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Franzese O, Ancona P, Bianchi N, Aguiari G. Apoptosis, a Metabolic "Head-to-Head" between Tumor and T Cells: Implications for Immunotherapy. Cells 2024; 13:924. [PMID: 38891056 PMCID: PMC11171541 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110924] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Induction of apoptosis represents a promising therapeutic approach to drive tumor cells to death. However, this poses challenges due to the intricate nature of cancer biology and the mechanisms employed by cancer cells to survive and escape immune surveillance. Furthermore, molecules released from apoptotic cells and phagocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can facilitate cancer progression and immune evasion. Apoptosis is also a pivotal mechanism in modulating the strength and duration of anti-tumor T-cell responses. Combined strategies including molecular targeting of apoptosis, promoting immunogenic cell death, modulating immunosuppressive cells, and affecting energy pathways can potentially overcome resistance and enhance therapeutic outcomes. Thus, an effective approach for targeting apoptosis within the TME should delicately balance the selective induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, while safeguarding survival, metabolic changes, and functionality of T cells targeting crucial molecular pathways involved in T-cell apoptosis regulation. Enhancing the persistence and effectiveness of T cells may bolster a more resilient and enduring anti-tumor immune response, ultimately advancing therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment. This review delves into the pivotal topics of this multifaceted issue and suggests drugs and druggable targets for possible combined therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Franzese
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Pietro Ancona
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Aguiari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via F. Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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Tubridy EA, Eiva MA, Liu F, Omran DK, Gysler S, Brown EG, Roy AG, Zeng Y, Oh J, Cao Q, Gitto SB, Powell DJ. CD137+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes predicts ovarian cancer survival. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 184:74-82. [PMID: 38290413 PMCID: PMC11179985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.029] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy in the United States, and biomarkers of patient outcomes are limited. Data using immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis are mixed regarding whether and which tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) impact survival, and IHC does not adequately quantify rare cell populations, including CD137+ (4-1BB) tumor-reactive TILs. Our study investigates if a higher percentage of CD3+ CD137+ TILs is associated with improved overall survival (OS) in OC. METHODS Flow cytometry was performed on viably banked OC digests. Chart review and statistical analysis were performed. Forty-seven patients were included, 40 of whom were diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), papillary serous carcinoma, or undifferentiated histology. RESULTS A high percentage of CD3+ CD137+ TILs correlated with improved OS (n = 40, r = 0.48, P = 0.0016). Subjects were divided into CD3+ CD137+ TIL high and low groups by the median. Subjects with high CD3+CD137+ TIL frequencies (>9.6%) had longer OS (Wilcoxon rank-sum test; P = 0.0032) and improved OS (logrank test; P = 0.007). Differences in CD3+ or CD3+ CD8+ TILs did not impact survival. CD3+ CD137+ TILs were predictive of OS regardless of germline mutation or debulking status. Analysis of subgroups including late stage HGSOC and late stage HGSOC with primary optimal cytoreduction indicated CD3+ CD137+ TILs correlated with improved OS after adjusting for age and PARP inhibitor use (P = 0.034 and P = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of CD3+ CD137+ TILs in digested OC specimens is associated with improved OS, while general TIL markers are not. CD137 has the potential to be a novel biomarker for survival in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Tubridy
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Monika A Eiva
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dalia K Omran
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Stefan Gysler
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erica G Brown
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Allison G Roy
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yuyan Zeng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jinhee Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania Hospital, 800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Quy Cao
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sarah B Gitto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel J Powell
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Fang CH, Cheng WF, Cheng YF, Lan KL, Lee JM. Characterization of tumoricidal activities mediated by a novel immune cell regimen composing interferon-producing killer dendritic cells and tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:395. [PMID: 38549061 PMCID: PMC10979599 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12101-3] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although immune cell therapy has long been used for treating solid cancer, its efficacy remains limited. Interferon (IFN)-producing killer dendritic cells (IKDCs) exhibit cytotoxicity and present antigens to relevant cells; thus, they can selectively induce tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-specific CD8 T cells and may be useful in cancer treatment. Various protocols have been used to amplify human IKDCs from peripheral sources, but the complexity of the process has prevented their widespread clinical application. Additionally, the induction of TAA-specific CD8 T cells through the adoptive transfer of IKDCs to immunocompromised patients with cancer may be insufficient. Therefore, we developed a method for generating an immune cell-based regimen, Phyduxon-T, comprising a human IKDC counterpart (Phyduxon) and expanded TAA-specific CD8 T cells. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from ovarian cancer patients were cultured with human interleukin (hIL)-15, hIL-12, and hIL-18 to generate Phyduxon-T. Then, its phenotype, cytotoxicity, and antigen-presenting function were evaluated through flow cytometry using specific monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS Phyduxon exhibited the characteristics of both natural killer and dendritic cells. This regimen also exhibited cytotoxicity against primary ovarian cancer cells and presented TAAs, thereby inducing TAA-specific CD8 T cells, as evidenced by the expression of 4-1BB and IFN-γ. Notably, the Phyduxon-T manufacturing protocol effectively expanded IFN-γ-producing 4-1BB+ TAA-specific CD8 T cells from peripheral sources; these cells exhibited cytotoxic activities against ovarian cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Phyduxon-T, which is a combination of natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and TAA-specific CD8 T cells, may enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hao Fang
- Biomedical Industry Ph.D. Program, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- FullHope Biomedical Co.,Ltd, 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Fang Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Fang Cheng
- FullHope Biomedical Co.,Ltd, 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Li Lan
- Department of Heavy Particles & Radiation Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St. Beitou Dist., Taipei City, 112304, Taiwan.
| | - Jan-Mou Lee
- FullHope Biomedical Co.,Ltd, 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan.
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Unterfrauner M, Rejeski HA, Hartz A, Bohlscheid S, Baudrexler T, Feng X, Rackl E, Li L, Rank A, Filippini Velázquez G, Schmid C, Schmohl J, Bojko P, Schmetzer H. Granulocyte-Macrophage-Colony-Stimulating-Factor Combined with Prostaglandin E1 Create Dendritic Cells of Leukemic Origin from AML Patients' Whole Blood and Whole Bone Marrow That Mediate Antileukemic Processes after Mixed Lymphocyte Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17436. [PMID: 38139264 PMCID: PMC10743754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although several (chemotherapeutic) protocols to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are available, high rates of relapses in successfully treated patients occur. Strategies to stabilize remissions are greatly needed. The combination of the (clinically approved) immune-modulatory compounds Granulocyte-Macrophage-Colony-Stimulating-Factor (GM-CSF) and Prostaglandine E1 (PGE-1) (Kit-M) converts myeloid blasts into dendritic cells of leukemic origin (DCleu). After stimulation with DCleu ex vivo, leukemia-specific antileukemic immune cells are activated. Therefore, Kit-M treatment may be an attractive immunotherapeutic tool to treat patients with myeloid leukemia. Kit-M-mediated antileukemic effects on whole bone marrow (WBM) were evaluated and compared to whole blood (WB) to evaluate the potential effects of Kit-M on both compartments. WB and WBM samples from 17 AML patients at first diagnosis, in persisting disease and at relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) were treated in parallel with Kit-M to generate DC/DCleu. Untreated samples served as controls. After a mixed lymphocyte culture enriched with patients' T cells (MLC), the leukemia-specific antileukemic effects were assessed through the degranulation- (CD107a+ T cells), the intracellular IFNγ production- and the cytotoxicity fluorolysis assay. Quantification of cell subtypes was performed via flow cytometry. In both WB and WBM significantly higher frequencies of (mature) DCleu were generated without induction of blast proliferation in Kit-M-treated samples compared to control. After MLC with Kit-M-treated vs. not pretreated WB or WBM, frequencies of (leukemia-specific) immunoreactive cells (e.g., non-naive, effector-, memory-, CD3+β7+ T cells, NK- cells) were (significantly) increased, whereas leukemia-specific regulatory T cells (Treg, CD152+ T cells) were (significantly) decreased. The cytotoxicity fluorolysis assay showed a significantly improved blast lysis in Kit-M-treated WB and WBM compared to control. A parallel comparison of WB and WBM samples revealed no significant differences in frequencies of DCleu, (leukemia-specific) immunoreactive cells and achieved antileukemic processes. Kit-M was shown to have comparable effects on WB and WBM samples regarding the generation of DCleu and activation of (antileukemic) immune cells after MLC. This was true for samples before or after SCT. In summary, a potential Kit-M in vivo treatment could lead to antileukemic effects in WB as well as WBM in vivo and to stabilization of the disease or remission in patients before or after SCT. A clinical trial is currently being planned.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hazal Aslan Rejeski
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Hartz
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sophia Bohlscheid
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Baudrexler
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Xiaojia Feng
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Elias Rackl
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Rank
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Schmid
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Schmohl
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Diakonieklinikum Stuttgart, 70176 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Bojko
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Rotkreuzklinikum Munich, 80634 Munich, Germany
| | - Helga Schmetzer
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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5
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Das A, Tabori U, Sambira Nahum LC, Collins NB, Deyell R, Dvir R, Faure-Conter C, Hassall TE, Minturn JE, Edwards M, Brookes E, Bianchi V, Levine A, Stone SC, Sudhaman S, Sanchez Ramirez S, Ercan AB, Stengs L, Chung J, Negm L, Getz G, Maruvka YE, Ertl-Wagner B, Ohashi PS, Pugh T, Hawkins C, Bouffet E, Morgenstern DA. Efficacy of Nivolumab in Pediatric Cancers with High Mutation Burden and Mismatch Repair Deficiency. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4770-4783. [PMID: 37126021 PMCID: PMC10690097 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Checkpoint inhibitors have limited efficacy for children with unselected solid and brain tumors. We report the first prospective pediatric trial (NCT02992964) using nivolumab exclusively for refractory nonhematologic cancers harboring tumor mutation burden (TMB) ≥5 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb) and/or mismatch repair deficiency (MMRD). PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty patients were screened, and 10 were ultimately included in the response cohort of whom nine had TMB >10 mut/Mb (three initially eligible based on MMRD) and one patient had TMB between 5 and 10 mut/Mb. RESULTS Delayed immune responses contributed to best overall response of 50%, improving on initial objective responses (20%) and leading to 2-year overall survival (OS) of 50% [95% confidence interval (CI), 27-93]. Four children, including three with refractory malignant gliomas are in complete remission at a median follow-up of 37 months (range, 32.4-60), culminating in 2-year OS of 43% (95% CI, 18.2-100). Biomarker analyses confirmed benefit in children with germline MMRD, microsatellite instability, higher activated and lower regulatory circulating T cells. Stochastic mutation accumulation driven by underlying germline MMRD impacted the tumor microenvironment, contributing to delayed responses. No benefit was observed in the single patient with an MMR-proficient tumor and TMB 7.4 mut/Mb. CONCLUSIONS Nivolumab resulted in durable responses and prolonged survival for the first time in a pediatric trial of refractory hypermutated cancers including malignant gliomas. Novel biomarkers identified here need to be translated rapidly to clinical care to identify children who can benefit from checkpoint inhibitors, including upfront management of cancer. See related commentary by Mardis, p. 4701.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Das
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Uri Tabori
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Lauren C. Sambira Nahum
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Natalie B. Collins
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Rina Dvir
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Jane E. Minturn
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Melissa Edwards
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Elissa Brookes
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Vanessa Bianchi
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Adrian Levine
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Simone C. Stone
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Sumedha Sudhaman
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Santiago Sanchez Ramirez
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Ayse B. Ercan
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Lucie Stengs
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Jill Chung
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Logine Negm
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Gad Getz
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Birgit Ertl-Wagner
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Trevor Pugh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Cynthia Hawkins
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Eric Bouffet
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Daniel A. Morgenstern
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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Fang J, Lu Y, Zheng J, Jiang X, Shen H, Shang X, Lu Y, Fu P. Exploring the crosstalk between endothelial cells, immune cells, and immune checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment: new insights and therapeutic implications. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:586. [PMID: 37666809 PMCID: PMC10477350 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06119-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a highly intricate milieu, comprising a multitude of components, including immune cells and stromal cells, that exert a profound influence on tumor initiation and progression. Within the TME, angiogenesis is predominantly orchestrated by endothelial cells (ECs), which foster the proliferation and metastasis of malignant cells. The interplay between tumor and immune cells with ECs is complex and can either bolster or hinder the immune system. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate crosstalk between ECs and immune cells is essential to advance the development of immunotherapeutic interventions. Despite recent progress, the underlying molecular mechanisms that govern the interplay between ECs and immune cells remain elusive. Nevertheless, the immunomodulatory function of ECs has emerged as a pivotal determinant of the immune response. In light of this, the study of the relationship between ECs and immune checkpoints has garnered considerable attention in the field of immunotherapy. By targeting specific molecular pathways and signaling molecules associated with ECs in the TME, novel immunotherapeutic strategies may be devised to enhance the efficacy of current treatments. In this vein, we sought to elucidate the relationship between ECs, immune cells, and immune checkpoints in the TME, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets and charting new avenues for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwen Fang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Lu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, 313000, Huzhou, China
| | - Jingyan Zheng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Six Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 323000, Lishui, China
| | - Xiaocong Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haixing Shen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Cixi People's Hospital, 315300, Cixi, China
| | - Xi Shang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University, 318000, Taizhou, China
| | - Yuexin Lu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peifen Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, China.
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Tserunyan V, Finley SD. A systems and computational biology perspective on advancing CAR therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 94:34-49. [PMID: 37263529 PMCID: PMC10529846 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In the recent decades, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy signaled a new revolutionary approach to cancer treatment. This method seeks to engineer immune cells expressing an artificially designed receptor, which would endue those cells with the ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. While some CAR therapies received FDA approval and others are subject to clinical trials, many aspects of their workings remain elusive. Techniques of systems and computational biology have been frequently employed to explain the operating principles of CAR therapy and suggest further design improvements. In this review, we sought to provide a comprehensive account of those efforts. Specifically, we discuss various computational models of CAR therapy ranging in scale from organismal to molecular. Then, we describe the molecular and functional properties of costimulatory domains frequently incorporated in CAR structure. Finally, we describe the signaling cascades by which those costimulatory domains elicit cellular response against the target. We hope that this comprehensive summary of computational and experimental studies will further motivate the use of systems approaches in advancing CAR therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vardges Tserunyan
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stacey D Finley
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Li B. Personalized Immunotherapy of Patients: Defining by Single-cell RNA-seq with Artificial Intelligence. MEDICAL RESEARCH ARCHIVES 2023; 11:10.18103/mra.v11i8.4293. [PMID: 37736242 PMCID: PMC10512655 DOI: 10.18103/mra.v11i8.4293] [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: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy, including immune cell therapy and targeted therapy, is gradually developed through the ongoing discovery of molecular compounds or immune cells. Choosing the best one or the best combination of target compounds and immune-cell therapy is a challenge for clinical scientists and clinicians. We have found variable efficacy individually after tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, and now TILs have been discovered in a group of heterogeneous immune cells. To select the best immunotherapy for each patient, we started to study TIL genomics, including single-cell mRNA differential display from TIL published in 2007 and single-cell RNA-seq from TIL published in 2013, set up TIL quantitative network in 2015, researched machine-learning model for immune therapy in 2022. These manual reports single-cell RNA-seq data combined with machine learning to evaluate the optimal compounds and immune cells for individual patients. The machine-learning model, one of artificial intelligence, can estimate targeting genomic variance from single-cell RNA-seq so that they can cover thirteen kinds of immune cell therapies and ongoing FDA-approved targeted therapies such as PD1 inhibitors, PDL1 inhibitors, and CTLA4 inhibitors, as well as other different treatments such as HDACI or DNMT1 inhibitors, FDA-approved drugs. Moreover, also cover Phase-1, Phase-2, Phase-3, and Phase-4 of clinical trials, such as TIL, CAR T-cells, TCR T-cells. Single-cell RNA-seq with an Artificial intelligence estimation system is much better than our published models from microarrays or just cell therapy. The medical goal is to address three issues in clinical immunotherapy: the increase of efficacy; the decrease of adverse effects and the decrease of the cost in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biaoru Li
- Georgia Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College at GA, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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9
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Pierzynowska K, Gaffke L, Zaucha JM, Węgrzyn G. Transcriptomic Approaches in Studies on and Applications of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041107. [PMID: 37189725 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells are specifically modified T cells which bear recombinant receptors, present at the cell surface and devoted to detect selected antigens of cancer cells, and due to the presence of transmembrane and activation domains, able to eliminate the latter ones. The use of CAR-T cells in anti-cancer therapies is a relatively novel approach, providing a powerful tool in the fight against cancer and bringing new hope for patients. However, despite huge possibilities and promising results of preclinical studies and clinical efficacy, there are various drawbacks to this therapy, including toxicity, possible relapses, restrictions to specific kinds of cancers, and others. Studies desiring to overcome these problems include various modern and advanced methods. One of them is transcriptomics, a set of techniques that analyze the abundance of all RNA transcripts present in the cell at certain moment and under certain conditions. The use of this method gives a global picture of the efficiency of expression of all genes, thus revealing the physiological state and regulatory processes occurring in the investigated cells. In this review, we summarize and discuss the use of transcriptomics in studies on and applications of CAR-T cells, especially in approaches focused on improved efficacy, reduced toxicity, new target cancers (like solid tumors), monitoring the treatment efficacy, developing novel analytical methods, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pierzynowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Lidia Gaffke
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jan M. Zaucha
- Department of Hematology and Transplantology, Medical University of Gdansk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
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10
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Claus C, Ferrara-Koller C, Klein C. The emerging landscape of novel 4-1BB (CD137) agonistic drugs for cancer immunotherapy. MAbs 2023; 15:2167189. [PMID: 36727218 PMCID: PMC9897756 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2167189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical development of 4-1BB agonists for cancer immunotherapy has raised substantial interest during the past decade. The first generation of 4-1BB agonistic antibodies entering the clinic, urelumab (BMS-663513) and utomilumab (PF-05082566), failed due to (liver) toxicity or lack of efficacy, respectively. The two antibodies display differences in the affinity and the 4-1BB receptor epitope recognition, as well as the isotype, which determines the Fc-gamma-receptor (FcγR) crosslinking activity. Based on this experience a very diverse landscape of second-generation 4-1BB agonists addressing the liabilities of first-generation agonists has recently been developed, with many entering clinical Phase 1 and 2 studies. This review provides an overview focusing on differences and their scientific rationale, as well as challenges foreseen during the clinical development of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Claus
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Ferrara-Koller
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
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11
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Kim JH, Kim GH, Ryu YM, Kim SY, Kim HD, Yoon SK, Cho Y, Lee JL. Clinical implications of the tumor microenvironment using multiplexed immunohistochemistry in patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. Front Oncol 2022; 12:969569. [PMID: 36237314 PMCID: PMC9552830 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.969569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as nivolumab and ipilimumab (N/I) are important treatment options for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The tumor microenvironment (TME) in these ICI-treated patients is largely unknown. Methods Twenty-four patients treated with N/I between July 2015 and June 2020 were analyzed. Multiplexed immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was conducted to define the TME, including various T cell subsets, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Results The median age of the study patients was 61 years (range, 39-80) and 75.0% of these cases were men. The objective response rate with N/I was 50.0%. The densities of the CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (P=0.005), specifically CD137+ CD8+ T cells (P=0.017), Foxp3- CD4+ helper T cells (P=0.003), Foxp3+ CD4+ regulatory T cells (P=0.045), CD68+ CD206- M1 macrophages (P=0.008), and CD68+ CD206+ M2 macrophages (P=0.021) were significantly higher in the treatment responders. At a median follow-up duration of 24.7 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.6 months. The high densities (≥median) of Foxp3- CD4+ helper T cells (P=0.016) and CD68+ CD206- M1 macrophages (P=0.008) were significantly associated with better PFS, and the density of CD137+ CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (P=0.079) was marginally associated with better PFS. After multivariate analysis, the higher density of Foxp3- CD4+ helper T cells was independently associated with better PFS (hazard ratio 0.19; P=0.016). Conclusion The properties and clinical implications of the TME properties in RCC indicate that Foxp3- CD4+ helper T cells, M1 macrophages, and CD137+ CD8+ T cells are potential predictive biomarkers and treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jwa Hoon Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gi Hwan Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yeon-Mi Ryu
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Yeob Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung-Don Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shin Kyo Yoon
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong Mee Cho
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Lyun Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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12
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Oh J, Xia X, Wong WKR, Wong SHD, Yuan W, Wang H, Lai CHN, Tian Y, Ho YP, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Li G, Lin Y, Bian L. The Effect of the Nanoparticle Shape on T Cell Activation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107373. [PMID: 35297179 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of extracellular ligand nano-geometry in ex vivo T cell activation for immunotherapy remains elusive. Herein, the authors demonstrate large aspect ratio (AR) of gold nanorods (AuNRs) conjugated on cell culture substrate enhancing both murine and human T cell activation through the nanoscale anisotropic presentation of stimulatory ligands (anti-CD3(αCD3) and anti-CD28(αCD28) antibodies). AuNRs with large AR bearing αCD3 and αCD28 antibodies significantly promote T cell expansion and key cytokine secretion including interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). High membrane tension observed in large AR AuNRs regulates actin filament and focal adhesion assembly and develops maturation-related morphological features in T cells such as membrane ruffle formation, cell spreading, and large T cell receptor (TCR) cluster formation. Anisotropic stimulatory ligand presentation promotes differentiation of naïve CD8+ T cells toward the effector phenotype inducing CD137 expression upon co-culture with human cervical carcinoma. The findings suggest the importance of manipulating extracellular ligand nano-geometry in optimizing T cell behaviors to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Oh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xingyu Xia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Wai Ki Ricky Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Siu Hong Dexter Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Weihao Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Haixing Wang
- Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Chun Him Nathanael Lai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yi-Ping Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Honglu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 511442, P.R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 511442, P.R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- HKU-Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Shenzhen, Guang Dong, 518000, China
| | - Liming Bian
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 511442, P.R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
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13
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Martinez-Gomez C, Michelas M, Scarlata CM, Salvioni A, Gomez-Roca C, Sarradin V, Lauzéral-Vizcaino F, Féliu V, Dupret-Bories A, Ferron G, Sarini J, Devaud C, Delord JP, Balança CC, Martinez A, Ayyoub M. Circulating Exhausted PD-1+CD39+ Helper CD4 T Cells Are Tumor-Antigen-Specific and Predict Response to PD-1/PD-L1 Axis Blockade. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153679. [PMID: 35954341 PMCID: PMC9367599 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Not all cancer patients receiving immunotherapy by immune checkpoint blockade experience a clinical benefit. Our study was aimed at identifying biomarkers that could guide the selection of immunotherapy-responsive patients. Immunotherapy targets two major populations of lymphocytes: CD8 T cells, which directly kill tumor cells, and CD4 T cells, which provide help to CD8 T cells, the role of which in clinical responsiveness to immunotherapy has been less explored. We identified, in the blood of cancer patients, a population of CD4 T cells expressing inhibitory receptors targeted by immunotherapy. We showed that these cells were activated and proliferating, indicating their potential involvement in ongoing immune responses. Accordingly, we showed that they were specific for tumor antigens. In a prospective cohort, we showed that high proportions of these cells prior to therapy were associated with a response to immunotherapy. Abstract Tumor-infiltrating exhausted PD-1hiCD39+ tumor-antigen (Ag)-specific CD4 T cells contribute to the response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), but their circulating counterparts, which could represent accessible biomarkers, have not been assessed. Here, we analyzed circulating PD-1+CD39+ CD4 T cells and show that this population was present at higher proportions in cancer patients than in healthy individuals and was enriched in activated HLA-DR+ and ICOS+ and proliferating KI67+ cells, indicative of their involvement in ongoing immune responses. Among memory CD4 T cells, this population contained the lowest proportions of cells producing effector cytokines, suggesting they were exhausted. In patients with HPV-induced malignancies, the PD-1+CD39+ population contained high proportions of HPV Ag-specific T cells. In patients treated by ICB for HPV-induced tumors, the proportion of circulating PD-1+CD39+ CD4 T cells was predictive of the clinical response. Our results identify CD39 expression as a surrogate marker of circulating helper tumor-Ag-specific CD4 T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martinez-Gomez
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Surgery, IUCT-Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France; (A.D.-B.); (G.F.); (J.S.)
| | - Marie Michelas
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Clara-Maria Scarlata
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
- Immune Monitoring Core Facility, IUCT-Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Anna Salvioni
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Carlos Gomez-Roca
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, IUCT-Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Victor Sarradin
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, IUCT-Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Françoise Lauzéral-Vizcaino
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Virginie Féliu
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Agnès Dupret-Bories
- Department of Surgery, IUCT-Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France; (A.D.-B.); (G.F.); (J.S.)
| | - Gwénaël Ferron
- Department of Surgery, IUCT-Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France; (A.D.-B.); (G.F.); (J.S.)
| | - Jérôme Sarini
- Department of Surgery, IUCT-Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France; (A.D.-B.); (G.F.); (J.S.)
| | - Christel Devaud
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Delord
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, IUCT-Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Camille-Charlotte Balança
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Alejandra Martinez
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Surgery, IUCT-Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France; (A.D.-B.); (G.F.); (J.S.)
| | - Maha Ayyoub
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.-G.); (M.M.); (C.-M.S.); (A.S.); (C.G.-R.); (V.S.); (F.L.-V.); (V.F.); (C.D.); (J.-P.D.); (C.-C.B.); (A.M.)
- Immune Monitoring Core Facility, IUCT-Oncopole, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)582741687
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14
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Li Z, Azar JH, Rubinstein MP. Converting Tumoral PD-L1 into a 4-1BB Agonist for Safer and More Effective Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1184-1186. [PMID: 35491648 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Dose-limiting toxicities are thought to temper the efficacy of single-agent 4-1BB agonists. To overcome this hurdle, in this issue of Cancer Discovery, Muik and colleagues report preclinical and clinical studies describing a first-in-class bispecific fusion protein targeting 4-1BB and PD-L1. See related article by Muik et al., p. 1248 (9).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihai Li
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Joseph H Azar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mark P Rubinstein
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
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15
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Scirocchi F, Scagnoli S, Botticelli A, Di Filippo A, Napoletano C, Zizzari IG, Strigari L, Tomao S, Cortesi E, Rughetti A, Marchetti P, Nuti M. Immune effects of CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with HR+/HER2− metastatic breast cancer: Relief from immunosuppression is associated with clinical response. EBioMedicine 2022; 79:104010. [PMID: 35477069 PMCID: PMC9061627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) are innovative small target molecules that, in combination with endocrine therapy, have recently been employed in the treatment of patients with HR+/HER2− metastatic breast cancer (mBC). In this prospective study, we investigate the impact of CDK4/6i on the immune profile of patients with HR+/HER2− mBC. Methods Immune cell subsets were analysed using flow cytometry of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from patients with HR+/HER2− mBC, both before and during treatment. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) were identified using the markers CD4, CD25, CTLA4, CD45RA, and intracellular FOXP3. Monocytic and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs) and other immune populations were analysed using CD45, CD14, CD66b, CD11c, HLA-DR, CD3, CD8, CD28, CD137, PD1, CD45RA, CCR7, and Ki67. Findings The percentage of circulating Tregs and M/PMN-MDSCs was significantly downregulated from baseline during CDK4/6i-treatment (p<0.0001 and p<0.05, respectively). In particular, the effector Treg subset (CD4+CD25+FOXP3highCD45RA−) was strongly reduced (p<0.0001). The decrease in Treg levels was significantly greater in responder patients than in non-responder patients. Conversely, CDK4/6i treatment was associated with increased levels of CD4+ T cells and anti-tumour CD137+CD8+ T cells (p<0.05). Interpretation CDK4/6i treatment results in downregulation of Tregs, M-MDSCs, and PMN-MDSCs, thus weakening tumour immunosuppression. This decrease is associated with response to treatment, highlighting the importance of unleashing immunity in cancer treatment efficacy. These results suggest a novel mechanism of immunomodulation in mBC and provide valuable information for the future design of novel treatments combining CDK4/6i with immunotherapy in other cancer settings. Funding Sapienza University of Rome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Scirocchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Simone Scagnoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Andrea Botticelli
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Human Pathology, Policlinico Umberto I "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Di Filippo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Chiara Napoletano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Ilaria Grazia Zizzari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Lidia Strigari
- Medical Physics Unit, "S. Orsola-Malpighi" Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silverio Tomao
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Human Pathology, Policlinico Umberto I "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Enrico Cortesi
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Human Pathology, Policlinico Umberto I "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Aurelia Rughetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | | | - Marianna Nuti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
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Xu Y, Chen R, Yan J, Zang G, Shao C, Wang Z. CD137 Signal Mediates Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulating the Necrosis of Cardiomyocytes. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2022; 15:1163-1175. [PMID: 35419772 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-022-10240-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The injury of cardiomyocytes after ischemia-reperfusion is the main reason of cardiac dysfunction. Necrosis is one of the methods of programmed cell death and cardiomyocyte necrosis occurs in the process of reperfusion. The activation of CD137 signal is involved in various diseases. In vivo experiments proved that CD137-/- mice have less heart damage than wild-type mice after ischemia-reperfusion. In vitro experiments, we found that after inhibiting the CD137 signal, the degree of necrosis of HL-1 cells was reduced and it was caused by reducing the Ca2 + overload in the mitochondria, which caused the reduction of mPTP opening. Ca2 + overload in mitochondria induced by activation of CD137 signal was caused by increased Ca2 + released into mitochondria by activation of IP3R and increased MCU level. These results indicate that CD137 signaling aggravates cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury by inducing myocardial cell necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jinchuan Yan
- Health Science Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guangyao Zang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chen Shao
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Zhongqun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Ugolini A, Nuti M. Rheumatoid Factor: A Novel Determiner in Cancer History. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040591. [PMID: 33546243 PMCID: PMC7913362 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Rheumatoid factors are autoantibodies that characterize different autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, but that can also be found in the sera of the general healthy population. They have been mainly studied in the context of autoimmune diseases, but some evidence have suggested an association between their presence and the predisposition to develop cancer as well as a facilitation of cancer growth and progression in oncologic patients. In this review, for the first time we thus analyze and discuss the possible roles that these autoantibodies can assume in tumor history, from determiners of a heightened susceptibility of developing cancer to drivers of a reduced response to immunotherapies. Abstract The possible interplay between autoimmunity and cancer is a topic that still needs to be deeply explored. Rheumatoid factors are autoantibodies that are able to bind the constant regions (Fc) of immunoglobulins class G (IgGs). In physiological conditions, their production is a transient event aimed at contributing to the elimination of pathogens as well as limiting a redundant immune response by facilitating the clearance of antibodies and immune complexes. Their production can become persistent in case of different chronic infections or diseases, being for instance a fundamental marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Their presence is also associated with aging. Some studies highlighted how elevated levels of rheumatoid factors (RFs) in the blood of patients are correlated with an increased cancer risk, tumor recurrence, and load and with a reduced response to anti-tumor immunotherapies. In line with their physiological roles, RFs showed in different works the ability to impair in vitro anti-cancer immune responses and effector functions, suggesting their potential immunosuppressive activity in the context of tumor immunity. Thus, the aim of this review is to investigate the emerging role of RFs as determiners of cancer faith.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Ugolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Marianna Nuti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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