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Tai Y, Chen M, Wang F, Fan Y, Zhang J, Cai B, Yan L, Luo Y, Li Y. The role of dendritic cells in cancer immunity and therapeutic strategies. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111548. [PMID: 38244518 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111548] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are asserted as the most potent antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that orchestrate both innate and adaptive immunity, being extremely effective in the induction of robust anti-cancer T cell responses. Hence, the modulation of DCs function represents an attractive target for improving cancer immunotherapy efficacy. A better understanding of the immunobiology of DCs, the interaction among DCs, immune effector cells and tumor cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) and the latest advances in biomedical engineering technology would be required for the design of optimal DC-based immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on elaborating the immunobiology of DCs in healthy and cancer environments, the recent advances in the development of enhancing endogenous DCs immunocompetence via immunomodulators as well as DC-based vaccines. The rapidly developing field of applying nanotechnology to improve DC-based immunotherapy is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunze Tai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Man Chen
- Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital, Langfang 065201, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, Guizhou 556000, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Organ Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Xiang, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junlong Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bei Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lin Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yao Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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D'Oro U, O'Hagan DT. The scientific journey of a novel adjuvant (AS37) from bench to bedside. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:26. [PMID: 38332005 PMCID: PMC10853242 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00810-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
A decade ago, we described a new approach to discover next generation adjuvants, identifying small-molecule immune potentiators (SMIPs) as Toll-like receptor (TLR)7 agonists. We also optimally formulated these drugs through adsorption to aluminum salts (alum), allowing them to be evaluated with a range of established and early-stage vaccines. Early proof-of-concept studies showed that a TLR7 agonist (TLR7a)-based SMIP, when adsorbed to alum, could perform as an effective adjuvant for a variety of different antigens, in both small and large animals. Studies in rodents demonstrated that the adjuvant enhanced immunogenicity of a recombinant protein-based vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus, and also showed potential to improve existing vaccines against pertussis or meningococcal infection. Extensive evaluations showed that the adjuvant was effective in non-human primates (NHPs), exploiting a mechanism of action that was consistent across the different animal models. The adjuvant formulation (named AS37) has now been advanced into clinical evaluation. A systems biology-based evaluation of the phase I clinical data with a meningococcal C conjugate vaccine showed that the AS37-adjuvanted formulation had an acceptable safety profile, was potent, and activated the expected immune pathways in humans, which was consistent with observations from the NHP studies. In the intervening decade, several alternative TLR7 agonists have also emerged and advanced into clinical development, such as the alum adsorbed TLR7/8 SMIP present in a widely distributed COVID-19 vaccine. This review summarizes the research and early development of the new adjuvant AS37, with an emphasis on the steps taken to allow its progression into clinical evaluations.
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Belda W, Passero LFD, de Carvalho CHC, Mojica PCR, Vale PA. Chromoblastomycosis: New Perspective on Adjuvant Treatment with Acitretin. Diseases 2023; 11:162. [PMID: 37987273 PMCID: PMC10660773 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11040162] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a neglected human disease, caused by different species of pigmented dematiaceous fungi that cause granulomatous and suppurative dermatosis. This infection is difficult to treat and there are limited therapeutic options, including terbinafine, itraconazole, and tioconazole. Classic treatment is administered for a long period of time, but some patients do not respond properly, and therefore, such therapeutic approaches possess low cure rates. Therefore, it is vital to develop new strategies for the treatment of CBM. In this regard, it has been observed that the association of immunomodulatory molecules such as glucan with therapy carried out with antifungal drugs improves cutaneous lesions in comparison to treatment with antifungal drugs alone, suggesting that drug association may be an interesting and significant approach to incorporate into CBM therapy. Thus, the aim of this work was to associate classical antifungal therapy with the adjuvants imiquimod and acitretin. In the present case, we reported a patient with extensive CBM caused by Fonsaecae pedrosoi, that affected an extensive area of the right leg, that was left without treatment for 11 years. He was treated with a classical combination of itraconazole and terbinafine via the oral route plus topical imiquimod and oral acitretin, as an adjuvant therapy. After five months of treatment, a significant regression of verrucous plaques was observed, suggesting that the use of these adjuvants combined with the classical antifungal drugs, intraconazole plus terbinafine, can reduce treatment time and rapidly improve the patient's quality of life. This result confirms that the use of coadjuvant drugs may be effective in the treatment of this infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Belda
- Dermatology Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (C.H.C.d.C.); (P.C.R.M.); (P.A.V.)
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Domingues Passero
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, Brazil;
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11350-011, Brazil
| | | | - Paula Celeste Rubiano Mojica
- Dermatology Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (C.H.C.d.C.); (P.C.R.M.); (P.A.V.)
| | - Pablo Andrade Vale
- Dermatology Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (C.H.C.d.C.); (P.C.R.M.); (P.A.V.)
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Brai A, Poggialini F, Pasqualini C, Trivisani CI, Vagaggini C, Dreassi E. Progress towards Adjuvant Development: Focus on Antiviral Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9225. [PMID: 37298177 PMCID: PMC10253057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, vaccines have been extraordinary resources to prevent pathogen diffusion and cancer. Even if they can be formed by a single antigen, the addition of one or more adjuvants represents the key to enhance the response of the immune signal to the antigen, thus accelerating and increasing the duration and the potency of the protective effect. Their use is of particular importance for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or immunocompromised people. Despite their importance, only in the last forty years has the search for novel adjuvants increased, with the discovery of novel classes of immune potentiators and immunomodulators. Due to the complexity of the cascades involved in immune signal activation, their mechanism of action remains poorly understood, even if significant discovery has been recently made thanks to recombinant technology and metabolomics. This review focuses on the classes of adjuvants under research, recent mechanism of action studies, as well as nanodelivery systems and novel classes of adjuvants that can be chemically manipulated to create novel small molecule adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Brai
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Claudia Pasqualini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Claudia Immacolata Trivisani
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Chiara Vagaggini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
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Tambunlertchai S, Geary SM, Naguib YW, Salem AK. Investigating silver nanoparticles and resiquimod as a local melanoma treatment. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 183:1-12. [PMID: 36549400 PMCID: PMC10158852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.12.011] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, the potential for silver nanoparticles (AgNP) to be used as an anti-melanoma agent has been supported by both in vitro and in vivo evidence. However, an undesirably high concentration of AgNP is often required to achieve an antitumor effect. Therefore a combination treatment that can maintain or improve antitumor efficacy (with lower amounts of AgNP) while also reducing off-target effects is sought. In this study, the combination of AgNP and resiquimod (RSQ: a Toll-like receptor agonist) was investigated and shown to significantly prolong the survival of melanoma-challenged mice when added sequentially. Results from toxicity studies showed that the treatment was non-toxic in mice. Immune cell depletion studies suggested the possible involvement of CD8+ T cells in the antitumor response observed in the AgNP + RSQ (sequential) treatment. NanoString was also employed to further understand the mechanism underlying the increase in the treatment efficacy of AgNP + RSQ (sequential); showing significant changes, compared to the naive group, in gene expression in pathways involved in apoptosis and immune stimulation. In conclusion, the combination of AgNP and RSQ is a new combination worthy of further investigation in the context of melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supreeda Tambunlertchai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sean M Geary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Youssef W Naguib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Aliasger K Salem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Biri-Kovács B, Bánóczi Z, Tummalapally A, Szabó I. Peptide Vaccines in Melanoma: Chemical Approaches towards Improved Immunotherapeutic Efficacy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020452. [PMID: 36839774 PMCID: PMC9963291 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer of the skin is by far the most common of all cancers. Although the incidence of melanoma is relatively low among skin cancers, it can account for a high number of skin cancer deaths. Since the start of deeper insight into the mechanisms of melanoma tumorigenesis and their strong interaction with the immune system, the development of new therapeutical strategies has been continuously rising. The high number of melanoma cell mutations provides a diverse set of antigens that the immune system can recognize and use to distinguish tumor cells from normal cells. Peptide-based synthetic anti-tumor vaccines are based on tumor antigens that elicit an immune response due to antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Although targeting APCs with peptide antigens is the most important assumption for vaccine development, peptide antigens alone are poorly immunogenic. The immunogenicity of peptide antigens can be improved not only by synthetic modifications but also by the assistance of adjuvants and/or delivery systems. The current review summarizes the different chemical approaches for the development of effective peptide-based vaccines for the immunotherapeutic treatment of advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Biri-Kovács
- ELKH-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Bánóczi
- ELKH-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Ildikó Szabó
- ELKH-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-TTK Lendület “Momentum” Peptide-Based Vaccines Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-13722500
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