug Information Research Institute, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
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3
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Safaie T, Trinh KR, Vasuthasawat A, Morrison SL, Stover DR. An Anti-CD138-Targeted Interferon-Alpha Has Broad Efficacy in Solid Tumors Through Direct Tumor Cell Killing and Intratumoral Immune Modulation. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024. [PMID: 38949948 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2024.0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kham R Trinh
- Nammi Therapeutics, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Sherie L Morrison
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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4
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Akalu YT, Patel RS, Taft J, Canas-Arranz R, Richardson A, Buta S, Martin-Fernandez M, Sazeides C, Pearl RL, Mainkar G, Kurland AP, Geltman R, Rosberger H, Kang DD, Kurian AA, Kaur K, Altman J, Dong Y, Johnson JR, Zhangi L, Lim JK, Albrecht RA, García-Sastre A, Rosenberg BR, Bogunovic D. Broad-spectrum RNA antiviral inspired by ISG15 -/- deficiency. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.24.600468. [PMID: 38979204 PMCID: PMC11230275 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.24.600468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-I) are cytokines with potent antiviral and inflammatory capacities. IFN-I signaling drives the expression of hundreds of IFN-I stimulated genes (ISGs), whose aggregate function results in the control of viral infection. A few of these ISGs are tasked with negatively regulating the IFN-I response to prevent overt inflammation. ISG15 is a negative regulator whose absence leads to persistent, low-grade elevation of ISG expression and concurrent, self-resolving mild autoinflammation. The limited breadth and low-grade persistence of ISGs expressed in ISG15 deficiency are sufficient to confer broad-spectrum antiviral resistance. Inspired by ISG15 deficiency, we have identified a nominal collection of 10 ISGs that recapitulate the broad antiviral potential of the IFN-I system. The expression of the 10 ISG collection in an IFN-I non-responsive cell line increased cellular resistance to Zika, Vesicular Stomatitis, Influenza A (IAV), and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. A deliverable prophylactic formulation of this syndicate of 10 ISGs significantly inhibited IAV PR8 replication in vivo in mice and protected hamsters against a lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge, suggesting its potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral against many current and future emerging viral pathogens. One-Sentence Summary Human inborn error of immunity-guided discovery and development of a broad-spectrum RNA antiviral therapy.
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5
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Calistri NL, Liby TA, Hu Z, Zhang H, Dane M, Gross SM, Heiser LM. TNBC response to paclitaxel phenocopies interferon response which reveals cell cycle-associated resistance mechanisms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.04.596911. [PMID: 38895265 PMCID: PMC11185620 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.04.596911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Paclitaxel is a standard of care neoadjuvant therapy for patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC); however, it shows limited benefit for locally advanced or metastatic disease. Here we used a coordinated experimental-computational approach to explore the influence of paclitaxel on the cellular and molecular responses of TNBC cells. We found that escalating doses of paclitaxel resulted in multinucleation, promotion of senescence, and initiation of DNA damage induced apoptosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of TNBC cells after paclitaxel treatment revealed upregulation of innate immune programs canonically associated with interferon response and downregulation of cell cycle progression programs. Systematic exploration of transcriptional responses to paclitaxel and cancer-associated microenvironmental factors revealed common gene programs induced by paclitaxel, IFNB, and IFNG. Transcription factor (TF) enrichment analysis identified 13 TFs that were both enriched based on activity of downstream targets and also significantly upregulated after paclitaxel treatment. Functional assessment with siRNA knockdown confirmed that the TFs FOSL1, NFE2L2 and ELF3 mediate cellular proliferation and also regulate nuclear structure. We further explored the influence of these TFs on paclitaxel-induced cell cycle behavior via live cell imaging, which revealed altered progression rates through G1, S/G2 and M phases. We found that ELF3 knockdown synergized with paclitaxel treatment to lock cells in a G1 state and prevent cell cycle progression. Analysis of publicly available breast cancer patient data showed that high ELF3 expression was associated with poor prognosis and enrichment programs associated with cell cycle progression. Together these analyses disentangle the diverse aspects of paclitaxel response and identify ELF3 upregulation as a putative biomarker of paclitaxel resistance in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas L Calistri
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon
| | - Tiera A. Liby
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon
| | - Zhi Hu
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon
| | - Mark Dane
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon
| | - Sean M. Gross
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon
| | - Laura M. Heiser
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon
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6
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Zheng R, Dunlap M, Bobkov GOM, Gonzalez-Figueroa C, Patel KJ, Lyu J, Harvey SE, Chan TW, Quinones-Valdez G, Choudhury M, Le Roux CA, Bartels MD, Vuong A, Flynn RA, Chang HY, Van Nostrand EL, Xiao X, Cheng C. hnRNPM protects against the dsRNA-mediated interferon response by repressing LINE-associated cryptic splicing. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2087-2103.e8. [PMID: 38815579 PMCID: PMC11204102 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.05.004] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
RNA splicing is pivotal in post-transcriptional gene regulation, yet the exponential expansion of intron length in humans poses a challenge for accurate splicing. Here, we identify hnRNPM as an essential RNA-binding protein that suppresses cryptic splicing through binding to deep introns, maintaining human transcriptome integrity. Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) in introns harbor numerous pseudo splice sites. hnRNPM preferentially binds at intronic LINEs to repress pseudo splice site usage for cryptic splicing. Remarkably, cryptic exons can generate long dsRNAs through base-pairing of inverted ALU transposable elements interspersed among LINEs and consequently trigger an interferon response, a well-known antiviral defense mechanism. Significantly, hnRNPM-deficient tumors show upregulated interferon-associated pathways and elevated immune cell infiltration. These findings unveil hnRNPM as a guardian of transcriptome integrity by repressing cryptic splicing and suggest that targeting hnRNPM in tumors may be used to trigger an inflammatory immune response, thereby boosting cancer surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zheng
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mikayla Dunlap
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Georg O M Bobkov
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Carlos Gonzalez-Figueroa
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Khushali J Patel
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jingyi Lyu
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Samuel E Harvey
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tracey W Chan
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Giovanni Quinones-Valdez
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mudra Choudhury
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Charlotte A Le Roux
- Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mason D Bartels
- Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Amy Vuong
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ryan A Flynn
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulome, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulome, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Eric L Van Nostrand
- Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xinshu Xiao
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Chonghui Cheng
- Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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7
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Menachem A, Alteber Z, Cojocaru G, Fridman Kfir T, Blat D, Leiderman O, Galperin M, Sever L, Cohen N, Cohen K, Granit RZ, Vols S, Frenkel M, Soffer L, Meyer K, Menachem K, Galon Tilleman H, Morein D, Borukhov I, Toporik A, Perpinial Shahor M, Tatirovsky E, Mizrachi A, Levy-Barda A, Sadot E, Strenov Y, Eitan R, Jakobson-Setton A, Yanichkin N, Ferre P, Ophir E. Unleashing Natural IL18 Activity Using an Anti-IL18BP Blocker Induces Potent Immune Stimulation and Antitumor Effects. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:687-703. [PMID: 38592331 PMCID: PMC11148541 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0706] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Recombinant cytokines have limited anticancer efficacy mostly due to a narrow therapeutic window and systemic adverse effects. IL18 is an inflammasome-induced proinflammatory cytokine, which enhances T- and NK-cell activity and stimulates IFNγ production. The activity of IL18 is naturally blocked by a high-affinity endogenous binding protein (IL18BP). IL18BP is induced in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in response to IFNγ upregulation in a negative feedback mechanism. In this study, we found that IL18 is upregulated in the TME compared with the periphery across multiple human tumors and most of it is bound to IL18BP. Bound IL18 levels were largely above the amount required for T-cell activation in vitro, implying that releasing IL18 in the TME could lead to potent T-cell activation. To restore the activity of endogenous IL18, we generated COM503, a high-affinity anti-IL18BP that blocks the IL18BP:IL18 interaction and displaces precomplexed IL18, thereby enhancing T- and NK-cell activation. In vivo, administration of a surrogate anti-IL18BP, either alone or in combination with anti-PD-L1, resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition and increased survival across multiple mouse tumor models. Moreover, the anti-IL18BP induced pronounced TME-localized immune modulation including an increase in polyfunctional nonexhausted T- and NK-cell numbers and activation. In contrast, no increase in inflammatory cytokines and lymphocyte numbers or activation state was observed in serum and spleen. Taken together, blocking IL18BP using an Ab is a promising approach to harness cytokine biology for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zoya Alteber
- Research & Drug Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | - Gady Cojocaru
- Computational Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | | | - Dan Blat
- Research & Drug Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | | | | | - Lital Sever
- Research & Drug Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | - Nadav Cohen
- Research & Drug Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | - Keren Cohen
- Research & Drug Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | - Roy Z Granit
- Computational Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | - Sandra Vols
- Computational Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | - Masha Frenkel
- Research & Drug Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | - Liron Soffer
- Research & Drug Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | - Karin Meyer
- Research & Drug Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | | | | | - Dina Morein
- Research & Drug Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | | | - Amir Toporik
- Computational Discovery, Compugen Ltd., Holon, Israel
| | | | | | - Aviram Mizrachi
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Adva Levy-Barda
- Biobank, Department of pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Eran Sadot
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- Department of Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Yulia Strenov
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- Department of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Ram Eitan
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- Gynecologic Oncology Division, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Ariella Jakobson-Setton
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- Gynecologic Oncology Division, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | | | - Pierre Ferre
- Preclinical Development, Compugen Ltd., Toulouse, France
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8
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Petrova L, Bunz F. Interferons in Colorectal Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy. DISEASES & RESEARCH 2024; 4:31-39. [PMID: 38962090 PMCID: PMC11220628 DOI: 10.54457/dr.202401005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
As key modulators of the immune response, interferons play critical roles following infection and during the pathogenesis of cancer. The idea that these cytokines might be developed as new therapies emerged soon after their discovery. While enthusiasm for this approach to cancer therapy has waxed and waned over the ensuing decades, recent advances in cancer immunotherapy and our improved understanding of the tumor immune environment have led to a resurgence of interest in this unique class of biologic drug. Here, we review how interferons influence the growth of colorectal cancers (CRCs) and highlight new insights into how interferons and drugs that modulate interferon expression might be most effectively deployed in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Petrova
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore Maryland 21287, USA
| | - Fred Bunz
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore Maryland 21287, USA
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9
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Han X, Song D, Cui Y, Shi Y, Gu X. Pan-cancer analyses of immunogenic cell death-derived gene signatures: Potential biomarkers for prognosis and immunotherapy. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2073. [PMID: 38627900 PMCID: PMC11021686 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a type of regulated cell death that is capable of initiating an adaptive immune response. Induction of ICD may be a potential treatment strategy, as it has been demonstrated to activate the tumor-specific immune response. AIMS The biomarkers of ICD and their relationships with the tumor microenvironment, clinical features, and immunotherapy response are not fully understood in a clinical context. Therefore, we conducted pan-cancer analyses of ICD gene signatures across 33 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. METHODS AND RESULTS We identified key genes that had strong relationships with survival and the tumor microenvironment, contributing to a better understanding of the role of ICD genes in cancer therapy. In addition, we predicted therapeutic agents that target ICD genes and explored the potential mechanisms by which gemcitabine induce ICD. Moreover, we developed an ICD score based on the ICD genes and found it to be associated with patient prognosis, clinical features, tumor microenvironment, radiotherapy access, and immunotherapy response. A high ICD score was linked to the immune-hot phenotype, while a low ICD score was linked to the immune-cold phenotype. CONCLUSION We uncovered the potential of ICD gene signatures as comprehensive biomarkers for ICD in pan-cancer. Our research provides novel insights into immuno-phenotypic assessment and cancer therapeutic strategies, which could help to broaden the application of immunotherapy to benefit more patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Han
- Department of Radiation OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Di Song
- Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yongliang Cui
- Department of Respiratory MedicineZhengzhou Central HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Yonggang Shi
- Department of Radiation OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Radiation OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
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10
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Wang Z, Chen Y, Wu H, Wang M, Mao L, Guo X, Zhu J, Ye Z, Luo X, Yang X, Liu X, Yang J, Sheng Z, Lee J, Guo Z, Liu Y. Intravenous administration of IL-12 encoding self-replicating RNA-lipid nanoparticle complex leads to safe and effective antitumor responses. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7366. [PMID: 38548896 PMCID: PMC10978917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57997-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a potent immunostimulatory cytokine mainly produced by antigen-presenting cells (e.g., dendritic cells, macrophages) and plays an important role in innate and adaptive immunity against cancers. Therapies that can synergistically modulate innate immunity and stimulate adaptive anti-tumor responses are of great interest for cancer immunotherapy. Here we investigated the lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated self-replicating RNA (srRNA) encoding IL-12 (referred to as JCXH-211) for the treatment of cancers. Both local (intratumoral) and systemic (intravenous) administration of JCXH-211 in tumor-bearing mice induced a high-level expression of IL-12 in tumor tissues, leading to modulation of tumor microenvironment and systemic activation of antitumor immunity. Particularly, JCXH-211 can inhibit the tumor-infiltration of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs). When combined with anti-PD1 antibody, it was able to enhance the recruitment of T cells and NK cells into tumors. In multiple mouse solid tumor models, intravenous injection of JCXH-211 not only eradicated large preestablished tumors, but also induced protective immune memory that prevented the growth of rechallenged tumors. Finally, intravenous injection of JCXH-211 did not cause noticeable systemic toxicity in tumor-bearing mice and non-human primates. Thus, our study demonstrated the feasibility of intravenous administration of JCXH-211 for the treatment of advanced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Wang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yanni Chen
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Hongyue Wu
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Wang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Mao
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Xingdong Guo
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Jianbo Zhu
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zilan Ye
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Luo
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiurong Yang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueke Liu
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junhao Yang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaolang Sheng
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Jaewoo Lee
- Immorna Biotherapeutics, Inc., Morrisville, NC, 27560, USA
| | - Zhijun Guo
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanqing Liu
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
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11
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Tiberio L, Laffranchi M, Zucchi G, Salvi V, Schioppa T, Sozzani S, Del Prete A, Bosisio D. Inhibitory receptors of plasmacytoid dendritic cells as possible targets for checkpoint blockade in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360291. [PMID: 38504978 PMCID: PMC10948453 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360291] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the major producers of type I interferons (IFNs), which are essential to mount antiviral and antitumoral immune responses. To avoid exaggerated levels of type I IFNs, which pave the way to immune dysregulation and autoimmunity, pDC activation is strictly regulated by a variety of inhibitory receptors (IRs). In tumors, pDCs display an exhausted phenotype and correlate with an unfavorable prognosis, which largely depends on the accumulation of immunosuppressive cytokines and oncometabolites. This review explores the hypothesis that tumor microenvironment may reduce the release of type I IFNs also by a more pDC-specific mechanism, namely the engagement of IRs. Literature shows that many cancer types express de novo, or overexpress, IR ligands (such as BST2, PCNA, CAECAM-1 and modified surface carbohydrates) which often represent a strong predictor of poor outcome and metastasis. In line with this, tumor cells expressing ligands engaging IRs such as BDCA-2, ILT7, TIM3 and CD44 block pDC activation, while this blocking is prevented when IR engagement or signaling is inhibited. Based on this evidence, we propose that the regulation of IFN secretion by IRs may be regarded as an "innate checkpoint", reminiscent of the function of "classical" adaptive immune checkpoints, like PD1 expressed in CD8+ T cells, which restrain autoimmunity and immunopathology but favor chronic infections and tumors. However, we also point out that further work is needed to fully unravel the biology of tumor-associated pDCs, the neat contribution of pDC exhaustion in tumor growth following the engagement of IRs, especially those expressed also by other leukocytes, and their therapeutic potential as targets of combined immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tiberio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Laffranchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Schioppa
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvano Sozzani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Annalisa Del Prete
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Bosisio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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12
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Sudo M, Tsutsui H, Fujimoto J. Carbon Ion Irradiation Activates Anti-Cancer Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2830. [PMID: 38474078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052830] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbon ion beams have the unique property of higher linear energy transfer, which causes clustered damage of DNA, impacting the cell repair system. This sometimes triggers apoptosis and the release in the cytoplasm of damaged DNA, leading to type I interferon (IFN) secretion via the activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway. Dendritic cells phagocytize dead cancer cells and damaged DNA derived from injured cancer cells, which together activate dendritic cells to present cancer-derived antigens to antigen-specific T cells in the lymph nodes. Thus, carbon ion radiation therapy (CIRT) activates anti-cancer immunity. However, cancer is protected by the tumor microenvironment (TME), which consists of pro-cancerous immune cells, such as regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and tumor-associated macrophages. The TME is too robust to be destroyed by the CIRT-mediated anti-cancer immunity. Various modalities targeting regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and tumor-associated macrophages have been developed. Preclinical studies have shown that CIRT-mediated anti-cancer immunity exerts its effects in the presence of these modalities. In this review article, we provide an overview of CIRT-mediated anti-cancer immunity, with a particular focus on recently identified means of targeting the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Sudo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsutsui
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
| | - Jiro Fujimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
- Osaka Heavy Ion Therapy Center, Osaka 540-0008, Japan
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13
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Jimenez-Uribe AP, Mangos S, Hahm E. Type I IFN in Glomerular Disease: Scarring beyond the STING. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2497. [PMID: 38473743 PMCID: PMC10931919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052497] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of nephrology has recently directed a considerable amount of attention towards the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) molecule since it appears to be a potent driver of chronic kidney disease (CKD). STING and its activator, the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), along with intracellular RIG-like receptors (RLRs) and toll-like receptors (TLRs), are potent inducers of type I interferon (IFN-I) expression. These cytokines have been long recognized as part of the mechanism used by the innate immune system to battle viral infections; however, their involvement in sterile inflammation remains unclear. Mounting evidence pointing to the involvement of the IFN-I pathway in sterile kidney inflammation provides potential insights into the complex interplay between the innate immune system and damage to the most sensitive segment of the nephron, the glomerulus. The STING pathway is often cited as one cause of renal disease not attributed to viral infections. Instead, this pathway can recognize and signal in response to host-derived nucleic acids, which are also recognized by RLRs and TLRs. It is still unclear, however, whether the development of renal diseases depends on subsequent IFN-I induction or other processes involved. This review aims to explore the main endogenous inducers of IFN-I in glomerular cells, to discuss what effects autocrine and paracrine signaling have on IFN-I induction, and to identify the pathways that are implicated in the development of glomerular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eunsil Hahm
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (A.P.J.-U.); (S.M.)
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14
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Todorović-Raković N, Whitfield JR. Therapeutic implications of the interplay between interferons and ER in breast cancer. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 75:119-125. [PMID: 38296759 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.01.002] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The involvement of interferons (IFNs) in various diseases, including breast cancer, has sparked controversy due to their diverse roles in immunity and significant impact on pathological mechanisms. In the context of breast cancer, the heightened expression of endogenous IFNs has been linked to anti-tumor activity and a favorable prognosis for patients. Within the tumor tissue and microenvironment, IFNs initiate a cascade of molecular events involving numerous factors, which can lead to either cooperative or repressive interactions. The specific functions of IFNs in breast cancer vary depending on the two major disease phenotypes: hormone dependent (or responsive) and hormone independent (or unresponsive) breast cancer. Hormone dependence is determined by the presence of estrogen receptors (ERs). The interplay between the IFN and ER signaling pathways, and the involvement of intermediate factors such as NFκB, are areas that have been somewhat under-researched, but that hold potential importance for the understanding and treatment of breast cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the actions of IFNs in breast cancer, particularly in relation to the different breast cancer phenotypes and the significance of comprehending the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, the use of IFN-based therapies in cancer treatment remains a topic of debate and has not yet gained widespread acceptance. However, emerging discoveries may redirect focus towards the potential of IFN-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Todorović-Raković
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Jonathan R Whitfield
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Carrer Natzaret 115, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
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15
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Sharma N, Qi X, Kessler P, Sen GC. Inflammatory Cytokines Can Induce Synthesis Of Type-I Interferon. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.08.574713. [PMID: 38260325 PMCID: PMC10802393 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.08.574713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Type I interferon (IFN) is induced in virus infected cells, secreted and it inhibits viral replication in neighboring cells. IFN is also an important player in many non-viral diseases and in the development of normal immune cells. Although the signaling pathways for IFN induction by viral RNA or DNA have been extensively studied, its mode of induction in uninfected cells remains obscure. Here, we report that inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, can induce IFN-β through activation of the cytoplasmic RIG-I signaling pathway. However, RIG-I is activated not by RNA, but by PACT, the protein activator of PKR. In cell lines or primary cells expressing RIG-I and PACT, activation of the MAPK, p38, by cytokine signaling, leads to phosphorylation of PACT, which binds to primed RIG-I and activates its signaling pathway. Thus, a new mode of type I IFN induction by ubiquitous inflammatory cytokines has been revealed. Key points Cytochalasin D followed by TNF-α / IL-1β treatment activates IFN-β expression.IFN-β expression happens due to activation of RIG-I signaling.Interaction between RIG-I and PACT activates IFN-β expression.
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16
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Al Shboul S, Boyle S, Singh A, Saleh T, Alrjoub M, Abu Al Karsaneh O, Mryyian A, Dawoud R, Gul S, Abu Baker S, Ball K, Hupp T, Brennan PM. FISH analysis reveals CDKN2A and IFNA14 co-deletion is heterogeneous and is a prominent feature of glioblastoma. Brain Tumor Pathol 2024; 41:4-17. [PMID: 38097874 DOI: 10.1007/s10014-023-00473-6] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Deletion of CDKN2A occurs in 50% of glioblastomas (GBM), and IFNA locus deletion in 25%. These genes reside closely on chromosome 9. We investigated whether CDKN2A and IFNA were co-deleted within the same heterogeneous tumour and their prognostic implications. We assessed CDKN2A and IFNA14 deletions in 45 glioma samples using an in-house three-colour FISH probe. We examined the correlation between p16INK4a protein expression (via IHC) and CDKN2A deletion along with the impact of these genomic events on patient survival. FISH analyses demonstrated that grades II and III had either wildtype (wt) or amplified CDKN2A/IFNA14, whilst 44% of GBMs harboured homozygous deletions of both genes. Cores with CDKN2A homozygous deletion (n = 11) were negative for p16INK4a. Twenty p16INK4a positive samples lacked CDKN2A deletion with some of cells showing negative p16INK4a. There was heterogeneity in IFNA14/CDKN2A ploidy within each GBM. Survival analyses of primary GBMs suggested a positive association between increased p16INK4a and longer survival; this persisted when considering CDKN2A/IFNA14 status. Furthermore, wt (intact) CDKN2A/IFNA14 were found to be associated with longer survival in recurrent GBMs. Our data suggest that co-deletion of CDKN2A/IFNA14 in GBM negatively correlates with survival and CDKN2A-wt status correlated with longer survival, and with second surgery, itself a marker for improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofian Al Shboul
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan.
| | - Shelagh Boyle
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Ashita Singh
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland, UK
| | - Tareq Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Moath Alrjoub
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Ola Abu Al Karsaneh
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology, and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Amel Mryyian
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Rand Dawoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Sinem Gul
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland, UK
| | - Shaden Abu Baker
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Kathryn Ball
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland, UK
| | - Ted Hupp
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland, UK.
| | - Paul M Brennan
- Translational Neurosurgery, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Translational Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland, UK.
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17
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Gabellier L, De Toledo M, Chakraborty M, Akl D, Hallal R, Aqrouq M, Buonocore G, Recasens-Zorzo C, Cartron G, Delort A, Piechaczyk M, Tempé D, Bossis G. SUMOylation inhibitor TAK-981 (subasumstat) synergizes with 5-azacytidine in preclinical models of acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2024; 109:98-114. [PMID: 37608777 PMCID: PMC10772526 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.282704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) are severe hematomalignancies with dismal prognosis. The post-translational modification SUMOylation plays key roles in leukemogenesis and AML response to therapies. Here, we show that TAK-981 (subasumstat), a first-in-class SUMOylation inhibitor, is endowed with potent anti-leukemic activity in various preclinical models of AML. TAK-981 targets AML cell lines and patient blast cells in vitro and in vivo in xenografted mice with minimal toxicity on normal hematopoietic cells. Moreover, it synergizes with 5-azacytidine (AZA), a DNA-hypomethylating agent now used in combination with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax to treat AML patients unfit for standard chemotherapies. Interestingly, TAK-981+AZA combination shows higher anti-leukemic activity than AZA+venetoclax combination both in vitro and in vivo, at least in the models tested. Mechanistically, TAK-981 potentiates the transcriptional reprogramming induced by AZA, promoting apoptosis, alteration of the cell cycle and differentiation of the leukemic cells. In addition, TAK-981+AZA treatment induces many genes linked to inflammation and immune response pathways. In particular, this leads to the secretion of type-I interferon by AML cells. Finally, TAK-981+AZA induces the expression of natural killer-activating ligands (MICA/B) and adhesion proteins (ICAM-1) at the surface of AML cells. Consistently, TAK-981+AZA-treated AML cells activate natural killer cells and increase their cytotoxic activity. Targeting SUMOylation with TAK-981 may thus be a promising strategy to both sensitize AML cells to AZA and reduce their immune-escape capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Gabellier
- IGMM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France; Service d'Hématologie Clinique, CHU de Montpellier, 80 avenue Augustin Fliche, 34091 Montpellier
| | | | | | - Dana Akl
- IGMM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier
| | | | | | | | | | - Guillaume Cartron
- IGMM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France; Service d'Hématologie Clinique, CHU de Montpellier, 80 avenue Augustin Fliche, 34091 Montpellier
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18
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Valdes Angues R, Perea Bustos Y. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and the Multi-Hit Hypothesis of Oncogenesis. Cureus 2023; 15:e50703. [PMID: 38234925 PMCID: PMC10792266 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and dynamic disease. The "hallmarks of cancer" were proposed by Hanahan and Weinberg (2000) as a group of biological competencies that human cells attain as they progress from normalcy to neoplastic transformation. These competencies include self-sufficiency in proliferative signaling, insensitivity to growth-suppressive signals and immune surveillance, the ability to evade cell death, enabling replicative immortality, reprogramming energy metabolism, inducing angiogenesis, and activating tissue invasion and metastasis. Underlying these competencies are genome instability, which expedites their acquisition, and inflammation, which fosters their function(s). Additionally, cancer exhibits another dimension of complexity: a heterogeneous repertoire of infiltrating and resident host cells, secreted factors, and extracellular matrix, known as the tumor microenvironment, that through a dynamic and reciprocal relationship with cancer cells supports immortality, local invasion, and metastatic dissemination. This staggering intricacy calls for caution when advising all people with cancer (or a previous history of cancer) to receive the COVID-19 primary vaccine series plus additional booster doses. Moreover, because these patients were not included in the pivotal clinical trials, considerable uncertainty remains regarding vaccine efficacy, safety, and the risk of interactions with anticancer therapies, which could reduce the value and innocuity of either medical treatment. After reviewing the available literature, we are particularly concerned that certain COVID-19 vaccines may generate a pro-tumorigenic milieu (i.e., a specific environment that could lead to neoplastic transformation) that predisposes some (stable) oncologic patients and survivors to cancer progression, recurrence, and/or metastasis. This hypothesis is based on biological plausibility and fulfillment of the multi-hit hypothesis of oncogenesis (i.e., induction of lymphopenia and inflammation, downregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression, activation of oncogenic cascades, sequestration of tumor suppressor proteins, dysregulation of the RNA-G quadruplex-protein binding system, alteration of type I interferon responses, unsilencing of retrotransposable elements, etc.) together with growing evidence and safety reports filed to Vaccine Adverse Effects Report System (VAERS) suggesting that some cancer patients experienced disease exacerbation or recurrence following COVID-19 vaccination. In light of the above and because some of these concerns (i.e., alteration of oncogenic pathways, promotion of inflammatory cascades, and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system) also apply to cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, we encourage the scientific and medical community to urgently evaluate the impact of both COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination on cancer biology and tumor registries, adjusting public health recommendations accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Valdes Angues
- Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, Portland, USA
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19
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Gu J, Chen J, Xiang S, Zhou X, Li J. Intricate confrontation: Research progress and application potential of TRIM family proteins in tumor immune escape. J Adv Res 2023; 54:147-179. [PMID: 36736694 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.01.011] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins have more than 80 members and are widely found in various eukaryotic cells. Most TRIM family proteins participate in the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation system as E3-ubiquitin ligases; therefore, they play pivotal regulatory roles in the occurrence and development of tumors, including tumor immune escape. Due to the diversity of functional domains of TRIM family proteins, they can extensively participate in multiple signaling pathways of tumor immune escape through different substrates. In current research and clinical contexts, immune escape has become an urgent problem. The extensive participation of TRIM family proteins in curing tumors or preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis makes them promising targets. AIM OF REVIEW The aim of the review is to make up for the gap in the current research on TRIM family proteins and tumor immune escape and propose future development directions according to the current progress and problems. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This up-to-date review summarizes the characteristics and biological functions of TRIM family proteins, discusses the mechanisms of TRIM family proteins involved in tumor immune escape, and highlights the specific mechanism from the level of structure-function-molecule-pathway-phenotype, including mechanisms at the level of protein domains and functions, at the level of molecules and signaling pathways, and at the level of cells and microenvironments. We also discuss the application potential of TRIM family proteins in tumor immunotherapy, such as possible treatment strategies for combination targeting TRIM family protein drugs and checkpoint inhibitors for improving cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jingyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shuaixi Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xikun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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20
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Scott HC, Draganov SD, Yu Z, Kessler BM, Pinto-Fernández A. Targeted Mass Spectrometry Reveals Interferon-Dependent Eicosanoid and Fatty Acid Alterations in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15513. [PMID: 37958498 PMCID: PMC10649737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115513] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive lipids are involved in cellular signalling events with links to human disease. Many of these are involved in inflammation under normal and pathological conditions. Despite being attractive molecules from a pharmacological point of view, the detection and quantification of lipids has been a major challenge. Here, we have optimised a liquid chromatography-dynamic multiple reaction monitoring-targeted mass spectrometry (LC-dMRM-MS) approach to profile eicosanoids and fatty acids in biological samples. In particular, by applying this analytic workflow to study a cellular model of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), we found that the levels of intra- and extracellular 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), intracellular Arachidonic Acid (AA), extracellular Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), extracellular 5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), extracellular Palmitic acid (PA, C16:0) and extracellular Stearic acid (SA, C18:0), were altered in response to immunomodulation by type I interferon (IFN-I), a currently approved treatment for CML. Our observations indicate changes in eicosanoid and fatty acid metabolism, with potential relevance in the context of cancer inflammation and CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C. Scott
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK; (S.D.D.); (Z.Y.); (B.M.K.)
- Target Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Simeon D. Draganov
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK; (S.D.D.); (Z.Y.); (B.M.K.)
- Target Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Zhanru Yu
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK; (S.D.D.); (Z.Y.); (B.M.K.)
- Target Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Benedikt M. Kessler
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK; (S.D.D.); (Z.Y.); (B.M.K.)
- Target Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Adán Pinto-Fernández
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK; (S.D.D.); (Z.Y.); (B.M.K.)
- Target Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
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21
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Wang Z, Hu X, Cui P, Kong C, Chen X, Wang W, Lu S. Progress in understanding the role of cGAS-STING pathway associated with programmed cell death in intervertebral disc degeneration. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:377. [PMID: 37845198 PMCID: PMC10579269 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01607-7] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleus pulposus (NP) inflammatory response can induce intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) by causing anabolic and catabolic disequilibrium of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This process is accompanied by the production of endogenous DNAs, then detectable by the DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS). cGAS recognizes these DNAs and activates the downstream adaptor protein, a stimulator of interferon genes (STING), initiating a cascade of inflammation responses through various cytokines. This evidence implies a crucial role of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in IVDD. Additionally, it is suggested that this pathway could modulate IVDD progression by regulating apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. However, a detailed understanding of the role of cGAS-STING pathway in IVDD is still lacking. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in our understanding of the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in modulating inflammatory response in IVDD. We delve into the connection between the cGAS-STING axis and apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis in IVDD. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in IVDD treatment. Overall, this review aims to provide a foundation for future directions in IVDD treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Xinli Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Peng Cui
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Chao Kong
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Shibao Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
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22
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Ma C, Yang C, Peng A, Sun T, Ji X, Mi J, Wei L, Shen S, Feng Q. Pan-cancer spatially resolved single-cell analysis reveals the crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:170. [PMID: 37833788 PMCID: PMC10571470 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01876-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous cell population that plays a crucial role in remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, through the integrated analysis of spatial and single-cell transcriptomics data across six common cancer types, we identified four distinct functional subgroups of CAFs and described their spatial distribution characteristics. Additionally, the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from three additional common cancer types and two newly generated scRNA-seq datasets of rare cancer types, namely epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), expanded our understanding of CAF heterogeneity. Cell-cell interaction analysis conducted within the spatial context highlighted the pivotal roles of matrix CAFs (mCAFs) in tumor angiogenesis and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment. In patients with breast cancer (BRCA) undergoing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, iCAFs demonstrated heightened capacity in facilitating cancer cell proliferation, promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and contributing to the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Furthermore, a scoring system based on iCAFs showed a significant correlation with immune therapy response in melanoma patients. Lastly, we provided a web interface ( https://chenxisd.shinyapps.io/pancaf/ ) for the research community to investigate CAFs in the context of pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Ma
- Department of Human Microbiome and Periodontology and Implantology and Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University and Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Chengzhe Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ai Peng
- Department of Human Microbiome and Periodontology and Implantology and Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University and Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Tianyong Sun
- Department of Human Microbiome and Periodontology and Implantology and Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University and Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xiaoli Ji
- Department of Stomatology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No.105 Jiefang Road, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Mi
- Department of Human Microbiome and Periodontology and Implantology and Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University and Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Li Wei
- Department of Human Microbiome and Periodontology and Implantology and Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University and Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Song Shen
- Department of Human Microbiome and Periodontology and Implantology and Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University and Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Qiang Feng
- Department of Human Microbiome and Periodontology and Implantology and Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University and Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, 250012, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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23
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Scheben A, Mendivil Ramos O, Kramer M, Goodwin S, Oppenheim S, Becker DJ, Schatz MC, Simmons NB, Siepel A, McCombie WR. Long-Read Sequencing Reveals Rapid Evolution of Immunity- and Cancer-Related Genes in Bats. Genome Biol Evol 2023; 15:evad148. [PMID: 37728212 PMCID: PMC10510315 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evad148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bats are exceptional among mammals for their powered flight, extended lifespans, and robust immune systems and therefore have been of particular interest in comparative genomics. Using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read platform, we sequenced the genomes of two bat species with key phylogenetic positions, the Jamaican fruit bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) and the Mesoamerican mustached bat (Pteronotus mesoamericanus), and carried out a comprehensive comparative genomic analysis with a diverse collection of bats and other mammals. The high-quality, long-read genome assemblies revealed a contraction of interferon (IFN)-α at the immunity-related type I IFN locus in bats, resulting in a shift in relative IFN-ω and IFN-α copy numbers. Contradicting previous hypotheses of constitutive expression of IFN-α being a feature of the bat immune system, three bat species lost all IFN-α genes. This shift to IFN-ω could contribute to the increased viral tolerance that has made bats a common reservoir for viruses that can be transmitted to humans. Antiviral genes stimulated by type I IFNs also showed evidence of rapid evolution, including a lineage-specific duplication of IFN-induced transmembrane genes and positive selection in IFIT2. In addition, 33 tumor suppressors and 6 DNA-repair genes showed signs of positive selection, perhaps contributing to increased longevity and reduced cancer rates in bats. The robust immune systems of bats rely on both bat-wide and lineage-specific evolution in the immune gene repertoire, suggesting diverse immune strategies. Our study provides new genomic resources for bats and sheds new light on the extraordinary molecular evolution in this critically important group of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Scheben
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | | | - Melissa Kramer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Sara Goodwin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Sara Oppenheim
- American Museum of Natural History, Institute for Comparative Genomics, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel J Becker
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Michael C Schatz
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
- Departments of Computer Science and Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nancy B Simmons
- Department of Mammalogy, Division of Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adam Siepel
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
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24
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Hasselbalch HC, Junker P, Skov V, Kjær L, Knudsen TA, Larsen MK, Holmström MO, Andersen MH, Jensen C, Karsdal MA, Willumsen N. Revisiting Circulating Extracellular Matrix Fragments as Disease Markers in Myelofibrosis and Related Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4323. [PMID: 37686599 PMCID: PMC10486581 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) arise due to acquired somatic driver mutations in stem cells and develop over 10-30 years from the earliest cancer stages (essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera) towards the advanced myelofibrosis stage with bone marrow failure. The JAK2V617F mutation is the most prevalent driver mutation. Chronic inflammation is considered to be a major pathogenetic player, both as a trigger of MPN development and as a driver of disease progression. Chronic inflammation in MPNs is characterized by persistent connective tissue remodeling, which leads to organ dysfunction and ultimately, organ failure, due to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Considering that MPNs are acquired clonal stem cell diseases developing in an inflammatory microenvironment in which the hematopoietic cell populations are progressively replaced by stromal proliferation-"a wound that never heals"-we herein aim to provide a comprehensive review of previous promising research in the field of circulating ECM fragments in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of MPNs. We address the rationales and highlight new perspectives for the use of circulating ECM protein fragments as biologically plausible, noninvasive disease markers in the management of MPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Carl Hasselbalch
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Peter Junker
- Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Vibe Skov
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Lasse Kjær
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Trine A. Knudsen
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Morten Kranker Larsen
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.O.H.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.O.H.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Christina Jensen
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (C.J.); (M.A.K.); (N.W.)
| | - Morten A. Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (C.J.); (M.A.K.); (N.W.)
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25
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Papaevangelou E, Esteves AM, Dasgupta P, Galustian C. Cyto-IL-15 synergizes with the STING agonist ADU-S100 to eliminate prostate tumors and confer durable immunity in mouse models. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1196829. [PMID: 37465665 PMCID: PMC10350564 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196829] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in men with high mortality rates. Despite the recent therapeutic advances, such as immunotherapies, survival of patients with advance disease remains significantly low. Blockade of immune checkpoints has led to low response rates in these patients probably due to the immunosuppressive microenvironment and low mutation burden of prostate tumors. Combination of multiple immunotherapeutic regimes has also been unsatisfactory due to augmented adverse effects. To activate multiple immune-stimulatory pathways in the hostile prostate cancer microenvironment, we used a combination of cytotopically modified interleukin-15 (cyto-IL-15) with the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist, ADU-S100. Methods To determine whether this combination regime could lead to both local and systemic anti-tumor effects, intratumoral administration of these agents was used in murine models of prostate cancer. Tumor growth and mouse survival were monitored, and ex vivo analyses, and RNA sequencing were performed on the tumors. Results Intratumorally injected ADU-S100 and cyto-IL-15 synergized to eliminate tumors in 58-67% of mice with unilateral tumors and promoted abscopal immunity in 50% of mice with bilateral tumors treated only at one side. Moreover, this combination regime offered immunoprotection against tumor rechallenge in 83% of cured mice. The efficacy of the combination treatment was associated with a strong innate and adaptive immune activation and induction of apoptotic and necrotic cell death. Cytokines, including type I and II interferons, and cytokine signalling pathways were activated, NK and T cell mediated cytotoxicity was increased, and B cells were activated both locally and systemically. While ADU-S100 led to an ulcerative pathology at the injection site, no other adverse effects were observed. Discussion Localised administration of a STING agonist together with cyto-IL-15 can confer significant systemic benefits and long-lasting immunity against prostate tumors while reducing immune related toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymia Papaevangelou
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana M. Esteves
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Prokar Dasgupta
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Urology Centre, Guy’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Galustian
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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26
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Keppler M, Straß S, Geiger S, Fischer T, Späth N, Weinstein T, Schwamborn A, Guezguez J, Guse JH, Laufer S, Burnet M. Imidazoquinolines with improved pharmacokinetic properties induce a high IFNα to TNFα ratio in vitro and in vivo. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1168252. [PMID: 37409123 PMCID: PMC10319141 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1168252] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
TLR Agonists have promising activity in preclinical models of viral infection and cancer. However, clinical use is only in topical application. Systemic uses of TLR-ligands such as Resiquimod, have failed due to adverse effects that limited dose and thus, efficacy. This issue could be related to pharmacokinetic properties that include fast elimination leading to low AUC with simultaneously high cmax at relevant doses. The high cmax is associated with a sharp, poorly tolerated cytokine pulse, suggesting that a compound with a higher AUC/cmax-ratio could provide a more sustained and tolerable immune activation. Our approach was to design TLR7/8-agonist Imidazoquinolines intended to partition to endosomes via acid trapping using a macrolide-carrier. This can potentially extend pharmacokinetics and simultaneously direct the compounds to the target compartment. The compounds have hTLR7/8-agonist activity (EC50 of the most active compound in cellular assays: 75-120 nM hTLR7, 2.8-3.1 µM hTLR8) and maximal hTLR7 activation between 40 and 80% of Resiquimod. The lead candidates induce secretion of IFNα from human Leukocytes in the same range as Resiquimod but induce at least 10-fold less TNFα in this system, consistent with a higher specificity for human TLR7. This pattern was reproduced in vivo in a murine system, where small molecules are thought not to activate TLR8. We found that Imidazoquinolines conjugated to a macrolide or, substances carrying an unlinked terminal secondary amine, had longer exposure compared with Resiquimod. The kinetics of pro-inflammatory cytokine release for these substances in vivo were slower and more extended (for comparable AUCs, approximately half-maximal plasma concentrations). Maximal IFNα plasma levels were reached 4 h post application. Resiquimod-treated groups had by then returned to baseline from a peak at 1 h. We propose that the characteristic cytokine profile is likely a consequence of altered pharmacokinetics and, potentially, enhanced endosomal tropism of the novel substances. In particular, our substances are designed to partition to cellular compartments where the target receptor and a distinct combination of signaling molecules relevant to IFNα-release are located. These properties could address the tolerability issues of TLR7/8 ligands and provide insight into approaches to fine-tune the outcomes of TLR7/8 activation by small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Straß
- Synovo GmbH, Tübingen, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Laufer
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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27
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Weir SA, Kc K, Shoaib S, Yusuf N. The Immunotherapeutic Role of Type I and III Interferons in Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1310. [PMID: 37374093 DOI: 10.3390/life13061310] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) have demonstrated therapeutic potential in various skin cancers, specifically squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and melanoma. The precise mechanism through which type I IFNs exert their antitumor effects in skin cancers is still being studied. However, intralesional type I IFN can be used as an alternative to surgery for select patient populations, and high-dose systemic IFN therapy has been shown to be promising in patients with operable high-risk or metastatic melanoma. Despite the therapeutic potential of IFNs in skin cancer treatment, the toxicity profile often prevents the completion of treatment and further expansion of its clinical application. Type I and III IFNs use the same Janus Kinases (JAKs) for signal transduction, which are pathways initiated at a cell surface receptor that mediates the activation of target genes in the nucleus, based on this shared signaling pathway. Due to selective tumor targeting and the ability to generate both innate and adaptive immune responses, we concluded that type III IFNs have minimal side effects compared with established treatments due to selective tumor targeting. While IFN-λ, a type III IFN, shows therapeutic potential as stand-alone or in combination with another IFN, further studies need to be conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of IFN-λ in skin cancer and the underlying physiological roles and mechanisms of action. In this review, we evaluate whether treatment of skin cancer with type III IFN will have minimal side effects compared with established treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney A Weir
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Kailash Kc
- School of Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, AL 36303, USA
| | - Shoaib Shoaib
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202001, UP, India
| | - Nabiha Yusuf
- Department of Dermatology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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28
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Qu T, Zhang W, Yan C, Ren D, Wang Y, Guo Y, Guo Q, Wang J, Liu L, Han L, Li L, Huang Q, Cao L, Ye Z, Zhang B, Zhao Q, Cao W. ISG15 targets glycosylated PD-L1 and promotes its degradation to enhance antitumor immune effects in lung adenocarcinoma. J Transl Med 2023; 21:341. [PMID: 37217923 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04135-1] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunocheckpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely used in the clinical treatment of lung cancer. Although clinical studies and trials have shown that patients can benefit significantly after PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy, less than 20% of patients can benefit from ICIs therapy due to tumor heterogeneity and the complexity of immune microenvironment. Several recent studies have explored the immunosuppression of PD-L1 expression and activity by post-translational regulation. Our published articles demonstrate that ISG15 inhibits lung adenocarcinoma progression. Whether ISG15 can enhance the efficacy of ICIs by modulating PD-L1 remains unknown. METHODS The relationship between ISG15 and lymphocyte infiltration was identified by IHC. The effects of ISG15 on tumor cells and T lymphocytes were assessed using RT-qPCR and Western Blot and in vivo experiments. The underlying mechanism of PD-L1 post-translational modification by ISG15 was revealed by Western blot, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and Co-IP. Finally, we performed validation in C57 mice as well as in lung adenocarcinoma tissues. RESULTS ISG15 promotes the infiltration of CD4+ T lymphocytes. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that ISG15 induces CD4+ T cell proliferation and invalidity and immune responses against tumors. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the ubiquitination-like modifying effect of ISG15 on PD-L1 increased the modification of K48-linked ubiquitin chains thus increasing the degradation rate of glycosylated PD-L1 targeting proteasomal pathway. The expression of ISG15 and PD-L1 was negatively correlated in NSCLC tissues. In addition, reduced accumulation of PD-L1 by ISG15 in mice also increased splenic lymphocyte infiltration as well as promoted cytotoxic T cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, thereby enhancing anti-tumor immunity. CONCLUSIONS The ubiquitination modification of PD-L1 by ISG15 increases K48-linked ubiquitin chain modification, thereby increasing the degradation rate of glycosylated PD-L1-targeted proteasome pathway. More importantly, ISG15 enhanced the sensitivity to immunosuppressive therapy. Our study shows that ISG15, as a post-translational modifier of PD-L1, reduces the stability of PD-L1 and may be a potential therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongyuan Qu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenshuai Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenhui Yan
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Danyang Ren
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yalei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuhong Guo
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Qianru Guo
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinpeng Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Liren Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Han
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostics Core, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Lingmei Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiujuan Huang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Cao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Ye
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of EducationTianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
| | - Wenfeng Cao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
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Ma W, Oliveira-Nunes MC, Xu K, Kossenkov A, Reiner BC, Crist RC, Hayden J, Chen Q. Type I interferon response in astrocytes promotes brain metastasis by enhancing monocytic myeloid cell recruitment. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2632. [PMID: 37149684 PMCID: PMC10163863 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38252-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis to the brain is a significant clinical problem. Metastasis is the consequence of favorable interactions between invaded cancer cells and the microenvironment. Here, we demonstrate that cancer-activated astrocytes create a sustained low-level activated type I interferon (IFN) microenvironment in brain metastatic lesions. We further confirm that the IFN response in astrocytes facilitates brain metastasis. Mechanistically, IFN signaling in astrocytes activates C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) production, which further increases the recruitment of monocytic myeloid cells. The correlation between CCL2 and monocytic myeloid cells is confirmed in clinical brain metastasis samples. Lastly, genetically or pharmacologically inhibiting C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 2 (CCR2) reduces brain metastases. Our study clarifies a pro-metastatic effect of type I IFN in the brain even though IFN response has been considered to have anti-tumor effects. Moreover, this work expands our understandings on the interactions between cancer-activated astrocytes and immune cells in brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Ma
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Maria Cecília Oliveira-Nunes
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Carisma Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- MD/PhD Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Andrew Kossenkov
- Gene Expression & Regulation Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin C Reiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Richard C Crist
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James Hayden
- Imaging Shared Resource, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Qing Chen
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Wotman KL, Chow L, Martabano B, Pezzanite LM, Dow S. Novel ocular immunotherapy induces tumor regression in an equine model of ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:1185-1198. [PMID: 36367558 PMCID: PMC10992022 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03321-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is the major cause of corneal cancer in man and horses worldwide, and the prevalence of OSSN is increasing due to greater UVB exposure globally. Currently, there are no approved treatments for OSSN in either species, and most patients are managed with surgical excision or off-label treatment with locally injected interferon alpha, or topically applied cytotoxic drugs such as mitomycin C. A more broadly effective and readily applied immunotherapy could exert a significant impact on management of OSSN worldwide. We therefore evaluated the effectiveness of a liposomal TLR complex (LTC) immunotherapy, which previously demonstrated strong antiviral activity in multiple animal models following mucosal application, for ocular antitumor activity in a horse spontaneous OSSN model. In vitro studies demonstrated strong activation of interferon responses in horse leukocytes by LTC and suppression of OSSN cell growth and migration. In a trial of 8 horses (9 eyes), treatment with topical or perilesional LTC resulted in an overall tumor response rate of 67%, including durable regression of large OSSN tumors. Repeated treatment with LTC ocular immunotherapy was also very well tolerated clinically. We conclude therefore that ocular immunotherapy with LTC warrants further investigation as a novel approach to management of OSSN in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Wotman
- Center for Immune and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
| | - Lyndah Chow
- Center for Immune and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Brittany Martabano
- Center for Immune and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Lynn M Pezzanite
- Center for Immune and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Steven Dow
- Center for Immune and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
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Yoon SY, Won JH. Novel therapeutic strategies for essential thrombocythemia/polycythemia vera. Blood Res 2023; 58:83-89. [PMID: 37105562 PMCID: PMC10133851 DOI: 10.5045/br.2023.2023013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal disorders of hematopoietic stem cells; these include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). MPNs are inflammatory cancers, wherein the malignant clone generates cytokines that sustain the inflammatory drive in a self-perpetuating vicious cycle. The course of MPNs follows a biological continuum, that is, from early cancer stages (ET/PV) to advanced myelofibrosis as well as impending leukemic transformation. MPN-related symptoms, e.g., fatigue, general weakness, and itching, are caused by inflammatory cytokines. Thrombosis and bleeding are also exacerbated by inflammatory cytokines in patients with MPN. Until recently, the primary objective of ET and PV therapy was to increase survival rates by preventing thrombosis. However, several medications have recently demonstrated the ability to modify the course of the disease; symptom relief is expected for most patients. In addition, there is increasing interest in the active treatment of patients at low risk with PV and ET. This review focuses on the ET/PV treatment strategies as well as novel treatment options for clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seug Yun Yoon
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Ho Won
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Zheng R, Dunlap M, Lyu J, Gonzalez-Figueroa C, Bobkov G, Harvey SE, Chan TW, Quinones-Valdez G, Choudhury M, Vuong A, Flynn RA, Chang HY, Xiao X, Cheng C. LINE-associated cryptic splicing induces dsRNA-mediated interferon response and tumor immunity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529804. [PMID: 36865202 PMCID: PMC9980139 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
RNA splicing plays a critical role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Exponential expansion of intron length poses a challenge for accurate splicing. Little is known about how cells prevent inadvertent and often deleterious expression of intronic elements due to cryptic splicing. In this study, we identify hnRNPM as an essential RNA binding protein that suppresses cryptic splicing through binding to deep introns, preserving transcriptome integrity. Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) harbor large amounts of pseudo splice sites in introns. hnRNPM preferentially binds at intronic LINEs and represses LINE-containing pseudo splice site usage for cryptic splicing. Remarkably, a subgroup of the cryptic exons can form long dsRNAs through base-pairing of inverted Alu transposable elements scattered in between LINEs and trigger interferon immune response, a well-known antiviral defense mechanism. Notably, these interferon-associated pathways are found to be upregulated in hnRNPM-deficient tumors, which also exhibit elevated immune cell infiltration. These findings unveil hnRNPM as a guardian of transcriptome integrity. Targeting hnRNPM in tumors may be used to trigger an inflammatory immune response thereby boosting cancer surveillance.
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Sun H, Zhang Y, Wang G, Yang W, Xu Y. mRNA-Based Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020622. [PMID: 36839944 PMCID: PMC9964383 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, significant technological innovations have led to messenger RNA (mRNA) becoming a promising option for developing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, protein replacement therapies, and genome engineering. The success of the two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has sparked new enthusiasm for other medical applications, particularly in cancer treatment. In vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNAs are structurally designed to resemble naturally occurring mature mRNA. Delivery of IVT mRNA via delivery platforms such as lipid nanoparticles allows host cells to produce many copies of encoded proteins, which can serve as antigens to stimulate immune responses or as additional beneficial proteins for supplements. mRNA-based cancer therapeutics include mRNA cancer vaccines, mRNA encoding cytokines, chimeric antigen receptors, tumor suppressors, and other combination therapies. To better understand the current development and research status of mRNA therapies for cancer treatment, this review focused on the molecular design, delivery systems, and clinical indications of mRNA therapies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ge Wang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Correspondence:
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Gordy JT, Sandhu AK, Fessler K, Luo K, Kapoor AR, Ayeh SK, Hui Y, Schill C, Chen F, Wang T, Karanika S, Sunshine JC, Karakousis PC, Markham RB. IFNα and 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine combined with a dendritic-cell targeting DNA vaccine alter tumor immune cell infiltration in the B16F10 melanoma model. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1074644. [PMID: 36741387 PMCID: PMC9892704 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1074644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction DNA vaccines containing a fusion of the gene encoding chemokine MIP-3α (CCL20), the ligand for CCR6 on immature dendritic cells (DCs), to melanoma-associated antigen genes have enhanced anti-tumor immunity and efficacy compared to those lacking the chemokine gene. Previous work has shown that type-I interferon (IFNα or IFN) and 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5Aza) significantly enhance the therapeutic benefit of DNA vaccines as measured by reduced tumor burden and improved mouse survival. Methods Here, we explored mouse intratumoral immune correlates underlying the therapeutic benefit of this combination regimen (vaccine, IFN, and 5Aza) as compared to vaccine alone and IFN and 5Aza without vaccine, focusing on chemokine mRNA expression by qRT-PCR and inflammatory cellular infiltration into the tumor microenvironment (TME) by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results The combination group significantly upregulated intratumoral mRNA expression of key immune infiltration chemokines XCL1 and CXCL10. Flow cytometric analyses of tumor suspensions exhibited greater tumor infiltration of CD8+ DCs, CCR7+ DCs, and NK cells in the combination group, as well as reduced levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in vaccinated groups. The mice receiving combination therapy also had greater proportions of effector/memory T-cells (Tem), in addition to showing an enhanced infiltration of Tem and central memory CD8+ T-cells, (Tcm). Tem and Tcm populations both correlated with smaller tumor size. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumors confirmed that CD8+ cells were more abundant overall and especially in the tumor parenchyma with combination therapy. Discussion Efficient targeting of antigen to immature DCs with a chemokine-fusion vaccine offers a potential alternative approach to classic and dendritic cell-based vaccines. Combining this approach with IFNα and 5Aza treatments significantly improved vaccine efficacy. This treatment creates an environment of increased inflammatory chemokines that facilitates the trafficking of CD8+ DCs, NK cells, and CD8+ T-cells, especially memory cells, while reducing the number of MDSCs. Importantly, in the combination group, CD8+ cells were more able to penetrate the tumor mass in addition to being more numerous. Further analysis of the pathways engaged by our combination therapy is expected to provide additional insights into melanoma pathogenesis and facilitate the development of novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T. Gordy
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Avinaash K. Sandhu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Fessler
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kun Luo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Aakanksha R. Kapoor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Samuel K. Ayeh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yinan Hui
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Courtney Schill
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Fengyixin Chen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tianyin Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Styliani Karanika
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joel C. Sunshine
- The Departments of Dermatology, Pathology, and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Petros C. Karakousis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard B. Markham
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Richard B. Markham,
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35
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Cheon H, Wang Y, Wightman SM, Jackson MW, Stark GR. How cancer cells make and respond to interferon-I. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:83-92. [PMID: 36216730 PMCID: PMC9797472 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Acute exposure of cancer cells to high concentrations of type I interferon (IFN-I) drives growth arrest and apoptosis, whereas chronic exposure to low concentrations provides important prosurvival advantages. Tyrosine-phosphorylated IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) factor 3 (ISGF3) drives acute deleterious responses to IFN-I, whereas unphosphorylated (U-)ISGF3, lacking tyrosine phosphorylation, drives essential constitutive prosurvival mechanisms. Surprisingly, programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), often expressed on the surfaces of tumor cells and well recognized for its importance in inactivating cytotoxic T cells, also has important cell-intrinsic protumor activities, including dampening acute responses to cytotoxic high levels of IFN-I and sustaining the expression of the low levels that benefit tumors. More thorough understanding of the newly recognized complex roles of IFN-I in cancer may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- HyeonJoo Cheon
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Samantha M. Wightman
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mark W. Jackson
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - George R. Stark
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA,Correspondence: (G.R. Stark)
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36
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Canar J, Darling K, Dadey R, Gamero AM. The duality of STAT2 mediated type I interferon signaling in the tumor microenvironment and chemoresistance. Cytokine 2023; 161:156081. [PMID: 36327541 PMCID: PMC9720715 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.156081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment consists of tumor cells, extracellular matrix, blood vessels, and non-tumor cells such as fibroblasts and immune cells. Crosstalk among components of this cellular ecosystem can transform non-malignant cells and promote tumor invasion and metastasis. Evidence is accumulating that the transcription factor STAT2, a downstream effector of type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling, can either inhibit or promote tumorigenesis depending on the unique environment presented by each type of cancer. STAT2 has long been associated with the canonical JAK/STAT pathway involved in various biological processes including reshaping of the tumor microenvironment and in antitumor immunity. This dichotomous tendency of STAT2 to both inhibit and worsen tumor formation makes the protein a curious, and yet relatively ill-defined player in many cancer pathways involving IFN-I. In this review, we discuss the role of STAT2 in contributing to either a tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic microenvironment as well as chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Canar
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kennedy Darling
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ryan Dadey
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ana M Gamero
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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37
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Costoya JA, Arce VM. Cancer cells escape the immune system by increasing stemness through epigenetic reprogramming. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:6-7. [PMID: 36380095 PMCID: PMC9794797 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00953-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Costoya
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory MOL, Departamento de Fisioloxía, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CiMUS), Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Victor M Arce
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory MOL, Departamento de Fisioloxía, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CiMUS), Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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38
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Lin MH, Li D, Tang B, Li L, Suhrbier A, Harrich D. Defective Interfering Particles with Broad-Acting Antiviral Activity for Dengue, Zika, Yellow Fever, Respiratory Syncytial and SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0394922. [PMID: 36445148 PMCID: PMC9769664 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03949-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 100 arboviruses, almost all of which have an RNA genome, cause disease in humans. RNA viruses are causing unprecedented health system challenges worldwide, many with little or no specific therapies or vaccines available. Certain species of mosquito can carry dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV) and yellow fever virus (YFV), where co-infection of these viruses has occurred. Here, we found that purified synthetic defective interfering particles (DIPs) derived from DENV type 2 (DENV-2) strongly suppressed replication of the aforementioned viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and also the novel emerging virus SARS-CoV-2 in human cells. DENV DIPs produced in bioreactors, purified by column chromatography, and concentrated are virus-like particles that are about half the diameter of a typical DENV particle, but with similar ratios of the viral structural proteins envelope and capsid. Overall, DIP-treated cells inhibited DENV, ZIKV, YFV, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 by at least 98% by mechanisms which included interferon (IFN)-dependent cellular antiviral responses. IMPORTANCE DIPs are spontaneously derived virus mutants with deletions in genes that block viral replication. DIPs play important roles in modulation of viral disease, innate immune responses, virus persistence and virus evolution. Here, we investigated the antiviral activity of highly purified synthetic DIPs derived from DENV, which were produced in bioreactors. DENV DIPs purified by column chromatography strongly inhibited five different RNA viruses, including DENV, ZIKV, YFV, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 in human cells. DENV DIPs inhibited virus replication via delivery of a small, noninfectious viral RNA that activated cellular innate immunity, resulting in robust type 1 interferon responses. The work here presents a pathway for DIP production which is adaptable to Good Manufacturing Practice, so that their preclinical testing should be suitable for evaluation in subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hsuan Lin
- Program of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dongsheng Li
- Program of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bing Tang
- Program of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Li Li
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Program of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, GVN Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Harrich
- Program of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, GVN Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Xu Y, Wang Z, Wei P, Gairola R, Kelsey KT, Sikora AG, Li G, Gu J. Hypermethylation of nc886 in HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer and its clinical implications: An epigenome-wide association study. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 30:596-605. [PMID: 36514351 PMCID: PMC9722395 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased rapidly in the United States, driven by rising human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in the U.S. population. HPV-positive OPSCC patients have a better prognosis than HPV-negative patients. To gain insights into the unique biology of HPV(+) OPSCC that may contribute to its clinical behaviors, we performed a multi-stage epigenome-wide methylation profiling of leukocyte and tumor DNA in OPSCC patients and compared the methylation levels of CpG sites between HPV(+) and HPV(-) OPSCC patients. We identified and validated a significantly differentially methylated region (DMR) of 1,355 bp encompassing non-coding RNA 886 (nc886) gene and its promoter region. Nc886 is hypermethylated in both leukocytes and tumor DNA of HPV(+) OPSCC patients. Homozygous knockout of nc886 by CRISPR-Cas9 in head and neck cell lines was lethal, but nc886 could be knocked out on the background of protein kinase R (PKR) knockout. Our data suggest that HPV induces nc886 hypermethylation, and nc886 acts as both a viral sensor and a tumor sensor in OPSCC patients and contribute to the better prognosis of HPV(+) OPSCC patients. Nc886 may become a therapeutic target in OPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ziqiao Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Richa Gairola
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Karl T. Kelsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Andrew G. Sikora
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Guojun Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jian Gu
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Harrer DC, Schenkel C, Bezler V, Kaljanac M, Hartley J, Barden M, Pan H, Holzinger A, Herr W, Abken H. CAR Triggered Release of Type-1 Interferon Limits CAR T-Cell Activities by an Artificial Negative Autocrine Loop. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233839. [PMID: 36497099 PMCID: PMC9737386 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells expedited the field of cancer immunotherapy enabling durable remissions in patients with refractory hematological malignancies. T cells redirected for universal cytokine-mediated killing (TRUCKs), commonly referred to as "fourth generation" CAR T-cells, are designed to release engineered payloads upon CAR-induced T-cell activation. Building on the TRUCK technology, we aimed to generate CAR T-cells with a CAR-inducible artificial, self-limiting autocrine loop. To this end, we engineered CAR T-cells with CAR triggered secretion of type-1 interferons (IFNs). At baseline, IFNα and IFNβ CAR T-cells showed similar capacities in cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion compared to conventional CAR T-cells. However, under "stress" conditions of repetitive rounds of antigen stimulation using BxPC-3 pancreas carcinoma cells as targets, anti-tumor activity faded in later rounds while being fully active in destructing carcinoma cells during first rounds of stimulation. Mechanistically, the decline in activity was primarily based on type-1 IFN augmented CAR T-cell apoptosis, which was far less the case for CAR T-cells without IFN release. Such autocrine self-limiting loops can be used for applications where transient CAR T-cell activity and persistence upon target recognition is desired to avoid lasting toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Christoph Harrer
- Department Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Charlotte Schenkel
- Department Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Valerie Bezler
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marcell Kaljanac
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jordan Hartley
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Barden
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hong Pan
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Holzinger
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herr
- Department Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Langbein LE, El Hajjar R, Kim WY, Yang H. The convergence of tumor suppressors on the type I interferon pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and its therapeutic implications. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C1417-C1429. [PMID: 36154696 PMCID: PMC9662805 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00255.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene/hypoxia inducible factor (VHL/HIF) axis lays the groundwork for tumorigenesis and is the target of many therapeutic agents. HIF activation alone, however, is largely insufficient for kidney tumor development, and secondary mutations in PBRM1, BAP1, SETD2, KDM5C, or other tumor suppressor genes are strong enablers of tumorigenesis. Interestingly, it has been discovered that VHL loss and subsequent HIF activation results in upregulation of a negative feedback loop mediated by ISGF3, a transcription factor activated by type I interferon (IFN). Secondary mutations in the aforementioned tumor suppressor genes all partially disable this negative feedback loop to facilitate tumor growth. The convergence of several cancer genes on this pathway suggests that it plays an important role in ccRCC development and maintenance. Tumors with secondary mutations that dampen the negative feedback loop may be exquisitely sensitive to its reactivation, and pharmacological activation of ISGF3 either alone or in combination with other therapies could be an effective method to treat patients with ccRCC. In this review, we examine the relevance of the type I IFN pathway to ccRCC, synthesize our current knowledge of the ccRCC tumor suppressors in its regulation, and explore how this may impact the future treatment of patients with ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Langbein
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, & Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Rayan El Hajjar
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, & Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - William Y Kim
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, & Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Haifeng Yang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, & Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Biological and Exploitable Crossroads for the Immune Response in Cancer and COVID-19. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102628. [PMID: 36289890 PMCID: PMC9599827 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exacted a disproportionate toll on cancer patients. The effects of anticancer treatments and cancer patients’ characteristics shared significant responsibilities for this dismal outcome; however, the underlying immunopathological mechanisms are far from being completely understood. Indeed, despite their different etiologies, SARS-CoV-2 infection and cancer unexpectedly share relevant immunobiological connections. In the pathogenesis and natural history of both conditions, there emerges the centrality of the immune response, orchestrating the timed appearance, functional and dysfunctional roles of multiple effectors in acute and chronic phases. A significant number (more than 600) of observational and interventional studies have explored the interconnections between COVID-19 and cancer, focusing on aspects as diverse as psychological implications and prognostic factors, with more than 4000 manuscripts published so far. In this review, we reported and discussed the dynamic behavior of the main cytokines and immune system signaling pathways involved in acute vs. early, and chronic vs. advanced stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection and cancer. We highlighted the biological similarities and active connections within these dynamic disease scenarios, exploring and speculating on possible therapeutic crossroads from one setting to the other.
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Cheng Y, Huang N, Yin Q, Cheng C, Chen D, Gong C, Xiong H, Zhao J, Wang J, Li X, Zhang J, Mao S, Qin K. LncRNA TP53TG1 plays an anti-oncogenic role in cervical cancer by synthetically regulating transcriptome profile in HeLa cells. Front Genet 2022; 13:981030. [PMID: 36267418 PMCID: PMC9576931 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.981030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been extensively studied as important regulators of tumor development in various cancers. Tumor protein 53 target gene 1 (TP53TG1) is a newly identified lncRNA in recent years, and several studies have shown that TP53TG1 may play oncogenic or anti-oncogenic roles in different cancers. Nevertheless, the role of TP53TG1 in the development of cervical cancer is unclear. In our study, pan-cancer analysis showed that high expression of TP53TG1 was significantly associated with a better prognosis. We then constructed a TP53TG1 overexpression model in HeLa cell line to explore its functions and molecular targets. We found that TP53TG1 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, demonstrating that TP53TG1 may be a novel anti-oncogenic factor in cervical cancer. Furthermore, overexpression of TP53TG1 could activate type I interferon signaling pathways and inhibit the expression of genes involved in DNA damage responses. Meanwhile, TP53TG1 could affect alternative splicing of genes involved in cell proliferation or apoptosis by regulating the expression of many RNA-binding protein genes. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis demonstrated that TP53TG1 could act as the sponge of several miRNAs to regulate the expression level of target genes. In conclusion, our study highlights the essential role of lncRNA TP53TG1 in the development of cervical cancer and suggests the potential regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Nan Huang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qingqing Yin
- Center for Genome Analysis, Wuhan Ruixing Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Cheng
- Center for Genome Analysis, Wuhan Ruixing Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Center for Genome Analysis, Wuhan Ruixing Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chen Gong
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huihua Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuangshuang Mao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kai Qin
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Kai Qin,
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Deligiorgi MV, Trafalis DT. The continuum of care of anticancer treatment-induced hypothyroidism in patients with solid non thyroid tumors: time for an intimate collaboration between oncologists and endocrinologists. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:531-549. [PMID: 35757870 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2093714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypothyroidism is a common adverse event of various anticancer treatment modalities, constituting a notable paradigm of the integration of the endocrine perspective into precision oncology. AREAS COVERED The present narrative review provides a comprehensive and updated overview of anticancer treatment-induced hypothyroidism in patients with solid non-thyroid tumors. A study search was conducted on the following electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus.com, ClinicalTrials.gov, and European Union Clinical Trials Register from 2011 until August 2021. EXPERT OPINION In patients with solid non-thyroid tumors, hypothyroidism is a common adverse event of radiotherapy, high dose interleukin 2 (HD IL-2), interferon alpha (IFN-α), bexarotene, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi), and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), while chemotherapy may induce hypothyroidism more often than initially considered. The path forward for the management of anticancer treatment-induced hypothyroidism in patients with solid non-thyroid tumors is an integrated approach grounded on 5 pillars: prevention, vigilance, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. Current challenges concerning anticancer treatment-induced hypothyroidism await counteraction, namely awareness of the growing list of related anticancer treatments, identification of predictive factors, counteraction of diagnostic pitfalls, tuning of thyroid hormone replacement, and elucidation of its prognostic significance. Close collaboration of oncologists with endocrinologists will provide optimal patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Deligiorgi
- Department of Pharmacology - Clinical Pharmacology Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Trafalis
- Department of Pharmacology - Clinical Pharmacology Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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A brain-enriched lncRNA shields cancer cells from immune-mediated killing for metastatic colonization in the brain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200230119. [PMID: 35617432 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200230119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceBrain metastasis with current limited treatment options is a common complication in advanced cancer patients, and breast-to-brain metastasis (B2BM) is one of the major types. In this work, we report that brain metastasis oncogenic long noncoding RNA (BMOR) is a key brain-enriched long noncoding RNA for the development of B2BM. We demonstrate that BMOR allows B2BM cells to colonize the brain tissue by evading immune-mediated killing in the brain microenvironment. At the molecular level, BMOR binds and inactivates IRF3 in B2BM cells. Finally, BMOR silencer can effectively suppress the development of brain metastasis in vivo. Therefore, our findings reveal a way in which cancer cells evade immune-mediated killing in the brain microenvironment for brain metastasis development and establish therapeutic targets with potential targeted strategies against B2BM.
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Shi W, Yao X, Fu Y, Wang Y. Interferon‑α and its effects on cancer cell apoptosis (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 24:235. [PMID: 35720476 PMCID: PMC9185151 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon (IFN)-α is a cytokine that exhibits a wide range of biological activities and is used in various cancer treatments. It regulates numerous genes that serve roles in antiviral, antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities. For decades, one of the main aspects of clinical oncology has been the development of anticancer therapeutics that promote the effective elimination of cancer cells via apoptosis. However, the updated available information concerning IFN-α-induced cancer cell apoptosis needs to be assembled, so as to provide an improved theoretical reference for the basic scientific research and clinical treatment of malignant tumors. Therefore, the present review focuses on the potential effects of IFN-α in inducing cancer cell apoptosis. The biological characteristics of IFN-α, the apoptotic signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of apoptosis caused by IFN-α are discussed in different types of cancer cells. The present review provided a comprehensive understanding of the effects of IFN-α on cancer cell apoptosis, which will aid in developing more efficient strategies to effectively control the progression of certain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiye Shi
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, P.R. China
| | - Xu Yao
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, P.R. China
| | - Yu Fu
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, P.R. China
| | - Yingze Wang
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, P.R. China
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Novel Pegylated Interferon for the Treatment of Chronic Viral Hepatitis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061128. [PMID: 35746606 PMCID: PMC9230558 DOI: 10.3390/v14061128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a novel mono-pegylated and extra-long-acting interferon, being developed for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and chronic viral hepatitis. It has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and less frequent dosing schedule, i.e., once every two to four weeks, compared to conventional pegylated interferon products, which have multiple isomers and are administered weekly. It was approved for the long-term treatment of polycythemia vera, an MPN, and has been included in the NCCN clinical practice guidelines for this indication. Ropeginterferon alfa-2b has demonstrated efficacy and showed a favorable safety profile for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis in several clinical studies. In this article, we review its pharmacokinetics and available clinical data and suggest that ropeginterferon alfa-2b administered once every two weeks can serve as a new treatment option for patients with chronic viral hepatitis, including chronic hepatitis B, C, and D.
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Lee SE, Jang GY, Lee JW, Park SH, Han HD, Park YM, Kang TH. Improvement of STING-mediated cancer immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors as a game-changer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:3029-3042. [DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03220-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Differential In Vitro Growth and Cell Killing of Cancer versus Benign Prostate Cells by Oncolytic Parainfluenza Virus. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050493. [PMID: 35631014 PMCID: PMC9147676 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of effective oncolytic viruses will require understanding the differences in virus replication and killing between normal and cancer cells. Here, we have evaluated infections of metastatic cancer (22Rv1) and benign non-tumorigenic (BPH-1) prostate cell lines with a mutant parainfluenza virus 5 (P/V/F) encoding a defective V protein and a hyperfusogenic F protein. Under low multiplicity of infection (MOI), the P/V/F mutant efficiently spread in 22Rv1 cells but was restricted in BPH-1 cells due to type-I interferon (IFN-I) responses. In mixed co-cultures, the P/V/F mutant showed specificity towards and spread within the 22Rv1 cells versus BPH-1 cells. Under high MOI conditions, both BPH-1 and 22Rv1 cells showed efficient infection by the P/V/F mutant. However, compared to BPH-1 cells, the 22Rv1 cancer cells showed increased cytopathic effect, higher induction of caspase-8 and -9, and extensive syncytia formation. In 22Rv1 spheroid cultures, P/V/F infection was less efficient compared to monolayers, but the virus was able to spread through spheroids and induce death. These data indicate that IFN-I sensitivity is a major determinant of specificity of P/V/F spread through populations of cancer versus benign cells, and additionally, differences in activation of apoptotic pathways and syncytia formation can contribute to differential outcomes in cancer versus benign cells.
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50
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Huang JL, Chen SY, Lin CS. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells through Epigenetic Modulation of Interferon Response. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12040556. [PMID: 35455671 PMCID: PMC9027081 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cancer cells and are thought to play a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of tumor mass. CSCs exhibit similar hallmarks to normal stem cells, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and homeostasis. In addition, CSCs are equipped with several features so as to evade anticancer mechanisms. Therefore, it is hard to eliminate CSCs by conventional anticancer therapeutics that are effective at clearing bulk cancer cells. Interferons are innate cytokines and are the key players in immune surveillance to respond to invaded pathogens. Interferons are also crucial for adaptive immunity for the killing of specific aliens including cancer cells. However, CSCs usually evolve to escape from interferon-mediated immune surveillance and to shape the niche as a “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME). These CSC characteristics are related to their unique epigenetic regulations that are different from those of normal and bulk cancer cells. In this review, we introduce the roles of epigenetic modifiers, focusing on LSD1, BMI1, G9a, and SETDB1, in contributing to CSC characteristics and discussing the interplay between CSCs and interferon response. We also discuss the emerging strategy for eradicating CSCs by targeting these epigenetic modifiers, which can elevate cytosolic nuclei acids, trigger interferon response, and reshape a “hot” TME for improving cancer immunotherapy. The key epigenetic and immune genes involved in this crosstalk can be used as biomarkers for precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jau-Ling Huang
- Department of Bioscience Technology, College of Health Science, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 711, Taiwan;
| | - Si-Yun Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Chang-Shen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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