1
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Mukherjee N, Katsnelson E, Brunetti TM, Michel K, Couts KL, Lambert KA, Robinson WA, McCarter MD, Norris DA, Tobin RP, Shellman YG. MCL1 inhibition targets Myeloid Derived Suppressors Cells, promotes antitumor immunity and enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:198. [PMID: 38459020 PMCID: PMC10923779 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06524-w] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now the first-line treatment for patients with advanced melanoma. Despite promising clinical results, many patients fail to respond to these therapies. BH3 mimetics, a novel class of small molecule inhibitors that bind and inhibit anti-apoptotic members of the BCL2 family proteins such as BCL2 or MCL1, have been very successful in treating hematologic malignancies. However, there are limited studies on the immunomodulatory role of the BH3 mimetics. Several factors contribute to ICI resistance including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that exert immunosuppressive effects through direct and indirect inhibition of antitumor immunity. Thus, targeting MDSCs to enhance antitumor immunity has the potential to enhance the efficacy of ICIs. In this study, we show that the MCL1 inhibitor S64315 reduces melanoma tumor growth in an immune cell-dependent manner in mice. Specifically, S64315 enhances antitumor immunity by reducing MDSC frequency and by promoting the activity of CD8+T cells. Additionally, human MDSCs are 10 times more sensitive to S64315 than cutaneous melanoma lines. Further, we found that a higher expression of MCL1 is associated with poor survival for patients treated with anti-PD-1. Finally, combining S64315 and anti-PD-1 significantly slowed tumor growth compared to either agent alone. Together, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of combining an MCL1 inhibitor with anti-PD-1 in the treatment of melanoma. It justifies the further development of next generation MCL1 inhibitors to improve efficacy of ICIs in treating malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabanita Mukherjee
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Elizabeth Katsnelson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Surgical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Tonya M Brunetti
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kylie Michel
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kasey L Couts
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Karoline A Lambert
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - William A Robinson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Martin D McCarter
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Surgical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - David A Norris
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dermatology Section, Denver, CO, 80220, USA
| | - Richard P Tobin
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Surgical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Yiqun G Shellman
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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2
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Hu X, Bian C, Zhao X, Yi T. Efficacy evaluation of multi-immunotherapy in ovarian cancer: From bench to bed. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1034903. [PMID: 36275669 PMCID: PMC9582991 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, one of the most common gynecological malignancies, is characterized by high mortality and poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy remain the mainstay of ovarian cancer treatment, and most women experience recurrence after standard care therapies. There is compelling evidence that ovarian cancer is an immunogenic tumor. For example, the accumulation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with increased survival, while increases in immunosuppressive regulatory T cells are correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, immunotherapies targeting components of the tumor microenvironment have been gradually integrated into the existing treatment options, including immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. Immunotherapies have changed guidelines for maintenance treatment and established a new paradigm in ovarian cancer treatment. Despite single immunotherapies targeting DNA repair mechanisms, immune checkpoints, and angiogenesis bringing inspiring efficacy, only a subset of patients can benefit much from it. Thus, the multi-immunotherapy investigation remains an active area for ovarian cancer treatment. The current review provides an overview of various clinically oriented forms of multi-immunotherapy and explores potentially effective combinational therapies for ovarian cancer.
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3
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Xiang Y, Kang X. Small-Molecule PROTACs for Cancer Immunotherapy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175439. [PMID: 36080223 PMCID: PMC9458232 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unsatisfactory physicochemical properties of macromolecular drugs seriously hinder their application in tumor immunotherapy. However, these problems can be effectively solved by small-molecule compounds. In the promising field of small-molecule drug development, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) offers a novel mode of action in the interactions between small molecules and therapeutic targets (mainly proteins). This revolutionary technology has shown considerable impact on several proteins related to tumor survival but is rarely exploited in proteins associated with immuno-oncology up until now. This review attempts to comprehensively summarize the well-studied and less-developed immunological targets available for PROTAC technology, as well as some targets to be explored, aiming to provide more options and opportunities for the development of small-molecule-based tumor immunotherapy. In addition, some novel directions that can magnify and broaden the protein degradation efficiency are mentioned to improve PROTAC design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xin Kang
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-19138939183
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4
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RedH and PigC Catalyze the Biosynthesis of Hybrubins via Phosphorylation of 4'-Methoxy-2,2'-Bipyrrole-5'-Carbaldehyde. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.02331-19. [PMID: 31704680 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02331-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrubins are "unnatural" alkaloids with the same 4'-methoxy-2,2'-bipyrrole-5'-methine moiety found in prodiginines and a different ring derived from tetramic acids. Here, we demonstrated that RedH, a homologue of prodigiosin synthetase PigC, was responsible for the biosynthesis of hybrubins A and B in Streptomyces lividans In vitro reactions indicated that RedH and PigC catalyzed the intermolecular condensation between 4'-methoxy-2,2'-bipyrrole-5'-carbaldehyde (MBC) and (Z)-5-ethylidenetetramic acid (ETA) to produce hybrubin B. Moreover, we demonstrated that RedH and PigC activated MBC via phosphorylation of the aldehyde group to form an intermediate Pi-MBC and that the subsequent condensation between Pi-MBC and (Z)-5-ethylidenetetramic acid occurs in a nonenzymatic way.IMPORTANCE Hybrubins are an emerging class of prodiginines possessing a new C ring derived from 5'-substituted tetramic acids and the methylene bridge connecting the C ring at a different position. We have supposed that condensation between 4'-methoxy-2,2'-bipyrrole-5'-carbaldehyde (MBC) and 5-ethylidenetetramic acid (ETA) yields the hybrid natural products hybrubins, which was proposed to be catalyzed by the undecylprodigiosin synthetase RedH. However, it is doubted whether RedH is able to catalyze another type of condensation between MBC and tetramic acids. In this study, we have demonstrated that the MBC-ETA condensation proceeds through RedH/PigC-catalyzed enzymatic activation of MBC via phosphorylation and a nonenzymatic condensation of Pi-MBC with ETA. Since MBC analogues have been shown to be accepted by PigC, more hybrubin analogues might be produced by using combinations of MBC analogues and other tetramic acids in future studies.
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5
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BH3 mimetics induce apoptosis independent of DRP-1 in melanoma. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:907. [PMID: 30185782 PMCID: PMC6125485 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0932-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent advancement in treating melanoma, options are still limited for patients without BRAF mutations or in relapse from current treatments. BH3 mimetics against members of the BCL-2 family have gained excitement with the recent success in hematological malignancies. However, single drug BH3 mimetic therapy in melanoma has limited effectiveness due to escape by the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1 and/or survival of melanoma-initiating cells (MICs). We tested the efficacy of the BH3 mimetic combination of A-1210477 (an MCL-1 inhibitor) and ABT-263 (a BCL-2/BCL-XL/BCL-W inhibitor) in killing melanoma, especially MICs. We also sought to better define Dynamin-Related Protein 1 (DRP-1)'s role in melanoma; DRP-1 is known to interact with members of the BCL-2 family and is a possible therapeutic target for melanoma treatment. We used multiple assays (cell viability, apoptosis, bright field, immunoblot, and sphere formation), as well as the CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing techniques. For clinical relevance, we employed patient samples of different mutation status, including some relapsed from current treatments such as anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. We found the BH3 mimetic combination kill both the MICs and non-MICs (bulk of melanoma) in all cell lines and patient samples irrespective of the mutation status or relapsed state (p < 0.05). Unexpectedly, the major pro-apoptotic proteins, NOXA and BIM, are not necessary for the combination-induced cell death. Furthermore, the combination impedes the activation of DRP-1, and inhibition of DRP-1 further enhances apoptosis (p < 0.05). DRP-1 effects in melanoma differ from those seen in other cancer cells. These results provide new insights into BCL-2 family's regulation of the apoptotic pathway in melanoma, and suggest that inhibiting the major anti-apoptotic proteins is sufficient to induce cell death even without involvement from major pro-apoptotic proteins. Importantly, our study also indicates that DRP-1 inhibition is a promising adjuvant for BH3 mimetics in melanoma treatment.
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6
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Arthanareeswaran VKA, Berndt-Paetz M, Ganzer R, Stolzenburg JU, Ravichandran-Chandra A, Glasow A, Neuhaus J. Harnessing macrophages in thermal and non-thermal ablative therapies for urologic cancers – Potential for immunotherapy. LAPAROSCOPIC, ENDOSCOPIC AND ROBOTIC SURGERY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lers.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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7
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Abstract
Squamous cell and adenocarcinomas of the lung develop different mechanisms during carcinogenesis to evade attacks of the immune system. Besides the well-known check-point control programmed death 1 and its ligand, many more mechanisms, acting either tumoricidal or in favor of tumor progression, exist. Analysis of the immune cell profiles in resected tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage samples and correlation between them and with overall survival data was performed. In all tumor samples in this study, cells of the immune system expressed a tumor-cooperating phenotype. High numbers of regulatory T cells, or alternatively expression of Vista on lymphocytes was present. Tumoricidal dendritic cells were absent in tumor tissue, and barely present in bronchoalveolar lavage, whereas tumor-friendly monocytoid and plasmocytoid dendritic cells were seen in both. Alveolar macrophages were predominantly differentiated into tumor-cooperating M2 types, whereas tumoricidal M1 macrophages were absent or rare. The expression of PDL1 on tumor cells did not correlate with any other immune cells. Expression of PD1 on lymphocytes was frequently encountered. None of analyzed immune cells showed correlation with overall survival. Immune cells in bronchoalveolar lavage and tissue did not correlate. For the first time, a tissue-based analysis of different immune cells in squamous cell and adenocarcinomas of the lung is provided, trying to explain their potential role in tumor development and progression. Discordant numbers of cells with bronchoalveolar lavage are most probably due to the fact that bronchoalveolar lavage reflects the situation in the whole lung, where chronic obstructive lung disease and other conditions are present.
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8
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Jochems C, Tritsch SR, Pellom ST, Su Z, Soon-Shiong P, Wong HC, Gulley JL, Schlom J. Analyses of functions of an anti-PD-L1/TGFβR2 bispecific fusion protein (M7824). Oncotarget 2017; 8:75217-75231. [PMID: 29088859 PMCID: PMC5650414 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
M7824 (MSB0011359C) is a novel first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein consisting of a fully human IgG1 anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (with structural similarities to avelumab) linked to the extracellular domain of two TGFβ receptor 2 (TGFβR2) molecules serving as a TGFβ Trap. Avelumab has demonstrated clinical activity in a range of human cancers and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the therapy of Merkel cell and bladder carcinomas. Preclinical studies have shown this anti-PD-L1 is capable of mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). In the studies reported here, it is shown that M7824 is also capable of mediating ADCC of a wide range of human carcinoma cells in vitro, employing natural killer (NK) cells as effectors, albeit not as potent as anti-PD-L1 employing some tumor cells as targets. The addition of the IL-15 superagonist fusion protein complex ALT-803 enhanced the ADCC capacity of both anti-PD-L1 and M7824, and to levels that both agents now demonstrated similar levels of ADCC of tumor cells. TGFβ is a known immunosuppressive entity. Studies reported here show TGFβ1 induced reduction of several NK activation markers as well as reduction of endogenous NK lytic activity and NK-mediated ADCC of tumor cells. These phenomena could be reduced or mitigated, however, by M7824, but not by anti-PD-L1. M7824, but not anti-PD-L1, was also shown to reduce the immunosuppressive activity of regulatory T cells on human CD4+ T-cell proliferation. These studies thus demonstrate the dual functionalities of M7824 and provide the rationale for its further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Jochems
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sarah R. Tritsch
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Samuel Troy Pellom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zhen Su
- EMD Serono, Rockland, MA, USA
| | | | | | - James L. Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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9
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Jeffery HC, Jeffery LE, Lutz P, Corrigan M, Webb GJ, Hirschfield GM, Adams DH, Oo YH. Low-dose interleukin-2 promotes STAT-5 phosphorylation, T reg survival and CTLA-4-dependent function in autoimmune liver diseases. Clin Exp Immunol 2017; 188:394-411. [PMID: 28176332 PMCID: PMC5422719 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+CD25highCD127lowforkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3+) regulatory T cells (Treg) are essential for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Impaired Treg function and an imbalance between effector and Tregs contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. We reported recently that the hepatic microenvironment is deficient in interleukin (IL)−2, a cytokine essential for Treg survival and function. Consequently, few liver‐infiltrating Treg demonstrate signal transducer and activator of transcription‐5 (STAT‐5) phosphorylation. To establish the potential of IL‐2 to enhance Treg therapy, we investigated the effects of very low dose Proleukin (VLDP) on the phosphorylation of STAT‐5 and the subsequent survival and function of Treg and T effector cells from the blood and livers of patients with autoimmune liver diseases. VLDP, at less than 5 IU/ml, resulted in selective phosphorylation of STAT‐5 in Treg but not effector T cells or natural killer cells and associated with increased expression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4), FoxP3 and CD25 and the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2 in Treg with the greatest enhancement of regulatory phenotype in the effector memory Treg population. VLDP also maintained expression of the liver‐homing chemokine receptor CXCR3. VLDP enhanced Treg function in a CTLA‐4‐dependent manner. These findings open new avenues for future VLDP cytokine therapy alone or in combination with clinical grade Treg in autoimmune liver diseases, as VLDP could not only enhance regulatory phenotype and functional property but also the survival of intrahepatic Treg.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Jeffery
- Centre for Liver Research and National Institute for Health Research Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - L E Jeffery
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - P Lutz
- Centre for Liver Research and National Institute for Health Research Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - M Corrigan
- Centre for Liver Research and National Institute for Health Research Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK.,Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - G J Webb
- Centre for Liver Research and National Institute for Health Research Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK.,Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - G M Hirschfield
- Centre for Liver Research and National Institute for Health Research Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK.,Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - D H Adams
- Centre for Liver Research and National Institute for Health Research Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK.,Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Y H Oo
- Centre for Liver Research and National Institute for Health Research Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK.,Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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10
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Abstract
Here, we report the first total synthesis of hybrubin A, a bipyrrole tetramic acid alkaloid representing a new carbon framework derived from convergent (truncated red cluster and exogenous hbn cluster) biosynthetic pathways. A highly convergent synthesis was developed, employing 4-methoxy-1,5-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-one (13) as a single starting material to provide hybrubin A in three steps from 13 and 20.8% overall yield. As no biological activity was prescribed to hybrubin A except for a lack of cytotoxicity, we further profiled this unique alkaloid across panels of discrete molecular targets. Interestingly, hybrubin A was found to be a ligand for a variety of GPCRs with a propensity for potent binding across therapeutically relevant adenosine receptors (A1, A2a, and A3) as well as a potent activity at a kinase, FLT3. This pattern of biological activity is distinct from other related prodigiosin natural and unnatural products and is even more intriguing in the absence of cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Jeffries
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6600, United States
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6600, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6600, United States
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11
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Abstract
In the last 15 years, it has become apparent that ovarian cancer is recognized by the immune system, taking into account that T cell infiltration can be associated with increased overall survival. Several studies indicate that a correct combination of cluster of differentiation 8 and cluster of differentiation 4 T cells is key to fight tumor progression and that the presence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) infiltrating ovarian solid tumors (or present in ascites) is deleterious. Several markers that characterize Tregs include glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4, and forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3). Research has shown that Tregs can infiltrate cancerous tissue and contribute to tumor growth by secreting immunosuppressive cytokines such as transforming growth factor beta and interleukin (IL)-10. Importantly, these cells might hamper the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches, thus strategies involving depletion or regulation of this population have been proposed and tested in experimental models. In this Minireview, we will discuss the relevance of Tregs in ovarian cancer and the experimental approaches destined to impair their immunosuppressive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manindra Singh
- a Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Molecular and Cell Biology Program , Ohio University , Athens , OH , USA
| | - Tiffany Loftus
- b Department of Biomedical Sciences , Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University , Athens , OH , USA
| | - Erin Webb
- b Department of Biomedical Sciences , Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University , Athens , OH , USA
| | - Fabian Benencia
- a Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Molecular and Cell Biology Program , Ohio University , Athens , OH , USA.,b Department of Biomedical Sciences , Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University , Athens , OH , USA
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12
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Aboalhaija NH, Zihlif MA, Taha MO. Discovery of new selective cytotoxic agents against Bcl-2 expressing cancer cells using ligand-based modeling. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 250:12-26. [PMID: 26954606 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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13
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Ludwig LM, Nassin ML, Hadji A, LaBelle JL. Killing Two Cells with One Stone: Pharmacologic BCL-2 Family Targeting for Cancer Cell Death and Immune Modulation. Front Pediatr 2016; 4:135. [PMID: 28066751 PMCID: PMC5174130 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2016.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial component of regulating organismal homeostasis is maintaining proper cell number and eliminating damaged or potentially malignant cells. Apoptosis, or programed cell death, is the mechanism responsible for this equilibrium. The intrinsic apoptotic pathway is also especially important in the development and maintenance of the immune system. Apoptosis is essential for proper positive and negative selection during B- and T-cell development and for efficient contraction of expanded lymphocytes following an immune response. Tight regulation of the apoptotic pathway is critical, as excessive cell death can lead to immunodeficiency while apoptotic resistance can lead to aberrant lymphoproliferation and autoimmune disease. Dysregulation of cell death is implicated in a wide range of hematological malignancies, and targeting various components of the apoptotic machinery in these cases is an attractive chemotherapeutic strategy. A wide array of compounds has been developed with the purpose of reactivating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. These compounds, termed BH3 mimetics are garnering considerable attention as they gain greater clinical oncologic significance. As their use expands, it will be imperative to understand the effects these compounds have on immune homeostasis. Uncovering their potential immunomodulatory activity may allow for administration of BH3 mimetics for direct tumor cell killing as well as novel therapies for a wide range of immune-based directives. This review will summarize the major proteins involved in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and define their roles in normal immune development and disease. Clinical and preclinical BH3 mimetics are described within the context of what is currently known about their ability to affect immune function. Prospects for future antitumor immune amplification and immune modulation are then proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Ludwig
- Section of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michele L Nassin
- Section of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Comer Children's Hospital , Chicago, IL , USA
| | - Abbas Hadji
- Section of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Comer Children's Hospital , Chicago, IL , USA
| | - James L LaBelle
- Section of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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14
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Van Rossom W, Asby DJ, Tavassoli A, Gale PA. Perenosins: a new class of anion transporter with anti-cancer activity. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:2645-50. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ob00002a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A new class of anion transporter named ‘perenosins’ consisting of a pyrrole linked through an imine to either an indole, benzimidazole or indazole is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim Van Rossom
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Southampton
- Southampton
- UK
| | - Daniel J. Asby
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Southampton
- Southampton
- UK
| | - Ali Tavassoli
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Southampton
- Southampton
- UK
| | - Philip A. Gale
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Southampton
- Southampton
- UK
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15
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Halvorsen EC, Mahmoud SM, Bennewith KL. Emerging roles of regulatory T cells in tumour progression and metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2015; 33:1025-41. [PMID: 25359584 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-014-9529-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The metastasis of cancer is a complex and life-threatening process that is only partially understood. Immune suppressive cells are recognized as important contributors to tumour progression and may also promote the development and growth of tumour metastases. Specifically, regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been found to promote primary tumour progression, and emerging pre-clinical data suggests that Tregs may promote metastasis and metastatic tumour growth. While the precise role that Tregs play in metastatic progression is understudied, recent findings have indicated that by suppressing innate and adaptive anti-tumour immunity, Tregs may shield tumour cells from immune detection, and thereby allow tumour cells to survive, proliferate and acquire characteristics that facilitate dissemination. This review will highlight our current understanding of Tregs in metastasis, including an overview of pre-clinical findings and discussion of clinical data regarding Tregs and therapeutic outcome. Evolving strategies to directly ablate Tregs or to inhibit their function will also be discussed. Improving our understanding of how Tregs may influence tumour metastasis may lead to novel treatments for metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Halvorsen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, 9-202, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1L3, Canada
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16
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Huang J, Fairbrother W, Reed JC. Therapeutic targeting of Bcl-2 family for treatment of B-cell malignancies. Expert Rev Hematol 2015; 8:283-97. [PMID: 25912824 DOI: 10.1586/17474086.2015.1026321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The BCL2 gene was discovered nearly 30 years ago, launching a field of scientific inquiry and medical research with the potential for delivering transformational therapeutics. Revealed by its involvement in chromosomal translocations of B-cell lymphomas, BCL2 is the founding member of a family of cell survival genes that endow cells with long life spans and provide protection from a myriad of cellular stresses, including chemotherapy. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members are commonly overexpressed in a variety of human malignancies through a diversity of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we review therapeutic strategies for targeting Bcl-2 family members with an emphasis on B-cell malignancies, providing insights into their current promise and remaining challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Huang
- Early Discovery Biochemistry Department, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
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17
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Oh JH, Lee JY, Park JH, No JH, Lee NK. Obatoclax regulates the proliferation and fusion of osteoclast precursors through the inhibition of ERK activation by RANKL. Mol Cells 2015; 38:279-84. [PMID: 25666350 PMCID: PMC4363729 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2015.2340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 01/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Obatoclax, a pan-Bcl2 inhibitor, shows antitumor activities in various solid malignancies. Bcl2-deficient mice have shown the importance of Bcl2 in osteoclasts, as the bone mass of the mice was increased by the induced apoptosis of osteoclasts. Despite the importance of Bcl2, the effects of obatoclax on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoclast precursors have not been studied extensively. Here, we describe the anti-proliferative effects of obatoclax on osteoclast precursors and its negative role on fusion of the cells. Stimulation with low doses of obatoclax significantly suppressed the proliferation of osteoclast precursors in a dose-dependent manner while the apoptosis was markedly increased. Its stimulation was sufficient to block the activation of ERK MAP kinase by RANKL. The same was true when PD98059, an ERK inhibitor, was administered to osteoclast precursors. The activation of JNK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase, necessary for osteoclast differentiation, by RANKL was not affected by obatoclax. Interestingly, whereas the number of TRAP-positive mononuclear cells was increased by both obatoclax and PD98059, fused, multinucleated cells larger than 100 μm in diameter containing more than 20 nuclei were completely reduced. Consistently, obatoclax failed to regulate the expression of osteoclast marker genes, including c-Fos, TRAP, RANK and CtsK. Instead, the expression of DC-STAMP and Atp6v0d2, genes that regulate osteoclast fusion, by RANKL was significantly abrogated by both obatoclax and PD98059. Taken together, these results suggest that obatoclax down-regulates the proliferation and fusion of osteoclast precursors through the inhibition of the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Hee Oh
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Chungnam, 336-745,
Korea
| | - Jae Yoon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Chungnam, 336-745,
Korea
| | - Jin Hyeong Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Chungnam, 336-745,
Korea
| | - Jeong Hyeon No
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Chungnam, 336-745,
Korea
| | - Na Kyung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Chungnam, 336-745,
Korea
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18
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Lee JY, Lee NK. Up-regulation of cyclinD1 and Bcl2A1 by insulin is involved in osteoclast proliferation. Life Sci 2014; 114:57-61. [PMID: 25066930 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Insulin receptor signaling in osteoblasts has been well established, but the effects of insulin on osteoclast proliferation are poorly explored. The objective of this study was to investigate the roles and the mechanisms of insulin on osteoclast proliferation. MAIN METHODS After insulin treatment to primary osteoclast precursors, BrdU incorporation assay was performed and the expression of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related genes was determined by real-time PCR and immunoblotting. Apoptosis was analyzed using a FACScan flow cytometer. KEY FINDINGS Insulin activated insulin receptor and promoted the proliferation of osteoclast precursors in time- and dose-dependent manners. However, the expression of insulin receptor was not changed by it during that time. Insulin remarkably induced the expression of cyclinD1, a cell cycle marker, and Bcl2A1, an anti-apoptotic oncogene, whereas cdk1 and cdk4 were not affected by it. The expression of Bcl2l11 and Bax, both apoptotic markers, was reduced or not changed in osteoclast precursors. Bcl2A1/Bax ratio was also increased in protein levels. Treatment with obatoclax, a Bcl2 family inhibitor, significantly induced the apoptosis of osteoclast precursors in the presence of insulin. These results demonstrate that insulin promotes osteoclast proliferation by increasing cell cycle and suppressing apoptosis through specific gene regulation. SIGNIFICANCE These data provide a basis for understanding and ultimately treating several bone-related metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yoon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-Si, Chungnam 336-745, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Kyung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-Si, Chungnam 336-745, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Kim PS, Schlom J. Potential utility of the pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor GX15-070 (obatoclax) in cancer immunotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2014; 3:e29351. [PMID: 25083341 PMCID: PMC4108468 DOI: 10.4161/onci.29351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An exploration of the immunotherapeutic potential of the pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor GX15-070 (GX15) has revealed that early-activated T cells derived from human peripheral blood are more sensitive to GX15 than are prolonged-activated T cells. Furthermore, non-memory and regulatory T cells also exhibit higher sensitivity to GX15. The implication of these prior findings suggests that GX15 may enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Kim
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology; Center for Cancer Research; National Cancer Institute; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology; Center for Cancer Research; National Cancer Institute; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD USA
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20
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Schlom J, Hodge JW, Palena C, Tsang KY, Jochems C, Greiner JW, Farsaci B, Madan RA, Heery CR, Gulley JL. Therapeutic cancer vaccines. Adv Cancer Res 2014; 121:67-124. [PMID: 24889529 PMCID: PMC6324585 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800249-0.00002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic cancer vaccines have the potential of being integrated in the therapy of numerous cancer types and stages. The wide spectrum of vaccine platforms and vaccine targets is reviewed along with the potential for development of vaccines to target cancer cell "stemness," the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, and drug-resistant populations. Preclinical and recent clinical studies are now revealing how vaccines can optimally be used with other immune-based therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors, and so-called nonimmune-based therapeutics, radiation, hormonal therapy, and certain small molecule targeted therapies; it is now being revealed that many of these traditional therapies can lyse tumor cells in a manner as to further potentiate the host immune response, alter the phenotype of nonlysed tumor cells to render them more susceptible to T-cell lysis, and/or shift the balance of effector:regulatory cells in a manner to enhance vaccine efficacy. The importance of the tumor microenvironment, the appropriate patient population, and clinical trial endpoints is also discussed in the context of optimizing patient benefit from vaccine-mediated therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kwong-Yok Tsang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Caroline Jochems
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John W Greiner
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Benedetto Farsaci
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ravi A Madan
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher R Heery
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James L Gulley
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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