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Rogovskii V. Tumor-produced immune regulatory factors as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1416458. [PMID: 39206193 PMCID: PMC11349530 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1416458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Rogovskii
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Radiobiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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2
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Leong SP. Immune responses and immunotherapeutic approaches in the treatment against cancer. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024; 41:473-493. [PMID: 39155358 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10300-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells within a population are heterogeneous due to genomic mutations or epigenetic changes. The immune response to cancer especially the T cell repertoire within the cancer microenvionment is important to the control and growth of cancer cells. When a cancer clone breaks through the surveillance of the immune system, it wins the battle to overcome the host's immune system. In this review, the complicated profile of the cancer microenvironment is emphasized. The molecular evidence of immune responses to cancer has been recently established. Based on these molecular mechanisms of immune interactions with cancer, clinical trials based on checkpoint inhibition therapy against CTLA-4 and/or PD-1 versus PD-L1 have been successful in the treatment of melanoma, lung cancer and other types of cancer. The diversity of the T cell repertoire is described and the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes within the cancer may be expanded ex vivo and infused back to the patient as a treatment modality for adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley P Leong
- California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, USA.
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3
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Kim J, Maharjan R, Park J. Current Trends and Innovative Approaches in Cancer Immunotherapy. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:168. [PMID: 39044047 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02883-x] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is one of the most promising therapeutic approaches in the field of cancer treatment. As a tumor progresses, tumor cells employ an array of immune-regulatory mechanisms to suppress immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. Using our understanding of these mechanisms, cancer immunotherapy has been developed to enhance the immune system's effectiveness in treating cancer. Numerous cancer immunotherapies are currently in clinical use, yet many others are either in different stages of development or undergoing clinical studies. In this paper, we briefly discuss the features and current status of cancer immunotherapies. This includes the application of monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, cytokine therapy, cancer vaccines, and gene therapy, all of which have gained significant recognition in clinical practice. Additionally, we discuss limitations that may hinder successful clinical utilization and promising strategies, such as combining immunotherapy with nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaechang Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Ruby Maharjan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Jonghyuck Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA.
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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4
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Joerger M, Koster KL, Janik T, de Jong FA. Combination Therapy with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors or Alkylating Agents. Cancer Manag Res 2024; 16:855-869. [PMID: 39072340 PMCID: PMC11278095 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s464245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) have been widely adopted in a number of early and advanced malignancies. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) and alkylating agents (AAs) have been suggested to potentiate the actions of CPIs on tumor cells. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to explore the potential synergistic activity between CPIs, AAs, and HDACis. Patients and Methods Clinical and non-clinical studies describing outcomes in patients with cancer receiving CPIs and either concomitant or sequential (pre- or post-CPI) AAs or HDACis were identified in PubMed using pre-defined search strings. Manual searches of key oncology congresses were similarly performed. All relevant articles and abstracts were manually screened for relevance, classified according to the specific anticancer agents used (CPIs, AAs, or HDACis), tumor entity, and whether treatment was concomitant or sequential. Results Overall, 227 unique clinical studies across a range of tumor types, both solid tumors and hematological malignancies, were identified. One hundred and fifty-nine publications on Phase I and II clinical studies together with 41 publications on Phase III studies were examined. The most commonly investigated tumor types were melanoma, triple-negative breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma. The randomized clinical studies identified, all of which reported on the combination of a CPI with an AA, demonstrated superior outcomes in the combination arm compared with CPI or AA monotherapy. Similarly, combination therapy with CPIs and HDACis demonstrated promising activity. Conclusion Sequential or concomitant administration of a CPI with an AA or an HDACi may improve outcomes for patients with a range of tumor types. There is a rationale to support further investigation into the potential for synergy between CPIs, alkylating agents and/or HDACis in both the non-clinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Joerger
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Kira-Lee Koster
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tomas Janik
- Research & Development Department, Mundipharma Research Limited, Cambridge, UK
| | - Floris A de Jong
- Global Medical Affairs Department, Mundipharma Research Limited, Cambridge, UK
- Medical Affairs Department, Exact Sciences International GmbH, Baar, Switzerland
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Park YJ, Kim S, Bang H, Kang SC, Cho S, Park JE, Jung S, Kim HH. MB2033, an anti-PD-L1 × IL-2 variant fusion protein, demonstrates robust anti-tumor efficacy with minimal peripheral toxicity. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:157. [PMID: 38834889 PMCID: PMC11150458 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03742-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine with pleiotropic immune effects, was the first approved cancer immunotherapy agent. However, IL-2 is associated with systemic toxicity due to binding with its ligand IL-2Rα, such as vascular leakage syndrome, limiting its clinical applications. Despite efforts to extend the half-life of IL-2 and abolish IL-2Rα interactions, the risk of toxicity remains unresolved. In this study, we developed the bispecific fusion protein MB2033, comprising a novel IL-2 variant (IL-2v) connected to anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) via a silenced Fc domain. The IL-2v of MB2033 exhibits attenuated affinity for IL-2Rβγ without binding to IL-2Rα. The binding affinity of MB2033 for PD-L1 is greater than that for IL-2Rβγ, indicating its preferential targeting of PD-L1+ tumor cells to induce tumor-specific immune activation. Accordingly, MB2033 exhibited significantly reduced regulatory T cell activation, while inducing comparable CD8+ T cell activation to recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2). MB2033 induced lower immune cell expansion and reduced cytokine levels compared with rhIL-2 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, indicating a decreased risk of peripheral toxicity. MB2033 exhibited superior anti-tumor efficacy, including tumor growth inhibition and complete responses, compared with avelumab monotherapy in an MC38 syngeneic mouse model. In normal mice, MB2033 was safer than non-α IL-2v and tolerable up to 30 mg/kg. These preclinical results provide evidence of the dual advantages of MB2033 with an enhanced safety and potent clinical efficacy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Jin Park
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
- Department of Global Innovative Drugs, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Suna Kim
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoju Bang
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Chan Kang
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunjung Cho
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Eui Park
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungyoub Jung
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Hyung Kim
- Department of Global Innovative Drugs, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
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Lee J, Im KI, Gil S, Na H, Min GJ, Kim N, Cho SG. TLR5 agonist in combination with anti-PD-1 treatment enhances anti-tumor effect through M1/M2 macrophage polarization shift and CD8 + T cell priming. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:102. [PMID: 38630304 PMCID: PMC11024077 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03679-5] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized anti-tumor therapy, notably improving treatment responses in various tumors. However, many patients remain non-responsive and do not experience benefits. Given that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) can counteract tumor immune tolerance by stimulating both innate and adaptive immune responses, TLR agonists are being explored as potential immune adjuvants for cancer treatment. In this study, we assessed the potential of enhancing the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors by activating innate immunity with a TLR5 agonist. In a mouse tumor model, combination therapy with TLR5 agonist and anti-PD-1 significantly inhibited tumor growth. The TLR5 agonist shifted the balance from M2-like to M1-like macrophages and upregulated the expression of co-stimulatory molecules in macrophages. Furthermore, TLR5 agonist promoted the activation and tumor infiltration of CD8+ T cells. As a result, the TLR5 agonist augmented the anti-tumor efficacy of anti-PD-1, suggesting its potential in modulating the tumor microenvironment to enhance the anti-tumor response. Our findings point toward the possibility of optimizing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy using TLR5 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junseok Lee
- Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon-Il Im
- Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sojin Gil
- Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemin Na
- Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-June Min
- Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Hematology, Seoul St. Mary's Hematology Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayoun Kim
- Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Goo Cho
- Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Hematology, Seoul St. Mary's Hematology Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Tabrizian P, Yu A, Debnath N, Myers B, Marron T. Immunotherapy and Liver Transplantation: The Future or the Failure? Surg Clin North Am 2024; 104:163-182. [PMID: 37953034 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
A quarter century has passed since the milestone study by Mazzaferro and colleagues on liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The increasing demand for LT for HCC has led to the continued efforts to expand LT indications. Downstaging to within Milan criteria has been incorporated into the organ allocation policy for HCC in the United States in 2017 and provides acceptable long-term survival. The present review focuses on the rationale of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in HCC, the experience of ICI in the pre- and posttransplant setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parissa Tabrizian
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Allen Yu
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Neha Debnath
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bryan Myers
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Thomas Marron
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Fuller-Shavel N, Krell J. Integrative Oncology Approaches to Supporting Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment of Solid Tumours. Curr Oncol Rep 2024; 26:164-174. [PMID: 38194216 PMCID: PMC10890979 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01492-4] [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] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review was to examine the role and practical applications of integrative oncology strategies in supporting immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment of adult solid tumours. RECENT FINDINGS Beyond tumour-intrinsic factors, several patient-associated factors affect ICI response, including germline genetics, systemic inflammation, the gut microbiota, and diet. Current promising supportive interventions include a Mediterranean-style diet with over 20 g of fibre, regular exercise, use of live biotherapeutics, minimisation of PPI and antibiotic use, and ensuring vitamin D repletion, with many other integrative oncology approaches under study. Caution around medical cannabis use in patients on ICIs is advised due to previously documented adverse impact on overall survival, while VAE (Viscum album extract) therapy studies have not highlighted any safety concerns so far. With expanding ICI use, it is important to investigate and apply low-cost integrative oncology strategies to support better treatment outcomes and minimise adverse events. Further research may lead to pre-treatment assessment of both tumour and patient-associated biomarkers and personalised multimodal prehabilitation care plans, as well as on-treatment support with targeted nutrition, physical activity, and supplementation regimes, including both systemic inflammation and gut microbiome modulating strategies. Given the emerging understanding of chronic stress impact on ICI treatment outcomes, mind-body approaches require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Fuller-Shavel
- Synthesis Clinic, Winchester, UK.
- British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO), Midhurst, UK.
- Oncio CIC, Stockbridge, UK.
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Hung YP, Tu CC, Lai JI, Yang MH, Lee JM, Chao Y. Enhanced tumor control activities of anti-mPD-L1 antibody and antigen-presenting cell-like natural killer cell in an allograft model. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:136. [PMID: 38279092 PMCID: PMC10811836 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11889-4] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in treating numerous types of cancers being approved, their efficacy in tumor control in the clinic is not satisfactory. Since adoptive cell therapy (ACT) can alter the tumor microenvironment, we hypothesized that ACT potentially synergized with ICI in tumor control and examined this hypothesis via a murine allograft model. METHODS Female C57BL/6 mice were stimulated with interleukin 15 and granulocyte monocyte-colony stimulating factor, followed by collecting their bone marrow cells for murine NKDC cultivation. Then, female C57BL/6 mice, inoculated with lymphoma cancer cell line E.G7-OVA, were administrated with murine NKDC cells, murine anti-program cell death ligand-1 antibody (α-mPD-L1), or both for 28 days. After 28 days of treatment, mice were sacrificed whose inoculated tumors, spleen, sentinel lymph nodes, and peripheral blood were collected to measure tumor size, lymphocyte infiltration, and change of immune cell profile. RESULTS Combined treatment of NKDCs with α-mPD-L1 exhibited significantly stronger tumor control efficacy than treatment of NKDCs or α-mPD-L1 alone. NKDCs/α-mPD-L1 combination increased migration of dendritic cells, CD4, CD8 T cells, and activated CD8 T cells to the tumor-bedding site, and promoted endogenous tumor-specific cytotoxic T-cell response. CONCLUSION The current study confirmed our hypothesis that combining NKDC ACT with ICI therapy can potentiate tumor control efficacy by manipulating the tumor microenvironment. This study provided a novel circumstance on tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ping Hung
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Tu
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd, New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-I Lai
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center of Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jan-Mou Lee
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd, New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan.
| | - Yee Chao
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinic and Hospital, Taipei, 106441, Taiwan.
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Li X, Chen G, Wu K, Zheng H, Tian Z, Xu Z, Zhao W, Weng J, Min Y. Imaging and monitoring of granzyme B in the immune response. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1928. [PMID: 37715320 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Significant progress has been made in tumor immunotherapy that uses the human immune response to kill and remove tumor cells. However, overreactive immune response could lead to various autoimmune diseases and acute rejection. Accurate and specific monitoring of immune responses in these processes could help select appropriate therapies and regimens for the patient and could reduce the risk of side effects. Granzyme B (GzmB) is an ideal biomarker for immune response, and its peptide substrate could be coupled with fluorescent dyes or contrast agents for the synthesis of imaging probes activated by GzmB. These small molecules and nanoprobes based on PET, bioluminescence imaging, or fluorescence imaging have proved to be highly GzmB specific and accuracy. This review summarizes the design of different GzmB-responsive imaging probes and their applications in monitoring of tumor immunotherapy and overreactive immune response. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxia Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guiyuan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kecheng Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haocheng Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zuotong Tian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ze Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weidong Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianping Weng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanzeng Min
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Malviya M, Aretz Z, Molvi Z, Lee J, Pierre S, Wallisch P, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Challenges and solutions for therapeutic TCR-based agents. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:58-82. [PMID: 37455333 PMCID: PMC11141734 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent development of methods to discover and engineer therapeutic T-cell receptors (TCRs) or antibody mimics of TCRs, and to understand their immunology and pharmacology, lag two decades behind therapeutic antibodies. Yet we have every expectation that TCR-based agents will be similarly important contributors to the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, especially cancers. TCR engineered cells, soluble TCRs and their derivatives, TCR-mimic antibodies, and TCR-based CAR T cells promise the possibility of highly specific drugs that can expand the scope of immunologic agents to recognize intracellular targets, including mutated proteins and undruggable transcription factors, not accessible by traditional antibodies. Hurdles exist regarding discovery, specificity, pharmacokinetics, and best modality of use that will need to be overcome before the full potential of TCR-based agents is achieved. HLA restriction may limit each agent to patient subpopulations and off-target reactivities remain important barriers to widespread development and use of these new agents. In this review we discuss the unique opportunities for these new classes of drugs, describe their unique antigenic targets, compare them to traditional antibody therapeutics and CAR T cells, and review the various obstacles that must be overcome before full application of these drugs can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Malviya
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Zita Aretz
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Jayop Lee
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Stephanie Pierre
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Tri-Institutional Medical Scientist Program, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Patrick Wallisch
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
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Go EJ, Yang H, Park W, Lee SJ, Han JH, Kong SJ, Lee WS, Han DK, Chon HJ, Kim C. Systemic Delivery of a STING Agonist-Loaded Positively Charged Liposome Selectively Targets Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Suppresses Tumor Angiogenesis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300544. [PMID: 37381624 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Although stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists has shown great promise in preclinical studies, the clinical development of STING agonist therapy is challenged by its limited systemic delivery. Here, positively charged fusogenic liposomes loaded with a STING agonist (PoSTING) are designed for systemic delivery and to preferentially target the tumor microenvironment. When PoSTING is administered intravenously, it selectively targets not only tumor cells but also immune and tumor endothelial cells (ECs). In particular, delivery of STING agonists to tumor ECs normalizes abnormal tumor vasculatures, induces intratumoral STING activation, and elicits robust anti-tumor T cell immunity within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, PoSTING can be used as a systemic delivery platform to overcome the limitations of using STING agonists in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jin Go
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Hannah Yang
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooram Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoburo 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Joon Lee
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hyeok Han
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoburo 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - So Jung Kong
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Suk Lee
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Keun Han
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Jae Chon
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Kim
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13496, Republic of Korea
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13
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Singh S, Barik D, Arukha AP, Prasad S, Mohapatra I, Singh A, Singh G. Small Molecule Targeting Immune Cells: A Novel Approach for Cancer Treatment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2621. [PMID: 37892995 PMCID: PMC10604364 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional and cancer immunotherapies encompass diverse strategies to address various cancer types and stages. However, combining these approaches often encounters limitations such as non-specific targeting, resistance development, and high toxicity, leading to suboptimal outcomes in many cancers. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is orchestrated by intricate interactions between immune and non-immune cells dictating tumor progression. An innovative avenue in cancer therapy involves leveraging small molecules to influence a spectrum of resistant cell populations within the TME. Recent discoveries have unveiled a phenotypically diverse cohort of innate-like T (ILT) cells and tumor hybrid cells (HCs) exhibiting novel characteristics, including augmented proliferation, migration, resistance to exhaustion, evasion of immunosurveillance, reduced apoptosis, drug resistance, and heightened metastasis frequency. Leveraging small-molecule immunomodulators to target these immune players presents an exciting frontier in developing novel tumor immunotherapies. Moreover, combining small molecule modulators with immunotherapy can synergistically enhance the inhibitory impact on tumor progression by empowering the immune system to meticulously fine-tune responses within the TME, bolstering its capacity to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This review outlines strategies involving small molecules that modify immune cells within the TME, potentially revolutionizing therapeutic interventions and enhancing the anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Debashis Barik
- Center for Computational Natural Science and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500032, Telangana, India
| | | | | | - Iteeshree Mohapatra
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Amar Singh
- Schulze Diabetes Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Gatikrushna Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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14
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Sharma D, Xuan Leong K, Palhares D, Czarnota GJ. Radiation combined with ultrasound and microbubbles: A potential novel strategy for cancer treatment. Z Med Phys 2023; 33:407-426. [PMID: 37586962 PMCID: PMC10517408 DOI: 10.1016/j.zemedi.2023.04.007] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Several emerging technologies are helping to battle cancer. Cancer therapies have been effective at killing cancer cells, but a large portion of patients still die to this disease every year. As such, more aggressive treatments of primary cancers are employed and have been shown to be capable of saving a greater number of lives. Recent research advances the field of cancer therapy by employing the use of physical methods to alter tumor biology. It uses microbubbles to enhance radiation effect by damaging tumor vasculature followed by tumor cell death. The technique can specifically target tumor volumes by conforming ultrasound fields capable of microbubbles stimulation and localizing it to avoid vascular damage in surrounding tissues. Thus, this new application of ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles (USMB) can be utilized as a novel approach to cancer therapy by inducing vascular disruption resulting in tumor cell death. Using USMB alongside radiation has showed to augment the anti-vascular effect of radiation, resulting in enhanced tumor response. Recent work with nanobubbles has shown vascular permeation into intracellular space, extending the use of this new treatment method to potentially further improve the therapeutic effect of the ultrasound-based therapy. The significant enhancement of localized tumor cell kill means that radiation-based treatments can be made more potent with lower doses of radiation. This technique can manifest a greater impact on radiation oncology practice by increasing treatment effectiveness significantly while reducing normal tissue toxicity. This review article summarizes the past and recent advances in USMB enhancement of radiation treatments. The review mainly focuses on preclinical findings but also highlights some clinical findings that use USMB as a therapeutic modality in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Sharma
- Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Radiation Oncology, and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kai Xuan Leong
- Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Palhares
- Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Radiation Oncology, and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory J Czarnota
- Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Radiation Oncology, and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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15
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Chandrasekar SV, Singh A, Ranjan A. Overcoming Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Using Calreticulin-Inducing Nanoparticle. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1693. [PMID: 37376141 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061693] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) have the ability to transform poorly immunogenic tumors into activated 'hot' targets. In this study, we investigated the potential of a liposome-based nanoparticle (CRT-NP) expressing calreticulin as an in-situ vaccine to restore sensitivity to anti-CTLA4 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in CT26 colon tumors. We found that a CRT-NP with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 300 nm and a zeta potential of approximately +20 mV induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) in CT-26 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In the mouse model of CT26 xenograft tumors, both CRT-NP and ICI monotherapy caused moderate reductions in tumor growth compared to the untreated control group. However, the combination therapy of CRT-NP and anti-CTLA4 ICI resulted in remarkable suppression of tumor growth rates (>70%) compared to untreated mice. This combination therapy also reshaped the tumor microenvironment (TME), achieving the increased infiltration of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells and M1 macrophages, as well as an abundance of T cells expressing granzyme B and a reduction in the population of CD4+ Foxp3 regulatory cells. Our findings indicate that CRT-NPs can effectively reverse immune resistance to anti-CTLA4 ICI therapy in mice, thereby improving the immunotherapeutic outcome in the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Vidhya Chandrasekar
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Akansha Singh
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Ashish Ranjan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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16
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Sobral PS, Luz VCC, Almeida JMGCF, Videira PA, Pereira F. Computational Approaches Drive Developments in Immune-Oncology Therapies for PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065908. [PMID: 36982981 PMCID: PMC10054797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational approaches in immune-oncology therapies focus on using data-driven methods to identify potential immune targets and develop novel drug candidates. In particular, the search for PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has enlivened the field, leveraging the use of cheminformatics and bioinformatics tools to analyze large datasets of molecules, gene expression and protein-protein interactions. Up to now, there is still an unmet clinical need for improved ICIs and reliable predictive biomarkers. In this review, we highlight the computational methodologies applied to discovering and developing PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs for improved cancer immunotherapies with a greater focus in the last five years. The use of computer-aided drug design structure- and ligand-based virtual screening processes, molecular docking, homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations methodologies essential for successful drug discovery campaigns focusing on antibodies, peptides or small-molecule ICIs are addressed. A list of recent databases and web tools used in the context of cancer and immunotherapy has been compilated and made available, namely regarding a general scope, cancer and immunology. In summary, computational approaches have become valuable tools for discovering and developing ICIs. Despite significant progress, there is still a need for improved ICIs and biomarkers, and recent databases and web tools have been compiled to aid in this pursuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia S Sobral
- LAQV and REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Vanessa C C Luz
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - João M G C F Almeida
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Paula A Videira
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Florbela Pereira
- LAQV and REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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17
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Fernandes PD, Magalhães FD, Pereira RF, Pinto AM. Metal-Organic Frameworks Applications in Synergistic Cancer Photo-Immunotherapy. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15061490. [PMID: 36987269 PMCID: PMC10053741 DOI: 10.3390/polym15061490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional cancer therapies, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can have long-term side effects. Phototherapy has significant potential as a non-invasive alternative treatment with excellent selectivity. Nevertheless, its applicability is restricted by the availability of effective photosensitizers and photothermal agents, and its low efficacy when it comes to avoiding metastasis and tumor recurrence. Immunotherapy can promote systemic antitumoral immune responses, acting against metastasis and recurrence; however, it lacks the selectivity displayed by phototherapy, sometimes leading to adverse immune events. The use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in the biomedical field has grown significantly in recent years. Due to their distinct properties, including their porous structure, large surface area, and inherent photo-responsive properties, MOFs can be particularly useful in the fields of cancer phototherapy and immunotherapy. MOF nanoplatforms have successfully demonstrated their ability to address several drawbacks associated with cancer phototherapy and immunotherapy, enabling an effective and low-side-effect combinatorial synergistical treatment for cancer. In the coming years, new advancements in MOFs, particularly regarding the development of highly stable multi-function MOF nanocomposites, may revolutionize the field of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro D. Fernandes
- LEPABE, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- AliCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernão D. Magalhães
- LEPABE, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- AliCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rúben F. Pereira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Artur M. Pinto
- LEPABE, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- AliCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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18
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Retnakumar SV, Chauvin C, Bayry J. The implication of anti-PD-1 therapy in cancer patients for the vaccination against viral and other infectious diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 245:108399. [PMID: 37001736 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of 'T cell exhaustion', a state of T cell dysfunction observed during chronic infections and cancers, has been a major obstacle in mounting appropriate immune responses against infectious agents or tumor antigens. The exhausted T cells are characterized by poor effector functions mainly due to the overexpression of inhibitory receptors such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing 3 (TIM3), lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), and T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), commonly referred to as immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules. ICP blockade, especially of PD-1 that can potentially reverse T cell exhaustion and thereby re-stimulate the impaired immune system, is widely used in clinics as a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers and is more recently being investigated in infectious diseases as well. In fact, cancer patients represent a population of immunocompromised individuals who are more susceptible to infections and associated complications, and thus the need for protective vaccinations against these diseases is of prime importance in this category. When it comes to vaccinating anti-PD-1-treated cancer patients against infectious diseases including COVID-19 and influenza, a special focus should be brought on the revived immune cells, which could be dynamically affected by the antigenic stimulation. However, since cancer patients are not generally included in clinical trials for designing vaccines against infectious diseases, the possible interaction between vaccine immune responses and ICP therapy is largely unexplored. Mechanistically, the reversal of T cell exhaustion by ICP in an otherwise immunocompromised population could be beneficial for the vaccine's efficacy, helping the immune system to mount a robust immune response. Nevertheless, patients with cancer undergoing anti-PD-1 blockade are known to experience immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). The risk of increasing the irAEs due to the overstimulation of the immune system during vaccination is a major concern. Therefore, while routine vaccination is indispensable for the protection of cancer patients, the impact of PD-1 blockade on vaccine responses against infectious agents requires careful consideration to avoid undesirable adverse effects that could impair the efficacy of anti-cancer treatment.
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19
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Chakraborty R, Darido C, Liu F, Maselko M, Ranganathan S. Head and Neck Cancer Immunotherapy: Molecular Biological Aspects of Preclinical and Clinical Research. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030852. [PMID: 36765809 PMCID: PMC9913716 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Breakthrough research in the field of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the development of a human papilloma virus vaccine triggered a plethora of research in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Both had significant effects on the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The advent of preclinical models and multidisciplinary approaches including bioinformatics, genetic engineering, clinical oncology, and immunology helped in the development of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Here, we discuss different immunotherapies such as adoptive T-cell transfer, immune checkpoint inhibitors, interleukins, and cancer vaccines for the treatment of head and neck cancer. This review showcases the intrinsic relation between the understanding and implementation of basic biology and clinical practice. We also address potential limitations of each immunotherapy approach and the advantages of personalized immunotherapy. Overall, the aim of this review is to encourage further research in the field of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajdeep Chakraborty
- Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Charbel Darido
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Fei Liu
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Maciej Maselko
- Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Shoba Ranganathan
- Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Correspondence:
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