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Zhu Y, Banerjee A, Xie P, Ivanov AA, Uddin A, Jiao Q, Chi JJ, Zeng L, Lee JY, Xue Y, Lu X, Cristofanilli M, Gradishar WJ, Henry CJ, Gillespie TW, Bhave MA, Kalinsky K, Fu H, Bahar I, Zhang B, Wan Y. Pharmacological suppression of the OTUD4/CD73 proteolytic axis revives antitumor immunity against immune-suppressive breast cancers. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e176390. [PMID: 38530357 PMCID: PMC11093616 DOI: 10.1172/jci176390] [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] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite widespread utilization of immunotherapy, treating immune-cold tumors remains a challenge. Multiomic analyses and experimental validation identified the OTUD4/CD73 proteolytic axis as a promising target in treating immune-suppressive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Mechanistically, deubiquitylation of CD73 by OTUD4 counteracted its ubiquitylation by TRIM21, resulting in CD73 stabilization inhibiting tumor immune responses. We further demonstrated the importance of TGF-β signaling for orchestrating the OTUD4/CD73 proteolytic axis within tumor cells. Spatial transcriptomics profiling discovered spatially resolved features of interacting malignant and immune cells pertaining to expression levels of OTUD4 and CD73. In addition, ST80, a newly developed inhibitor, specifically disrupted proteolytic interaction between CD73 and OTUD4, leading to reinvigoration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cell activities. In preclinical models of TNBC, ST80 treatment sensitized refractory tumors to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Collectively, our findings uncover what we believe to be a novel strategy for targeting the immunosuppressive OTUD4/CD73 proteolytic axis in treating immune-suppressive breast cancers with the inhibitor ST80.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anupam Banerjee
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrey A. Ivanov
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Amad Uddin
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and
| | - Qiao Jiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and
| | - Junlong Jack Chi
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and
- Driskill Graduate Program (DPG), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lidan Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Yifan Xue
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xinghua Lu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - William J. Gradishar
- Department of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Curtis J. Henry
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics
| | - Theresa W. Gillespie
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Surgery, and
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Manali Ajay Bhave
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kevin Kalinsky
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Haian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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2
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Han T, Wu J, Liu Y, Zhou J, Miao R, Guo J, Xu Z, Xing Y, Bai Y, Hu D. Integrating bulk-RNA sequencing and single-cell sequencing analyses to characterize adenosine-enriched tumor microenvironment landscape and develop an adenosine-related prognostic signature predicting immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:19. [PMID: 38265702 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01281-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The adenosine-signaling axis has been recognized as an important immunomodulatory pathway in tumor immunity. However, the biological role of the adenosine-signaling axis in the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. Here, we quantified adenosine signaling (ado_sig) in LUAD samples using the GSVA method and assessed the prognostic value of adenosine in LUAD. Afterward, we explored the heterogeneity of the tumor-immune microenvironment at different adenosine levels. In addition, we analyzed the potential biological pathways engaged by adenosine. Next, we established single-cell transcriptional profiles of LUAD and analyzed cellular composition and cell-cell communication analysis under different adenosine microenvironments. Moreover, we established adenosine-related prognostic signatures (ARS) based on comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and evaluated the efficacy of ARS in predicting immunotherapy. The results demonstrated that adenosine signaling adversely impacted the survival of immune-enriched LUAD. The high-adenosine microenvironment exhibited elevated pro-tumor-immune infiltration, including M2 macrophages and displayed notably increased epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transformation. Furthermore, adenosine signaling displayed significant associations with the expression patterns and prognostic value of immunomodulators within the TME. Single-cell sequencing data revealed increased fibroblast occupancy and a prominent activation of the SPP1 signaling pathway in the high adenosine-signaling microenvironment. The ARS exhibited promising effectiveness in prognostication and predicting immunotherapy response in LUAD. In summary, overexpression of adenosine can cause a worsened prognosis in the LUAD with abundant immune infiltration. Moreover, increased adenosine levels are associated with pro-tumor-immune infiltration, active EMT transformation, pro-tumor angiogenesis, and other factors promoting cancer progression, which collectively contribute to the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Importantly, the ARS developed in this study demonstrate high efficacy in evaluating the response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Han
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Chongren Building, No 168, Taifeng St, Huainan, People's Republic of China.
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Chongren Building, No 168, Taifeng St, Huainan, People's Republic of China
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yafeng Liu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Chongren Building, No 168, Taifeng St, Huainan, People's Republic of China
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Chongren Building, No 168, Taifeng St, Huainan, People's Republic of China
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Miao
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Chongren Building, No 168, Taifeng St, Huainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianqiang Guo
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Chongren Building, No 168, Taifeng St, Huainan, People's Republic of China
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Xu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Chongren Building, No 168, Taifeng St, Huainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingru Xing
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Chongren Building, No 168, Taifeng St, Huainan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Anhui Zhongke Gengjiu Hospital, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Bai
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Chongren Building, No 168, Taifeng St, Huainan, People's Republic of China.
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dong Hu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Chongren Building, No 168, Taifeng St, Huainan, People's Republic of China.
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Ng MS, Kwok I, Tan L, Shi C, Cerezo-Wallis D, Tan Y, Leong K, Yang K, Zhang Y, Jing J, Liong KH, Wu D, He R, Liu D, Teh YC, Bleriot C, Caronni N, Liu Z, Duan K, Narang V, Li M, Chen J, Liu Y, Liu L, Qi J, Liu Y, Jiang L, Shen B, Cheng H, Cheng T, Angeli V, Sharma A, Loh YH, Tey HL, Chong SZ, Ostuni R, Hidalgo A, Ginhoux F, Ng LG. Deterministic reprogramming of neutrophils within tumors. Science 2024; 383:eadf6493. [PMID: 38207030 PMCID: PMC11087151 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf6493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Neutrophils are increasingly recognized as key players in the tumor immune response and are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Despite recent advances characterizing the diversity of neutrophil states in cancer, common trajectories and mechanisms governing the ontogeny and relationship between these neutrophil states remain undefined. Here, we demonstrate that immature and mature neutrophils that enter tumors undergo irreversible epigenetic, transcriptional, and proteomic modifications to converge into a distinct, terminally differentiated dcTRAIL-R1+ state. Reprogrammed dcTRAIL-R1+ neutrophils predominantly localize to a glycolytic and hypoxic niche at the tumor core and exert pro-angiogenic function that favors tumor growth. We found similar trajectories in neutrophils across multiple tumor types and in humans, suggesting that targeting this program may provide a means of enhancing certain cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S.F. Ng
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Immanuel Kwok
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Leonard Tan
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Changming Shi
- Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital; Shanghai, China
| | - Daniela Cerezo-Wallis
- Area of Cell & Developmental Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III; Madrid, Spain
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program and Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, USA
| | - Yingrou Tan
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
- National Skin Centre, National Healthcare Group; Singapore
| | - Keith Leong
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Katharine Yang
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore (NUS); Singapore
| | - Jingsi Jing
- Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital; Shanghai, China
| | - Ka Hang Liong
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Dandan Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; Shanghai, China
| | - Rui He
- Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital; Shanghai, China
| | - Dehua Liu
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Ye Chean Teh
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Camille Bleriot
- INSERM U1015, Institut Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France
- CNRS UMR8253, Institut Necker des Enfants Malades; Paris, France
| | - Nicoletta Caronni
- Genomics of the Innate Immune System Unit, San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Milan, Italy
| | - Zhaoyuan Liu
- Genomics of the Innate Immune System Unit, San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Milan, Italy
| | - Kaibo Duan
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Vipin Narang
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Mengwei Li
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Jinmiao Chen
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | | | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China; Anhui, China
| | - Jingjing Qi
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cancer Biology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; Shanghai, China
| | - Yingbin Liu
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cancer Biology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; Shanghai, China
| | - Lingxi Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine; Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine; Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University; Shanghai, China
| | - Baiyong Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine; Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine; Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University; Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Tianjin, China
| | - Veronique Angeli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore (NUS); Singapore
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre; Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University; Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University; Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Yuin-han Loh
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
| | - Hong Liang Tey
- National Skin Centre, National Healthcare Group; Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University; Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore; Singapore
| | - Shu Zhen Chong
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore (NUS); Singapore
| | - Renato Ostuni
- Genomics of the Innate Immune System Unit, San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan; Italy
| | - Andrés Hidalgo
- Area of Cell & Developmental Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III; Madrid, Spain
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program and Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, USA
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; Shanghai, China
- INSERM U1015, Institut Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre; Singapore
| | - Lai Guan Ng
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research); Singapore
- Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital; Shanghai, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore (NUS); Singapore
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4
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BORAL B, TUNCER İ, KİBAR F, ÇETİNER S, BADAK SÖ, SALMAN E, KOÇ E, ERKEN E, YAMAN A. CD39 expression on immune cells predicts methotrexate response in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Turk J Med Sci 2023; 53:1075-1083. [PMID: 38813034 PMCID: PMC10763742 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting mostly small joints, such as hand and foot joints symmetrically with irreversible joint destruction. In this study, the relationship between CD39 expression and the treatment response of RA patients was examined to investigate its potential as a biomarker that demonstrates treatment response. Materials and methods This study included 77 RA patients and 40 healthy controls (HC). The RA patients were divided into 2 groups based on their response to RA treatment, those with a good response to methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy and those with an inadequate response based on the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism response criteria. Various immunological parameters and Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints (DAS28) were examined between the groups using the Student's t-test. Results The monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (M-MDSC) percentage was higher in the RA patient group versus the HC group. The CD39 expression in the T lymphocytes were higher in patients that responded well to the MTX compared to those showing inadequate response. Additionally, s negative correlation was found between the DAS28 and CD39 in the T cells. Conclusion The results showed that the improvement in treatment response to the therapy in RA patients could be because of the enhancement in the CD39/adenosine (ADO) pathway. Therefore, therapies targeting the CD39/ADO pathway in T cells may improve RA treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış BORAL
- Department of Immunology, Adana Health Practice and Research Center, University of Health Sciences, Adana,
Turkiye
| | - İbrahim TUNCER
- Department of Immunology, Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| | - Filiz KİBAR
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana,
Turkiye
| | - Salih ÇETİNER
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana,
Turkiye
| | - Suade Özlem BADAK
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana
Turkiye
| | - Emrah SALMAN
- Department of Immunology, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara,
Turkiye
| | - Emrah KOÇ
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana,
Turkiye
| | - Eren ERKEN
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana,
Turkiye
| | - Akgün YAMAN
- Department of Immunology, Adana Health Practice and Research Center, University of Health Sciences, Adana,
Turkiye
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5
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Sarkar OS, Donninger H, Al Rayyan N, Chew LC, Stamp B, Zhang X, Whitt A, Li C, Hall M, Mitchell RA, Zippelius A, Eaton J, Chesney JA, Yaddanapudi K. Monocytic MDSCs exhibit superior immune suppression via adenosine and depletion of adenosine improves efficacy of immunotherapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg3736. [PMID: 37390211 PMCID: PMC10313166 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg3736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is effective against many cancers for a subset of patients; a large percentage of patients remain unresponsive to this therapy. One contributing factor to ICI resistance is accumulation of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs), a subset of innate immune cells with potent immunosuppressive activity against T lymphocytes. Here, using lung, melanoma, and breast cancer mouse models, we show that CD73-expressing M-MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit superior T cell suppressor function. Tumor-derived PGE2, a prostaglandin, directly induces CD73 expression in M-MDSCs via both Stat3 and CREB. The resulting CD73 overexpression induces elevated levels of adenosine, a nucleoside with T cell-suppressive activity, culminating in suppression of antitumor CD8+ T cell activity. Depletion of adenosine in the TME by the repurposed drug PEGylated adenosine deaminase (PEG-ADA) increases CD8+ T cell activity and enhances response to ICI therapy. Use of PEG-ADA can therefore be a therapeutic option to overcome resistance to ICIs in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar S. Sarkar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Howard Donninger
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Numan Al Rayyan
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Natural Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 639, Baq'a 19381, Jordan
| | - Lewis C. Chew
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Bryce Stamp
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Aaron Whitt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Chi Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Melissa Hall
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Robert A. Mitchell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Immunotherapy, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Immuno-Oncology Group, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alfred Zippelius
- Center for Immunotherapy, Cancer Center Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - John Eaton
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Immuno-Oncology Group, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jason A. Chesney
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Immunotherapy, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Immuno-Oncology Group, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kavitha Yaddanapudi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Immunotherapy, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Immuno-Oncology Group, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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6
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Kurago Z, Guo G, Shi H, Bollag RJ, Groves MW, Byrd JK, Cui Y. Inhibitors of the CD73-adenosinergic checkpoint as promising combinatory agents for conventional and advanced cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212209. [PMID: 37435071 PMCID: PMC10330720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell surface enzyme CD73 is increasingly appreciated as a pivotal non-redundant immune checkpoint (IC) in addition to PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. CD73 produces extracellular adenosine (eADO), which not only inhibits antitumor T cell activity via the adenosine receptor (AR) A2AR, but also enhances the immune inhibitory function of cancer-associated fibroblasts and myeloid cells via A2BR. Preclinical studies show that inhibition of the CD73-adenosinergic pathway in experimental models of many solid tumors either as a monotherapy or, more effectively, in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 IC blockades, improves antitumor immunity and tumor control. Consequently, approximately 50 ongoing phase I/II clinical trials targeting the CD73-adenosinergic IC are currently listed on https://clinicaltrials.gov. Most of the listed trials employ CD73 inhibitors or anti-CD73 antibodies alone, in combination with A2AR antagonists, and/or with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Recent evidence suggests that the distribution of CD73, A2AR and A2BR in tumor microenvironments (TME) is heterogeneous, and this distribution affects CD73-adenosinergic IC function. The new insights have implications for the optimally effective, carefully tailored approaches to therapeutic targeting of this essential IC. In the mini-review, we briefly discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms of CD73/eADO-mediated immunosuppression during tumor progression and therapy in the spatial context of the TME. We include preclinical data regarding therapeutic CD73-eADO blockade in tumor models as well as available clinical data from completed trials that targeted CD73-adenosinergic IC with or without PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and discuss factors that are potentially important for optimal therapeutic outcomes in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Kurago
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Gang Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Huidong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Roni J. Bollag
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Michael W. Groves
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - J. Kenneth Byrd
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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7
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Czajka-Francuz P, Prendes MJ, Mankan A, Quintana Á, Pabla S, Ramkissoon S, Jensen TJ, Peiró S, Severson EA, Achyut BR, Vidal L, Poelman M, Saini KS. Mechanisms of immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment and implications for targeted therapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1200646. [PMID: 37427115 PMCID: PMC10325690 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1200646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of cancer therapies is limited to a great extent by immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Numerous immune escape mechanisms have been identified. These include not only processes associated with tumor, immune or stromal cells, but also humoral, metabolic, genetic and epigenetic factors within the TME. The identification of immune escape mechanisms has enabled the development of small molecules, nanomedicines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell and epigenetic therapies that can reprogram the TME and shift the host immune response towards promoting an antitumor effect. These approaches have translated into series of breakthroughs in cancer therapies, some of which have already been implemented in clinical practice. In the present article the authors provide an overview of some of the most important mechanisms of immunosuppression within the TME and the implications for targeted therapies against different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ángela Quintana
- Breast Cancer Unit, Vall d'Hebrón Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Sandra Peiró
- Breast Cancer Unit, Vall d'Hebrón Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Kamal S. Saini
- Fortrea, Inc., Durham, NC, United States
- Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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8
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Nixon BG, Gao S, Wang X, Li MO. TGFβ control of immune responses in cancer: a holistic immuno-oncology perspective. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:346-362. [PMID: 36380023 PMCID: PMC10634249 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00796-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The immune system responds to cancer in two main ways. First, there are prewired responses involving myeloid cells, innate lymphocytes and innate-like adaptive lymphocytes that either reside in premalignant tissues or migrate directly to tumours, and second, there are antigen priming-dependent responses, in which adaptive lymphocytes are primed in secondary lymphoid organs before homing to tumours. Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) - one of the most potent and pleiotropic regulatory cytokines - controls almost every stage of the tumour-elicited immune response, from leukocyte development in primary lymphoid organs to their priming in secondary lymphoid organs and their effector functions in the tumour itself. The complexity of TGFβ-regulated immune cell circuitries, as well as the contextual roles of TGFβ signalling in cancer cells and tumour stromal cells, necessitates the use of rigorous experimental systems that closely recapitulate human cancer, such as autochthonous tumour models, to uncover the underlying immunobiology. The diverse functions of TGFβ in healthy tissues further complicate the search for effective and safe cancer therapeutics targeting the TGFβ pathway. Here we discuss the contextual complexity of TGFβ signalling in tumour-elicited immune responses and explain how understanding this may guide the development of mechanism-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana G Nixon
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shengyu Gao
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ming O Li
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Impact of the selective A2 AR and A2 BR dual antagonist AB928/etrumadenant on CAR T cell function. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:2175-2185. [PMID: 36266575 PMCID: PMC9726885 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02013-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been successfully translated to clinical practice for the treatment of B cell malignancies. The suppressive microenvironment of many malignancies is a bottleneck preventing treatment success of CAR T cells in a broader range of tumours. Among others, the immunosuppressive metabolite adenosine is present in high concentrations within many tumours and dampens anti-tumour function of immune cells and consequently therapeutic response. METHODS Here, we present the impact of the selective adenosine A2A and A2B receptor antagonist AB928/etrumadenant on CAR T cell cytokine secretion, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. Using phosphorylation-specific flow cytometry, we evaluated the capability of AB928 to shield CAR T cells from adenosine-mediated signalling. The effect of orally administered AB928 on CAR T cells was assessed in a syngeneic mouse model of colon carcinoma. RESULTS We found that immunosuppressive signalling in CAR T cells in response to adenosine was fully blocked by the small molecule inhibitor. AB928 treatment enhanced CAR T cell cytokine secretion and proliferation, granted efficient cytolysis of tumour cells in vitro and augmented CAR T cell activation in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Together our results suggest that combination therapy with AB928 represents a promising approach to improve adoptive cell therapy.
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10
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To kill or not to kill - The role of the tumor microenvironment in shaping group 1 ILC functions. Semin Immunol 2022; 61-64:101670. [PMID: 36372017 PMCID: PMC7613863 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC) comprise two major IFN-γ producing populations, namely Natural Killer (NK) cells, and ILC1s. Recent studies have revealed a complex and diverse composition of group 1 ILC subsets infiltrating different tumors. In this review, we will outline the commonalities and differences between group 1 ILC subsets in both mice and humans, discuss how the tissue and tumor microenvironment shapes their phenotype and functions, as well as describe their contrasting roles in the response to different cancers.
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11
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Targeting mTOR as a Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances in Natural Bioactive Compounds and Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225520. [PMID: 36428613 PMCID: PMC9688668 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a highly conserved serine/threonine-protein kinase, which regulates many biological processes related to metabolism, cancer, immune function, and aging. It is an essential protein kinase that belongs to the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) family and has two known signaling complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). Even though mTOR signaling plays a critical role in promoting mitochondria-related protein synthesis, suppressing the catabolic process of autophagy, contributing to lipid metabolism, engaging in ribosome formation, and acting as a critical regulator of mRNA translation, it remains one of the significant signaling systems involved in the tumor process, particularly in apoptosis, cell cycle, and cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, the mTOR signaling system could be suggested as a cancer biomarker, and its targeting is important in anti-tumor therapy research. Indeed, its dysregulation is involved in different types of cancers such as colon, neck, cervical, head, lung, breast, reproductive, and bone cancers, as well as nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Moreover, recent investigations showed that targeting mTOR could be considered as cancer therapy. Accordingly, this review presents an overview of recent developments associated with the mTOR signaling pathway and its molecular involvement in various human cancer types. It also summarizes the research progress of different mTOR inhibitors, including natural and synthetised compounds and their main mechanisms, as well as the rational combinations with immunotherapies.
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12
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Hasmim M, Xiao M, Van Moer K, Kumar A, Oniga A, Mittelbronn M, Duhem C, Chammout A, Berchem G, Thiery JP, Volpert M, Hollier B, Noman MZ, Janji B. SNAI1-dependent upregulation of CD73 increases extracellular adenosine release to mediate immune suppression in TNBC. Front Immunol 2022; 13:982821. [PMID: 36159844 PMCID: PMC9501677 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.982821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative subtype of breast cancer (TNBC) is hallmarked by frequent disease relapse and shows highest mortality rate. Although PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockades have recently shown promising clinical benefits, the overall response rate remains largely insufficient. Hence, alternative therapeutic approaches are warranted. Given the immunosuppressive properties of CD73-mediated adenosine release, CD73 blocking approaches are emerging as attractive strategies in cancer immunotherapy. Understanding the precise mechanism regulating the expression of CD73 is required to develop effective anti-CD73-based therapy. Our previous observations demonstrate that the transcription factors driving epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT-TF) can regulate the expression of several inhibitory immune checkpoints. Here we analyzed the role of the EMT-TF SNAI1 in the regulation of CD73 in TNBC cells. We found that doxycycline-driven SNAI1 expression in the epithelial -like TNBC cell line MDA-MB-468 results in CD73 upregulation by direct binding to the CD73 proximal promoter. SNAI1-dependent upregulation of CD73 leads to increased production and release of extracellular adenosine by TNBC cells and contributes to the enhancement of TNBC immunosuppressive properties. Our data are validated in TNBC samples by showing a positive correlation between the mRNA expression of CD73 and SNAI1. Overall, our results reveal a new CD73 regulation mechanism in TNBC that participates in TNBC-mediated immunosuppression and paves the way for developing new treatment opportunities for CD73-positive TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Hasmim
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Malina Xiao
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Kris Van Moer
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Akinchan Kumar
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Alexandra Oniga
- National Center of Pathology (NCP), Laboratoire Nationale de Santé (LNS), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Michel Mittelbronn
- National Center of Pathology (NCP), Laboratoire Nationale de Santé (LNS), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Caroline Duhem
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Anwar Chammout
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
- Department of Oncology, Aleppo Hospital University, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Guy Berchem
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | | | - Marianna Volpert
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland (APCRC-Q), School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Brett Hollier
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland (APCRC-Q), School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Muhammad Zaeem Noman
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Bassam Janji
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- *Correspondence: Bassam Janji,
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13
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Xing Y, Ren ZQ, Jin R, Liu L, Pei JP, Yu K. Therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of CD73-TGFβ dual-blockade in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2410-2418. [PMID: 35082394 PMCID: PMC9433380 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00840-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although chemotherapy and recently approved immunotherapies have improved treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the clinical outcome for this deadly disease remains unsatisfactory. We found that both cluster of differentiation 73 (CD73) and transforming growth factor (TGF)β were elevated in TNBC and correlated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibrotic stroma, an immune-tolerant tumor environment, and poor prognosis. To explore the efficacy of CD73-TGFβ dual-blockade, we generated a bifunctional anti-CD73-TGFβ construct consisting of the CD73 antibody MEDI9447 fused with the TGFβRII extracellular-domain (termed MEDI-TGFβR). MEDI-TGFβR retained full and simultaneous blocking efficiency for CD73 and TGFβ. Compared with MEDI9447 activity alone, MEDI-TGFβR demonstrated superior inhibitory activity against CD73-dependent cell migration and the EMT in CD73-high TNBC cells and effectively reduced lung metastasis in a syngeneic mouse model of TNBC. Mechanistically, the CD73-TGFβ dual-blockade reverted the EMT and stromal fibrosis and induced tumor cell death, which was accompanied by the accumulation of M1-macrophages and production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). The CD73-TGFβ dual-blockade promoted a multifaceted inflammatory tumor microenvironment, as shown by the diminished levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and M2-macrophages, and substantially increased levels of activated dendritic cells, cytotoxic T cells, and B cells. Collectively, our results have highlighted a novel strategy for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Xing
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Rui Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jin-Peng Pei
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ker Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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14
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Rocconi RP, Stanbery L, Tang M, Madeira da Silva L, Walter A, Monk BJ, Herzog TJ, Coleman RL, Manning L, Wallraven G, Horvath S, Bognar E, Senzer N, Brun S, Nemunaitis J. ENTPD1/CD39 as a predictive marker of treatment response to gemogenovatucel-T as maintenance therapy in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2022; 2:106. [PMID: 36051466 PMCID: PMC9424215 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-022-00163-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Broadened use of predictive molecular and phenotypic profiling amongst oncologists has facilitated optimal integration of targeted- and immuno-therapeutics into clinical care. However, the use of predictive immunomarkers in ovarian cancer (OC) has not consistently translated into clinical benefit. Vigil (gemogenovatucel-T) is a novel plasmid engineered autologous tumor cell immunotherapy designed to knock down the tumor suppressor cytokines, TGFβ1 and TGFβ2, augment local immune function via increased GMCSF expression and enhance presentation of clonal neoantigen epitopes. Methods: All patients enrolled in the VITAL trial (NCT02346747) of maintenance Vigil vs. placebo as front-line therapy with homologous recombination proficient (HRP) stage IIIB-IV newly diagnosed ovarian cancer underwent NanoString gene expression analysis. Tissue was obtained from surgically resected ovarian tumor tissue following surgical debulking. A statistical algorithm was used to analyze the NanoString gene expression data. Results Using the NanoString Statistical Algorithm (NSA), we identify high expression of ENTPD1/CD39 (which functions as the rate-limiting step in the production of the immune suppressor adenosine from ATP to ADP) as a presumptive predictor of response to Vigil versus placebo regardless of HRP status on the basis of relapse free survival (median not achieved vs 8.1 months, p = 0.00007) and overall survival (median not achieved vs 41.4 months, p = 0.013) extension. Conclusion NSA should be considered for application to investigational targeted therapies in order to identify populations most likely to benefit from treatment, in preparation for efficacy conclusive trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney P. Rocconi
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Mobile, USA
| | | | - Min Tang
- Stat-Beyond Consulting, Irvine, USA
| | - Luciana Madeira da Silva
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, USA
| | - Adam Walter
- Gradalis, Inc, Carrollton, USA
- Promedica, Toledo, USA
| | - Bradley J. Monk
- Arizona Oncology, (US Oncology Network), University of Arizona, Creighton University, Phoenix, USA
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15
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Baci D, Cekani E, Imperatori A, Ribatti D, Mortara L. Host-Related Factors as Targetable Drivers of Immunotherapy Response in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:914890. [PMID: 35874749 PMCID: PMC9298844 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.914890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite some significant therapeutic breakthroughs leading to immunotherapy, a high percentage of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) do not respond to treatment on relapse, thus experiencing poor prognosis and survival. The unsatisfying results could be related to the features of the tumor immune microenvironment and the dynamic interactions between a tumor and immune infiltrate. Host-tumor interactions strongly influence the course of disease and response to therapies. Thus, targeting host-associated factors by restoring their physiologic functions altered by the presence of a tumor represents a new therapeutic approach to control tumor development and progression. In NSCLC, the immunogenic tumor balance is shifted negatively toward immunosuppression due to the release of inhibitory factors as well as the presence of immunosuppressive cells. Among these cells, there are myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells that can generate a tumor-permissive milieu by reprogramming the cells of the hosts such as tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated neutrophils, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and mast cells that acquire tumor-supporting phenotypes and functions. This review highlights the current knowledge of the involvement of host-related factors, including innate and adaptive immunity in orchestrating the tumor cell fate and the primary resistance mechanisms to immunotherapy in NSCLC. Finally, we discuss combinational therapeutic strategies targeting different aspects of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to prime the host response. Further research dissecting the characteristics and dynamic interactions within the interface host-tumor is necessary to improve a patient fitness immune response and provide answers regarding the immunotherapy efficacy, with the aim to develop more successful treatments for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Baci
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.,Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Elona Cekani
- Medical Oncology Clinic, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Imperatori
- Center for Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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16
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Bao X, Xie L. Targeting purinergic pathway to enhance radiotherapy-induced immunogenic cancer cell death. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:222. [PMID: 35836249 PMCID: PMC9284706 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02430-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence has demonstrated that radiotherapy (RT) can not only cause direct damage to cancer cells but also lead to immunogenic cell death (ICD), which involves the activation of host antitumor immune response in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). RT-induced ICD comprises the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from dying cancer cells that result in the activation of tumor-specific immunity to elicit long-term antitumor efficacy in both original and abscopal tumor sites. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as an important DAMP released by irradiated cancer cells and an essential factor within purinergic pathway, can be further hydrolyzed to adenosine (ADO) by two key ectonucleotidases, CD39 and CD73, to further modulate the antitumor immunity in TIME through purinergic signaling via the interaction to its specific receptors such as adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) and A2BR widely expressed on the surface of the components in TIME, including cancer cells and many immune effector cells. In this review, we first introduced key components in purinergic pathway including ATP, ADO, their receptors, and essential ectonucleotidases. Then we reviewed the regulation of ATP and ADO levels and their main mechanisms by which they promote tumor growth and broadly suppress antitumor immunity through inhibiting the pro-inflammatory response of dendritic cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and natural killer cells, while improving the anti-inflammatory response of regulatory T cells, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in TIME, especially after irradiation. Finally, we presented an overview of dozens of promising therapeutics including pharmacological antagonists and specific antibodies targeting ADO receptors and ectonucleotidases CD39 or CD73 investigated in the clinic for cancer treatment, especially focusing on the preclinical studies and clinical trials being explored for blocking the purinergic signaling to enhance RT as a combination antitumor therapeutic strategy, which has a robust potential to be translated to the clinic in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Bao
- Institute of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, 2800 Gongwei Rd, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Oncology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Liyi Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Rd, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Guo S, Han F, Zhu W. CD39 - A bright target for cancer immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113066. [PMID: 35550530 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The ATP-adenosine pathway functions as a key modulator of innate and adaptive immunity within the tumor microenvironment, and cancer immune evasion largely involves the generation of high amounts of immunosuppressive extracellular adenosine (eADO). Consequently, inhibition of eADO-generating enzymes and/or eADO receptors can effectively restore the antitumor immunity of multiple immune cells. With several clinical strategies currently being explored to modulating the eADO pathway in patients with cancer, recent clinical data with antagonists targeting CD73 and A2A receptor have demonstrated a promising therapeutic potential in cancer. Recent findings reveal that the ectonucleotidase CD39, the limiting enzyme been viewed as "immunological switch", converts ATP-driven pro-inflammatory milieu to an anti-inflammatory state mediated by adenosine. Owing to its superior feature of CD39 antagonism that rely not only on preventing the accumulation of adenosine but also on the stabilization of extracellular ATP to restore antitumor immunity, several inhibitors and clinical trials based on CD39 are being evaluated. Consequently, there is currently a focus on understanding the role of CD39 in governing immunity and how therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway alter the antitumor potential. We herein review the impact of CD39 on tumor microenvironment with a focus on treatment preference. Additionally, we also discuss the implication for rational combination therapies, molecular regulation, as well as potential limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwei Guo
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengfeng Han
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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18
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Joshi S, Sharabi A. Targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells to enhance natural killer cell-based immunotherapy. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 235:108114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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19
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Yegutkin GG, Boison D. ATP and Adenosine Metabolism in Cancer: Exploitation for Therapeutic Gain. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:797-822. [PMID: 35738682 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is an evolutionary ancient metabolic regulator linking energy state to physiologic processes, including immunomodulation and cell proliferation. Tumors create an adenosine-rich immunosuppressive microenvironment through the increased release of ATP from dying and stressed cells and its ectoenzymatic conversion into adenosine. Therefore, the adenosine pathway becomes an important therapeutic target to improve the effectiveness of immune therapies. Prior research has focused largely on the two major ectonucleotidases, ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1/cluster of differentiation (CD)39 and ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73, which catalyze the breakdown of extracellular ATP into adenosine, and on the subsequent activation of different subtypes of adenosine receptors with mixed findings of antitumor and protumor effects. New findings, needed for more effective therapeutic approaches, require consideration of redundant pathways controlling intratumoral adenosine levels, including the alternative NAD-inactivating pathway through the CD38-ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase (ENPP)1-CD73 axis, the counteracting ATP-regenerating ectoenzymatic pathway, and cellular adenosine uptake and its phosphorylation by adenosine kinase. This review provides a holistic view of extracellular and intracellular adenosine metabolism as an integrated complex network and summarizes recent data on the underlying mechanisms through which adenosine and its precursors ATP and ADP control cancer immunosurveillance, tumor angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, cancer-associated thrombosis, blood flow, and tumor perfusion. Special attention is given to differences and commonalities in the purinome of different cancers, heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, subcellular compartmentalization of the adenosine system, and novel roles of purine-converting enzymes as targets for cancer therapy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The discovery of the role of adenosine as immune checkpoint regulator in cancer has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting extracellular adenosine metabolism and signaling in multiple clinical trials and preclinical models. Here we identify major gaps in knowledge that need to be filled to improve the therapeutic gain from agents targeting key components of the adenosine metabolic network and, on this basis, provide a holistic view of the cancer purinome as a complex and integrated network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady G Yegutkin
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland (G.G.Y.); Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson and New Jersey Medical Schools, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.); and Rutgers Brain Health Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.)
| | - Detlev Boison
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland (G.G.Y.); Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson and New Jersey Medical Schools, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.); and Rutgers Brain Health Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.)
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20
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Metabolic reprograming of MDSCs within tumor microenvironment and targeting for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1337-1348. [PMID: 34561553 PMCID: PMC9160034 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00776-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of emerging studies in field of immune metabolism have indicated that cellular metabolic reprograming serves as a major administrator in maintaining the viability and functions of both tumor cells and immune cells. As one of the most important immunosuppressive cells in tumor stroma, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) dynamically orchestrate their metabolic pathways in response to the complicated tumor microenvironment (TME), a process that consequently limits the therapeutic effectiveness of anti-cancer treatment modalities. In this context, the metabolic vulnerabilities of MDSCs could be exploited as a novel immune metabolic checkpoint upon which to intervene for promoting the efficacy of immunotherapy. Here, we have discussed about recent studies highlighting the important roles of the metabolic reprograming and the core molecular pathways involved in tumor-infiltrating MDSCs. In addition, we have also summarized the state-of-the-art strategies that are currently being employed to target MDSC metabolism and improve the efficacy of antineoplastic immunotherapy.
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21
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The Synergistic Cooperation between TGF-β and Hypoxia in Cancer and Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050635. [PMID: 35625561 PMCID: PMC9138354 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine regulating homeostasis and immune responses in adult animals and humans. Aberrant and overactive TGF-β signaling promotes cancer initiation and fibrosis through epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as the invasion and metastatic growth of cancer cells. TGF-β is a key factor that is active during hypoxic conditions in cancer and is thereby capable of contributing to angiogenesis in various types of cancer. Another potent role of TGF-β is suppressing immune responses in cancer patients. The strong tumor-promoting effects of TGF-β and its profibrotic effects make it a focus for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against cancer and fibrosis as well as an attractive drug target in combination with immune regulatory checkpoint inhibitors. TGF-β belongs to a family of cytokines that exert their function through signaling via serine/threonine kinase transmembrane receptors to intracellular Smad proteins via the canonical pathway and in combination with co-regulators such as the adaptor protein and E3 ubiquitin ligases TRAF4 and TRAF6 to promote non-canonical pathways. Finally, the outcome of gene transcription initiated by TGF-β is context-dependent and controlled by signals exerted by other growth factors such as EGF and Wnt. Here, we discuss the synergistic cooperation between TGF-β and hypoxia in development, fibrosis and cancer.
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22
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Zhu J, Song G, Zhou X, Han TL, Yu X, Chen H, Mansell T, Novakovic B, Baker PN, Cannon RD, Saffery R, Chen C, Zhang H. CD39/CD73 Dysregulation of Adenosine Metabolism Increases Decidual Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity: Implications in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. Front Immunol 2022; 13:813218. [PMID: 35222389 PMCID: PMC8866181 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.813218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is believed to be associated with impaired immunosuppression at the maternal-fetal interface, but the detailed molecular mechanism remains unclear. The ATP-adenosine metabolic pathway regulated by CD39/CD73 has recently been recognized to be important in immunosuppression. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells and fetal extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells by CD39 and CD73 in URSA, as well as the possible regulatory mechanism of CD39/CD73 via the TGF-β-mTOR-HIF-1α pathway using clinical samples and cell models. Fewer CD39+ and CD73+ cells were found in the URSA decidual and villous tissue, respectively. Inhibition of CD39 on dNK cells transformed the cells to an activated state with increased toxicity and decreased apoptosis, and changed their cytokine secretion, leading to impaired invasion and proliferation of the co-cultured HTR8/SVneo cells. Similarly, inhibition of CD73 on HTR8/SVneo cells decreased the adenosine concentration in the cell culture media, increased the proportion of CD107a+ dNK cells, and decreased the invasion and proliferation capabilities of the HTR8/SVneo cells. In addition, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) triggered phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Smad2/Smad3, which subsequently activated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) to induce the CD73 expression on the HTR8/SVneo cells. In summary, reduced numbers of CD39+ and CD73+ cells at the maternal-fetal interface, which may be due to downregulated TGF-β-mTOR-HIF-1α pathway, results in reduced ATP-adenosine metabolism and increased dNK cytotoxicity, and potentially contributes to URSA occurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Canada-China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Major Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangmin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Canada-China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Major Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Canada-China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting-Li Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyang Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Canada-China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Canada-China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Major Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Toby Mansell
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Boris Novakovic
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip N Baker
- College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Richard D Cannon
- Department of Oral Sciences, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richard Saffery
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chang Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Canada-China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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23
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Gagnon DJ, Ryzhov SV, May MA, Riker RR, Geller B, May TL, Bockian S, deKay JT, Eldridge A, Van der Kloot T, Lerwick P, Lord C, Lucas FL, Mailloux P, McCrum B, Searight M, Wirth J, Zuckerman J, Sawyer D, Seder DB. Ceftriaxone to PRevent pneumOnia and inflammaTion aftEr Cardiac arresT (PROTECT): study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:197. [PMID: 35246202 PMCID: PMC8895836 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06127-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumonia is the most common infection after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) occurring in up to 65% of patients who remain comatose after return of spontaneous circulation. Preventing infection after OHCA may (1) reduce exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, (2) prevent hemodynamic derangements due to local and systemic inflammation, and (3) prevent infection-associated morbidity and mortality. METHODS The ceftriaxone to PRevent pneumOnia and inflammaTion aftEr Cardiac arrest (PROTECT) trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center, quadruple-blind (patient, treatment team, research team, outcome assessors), non-commercial, superiority trial to be conducted at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, USA. Ceftriaxone 2 g intravenously every 12 h for 3 days will be compared with matching placebo. The primary efficacy outcome is incidence of early-onset pneumonia occurring < 4 days after mechanical ventilation initiation. Concurrently, T cell-mediated inflammation bacterial resistomes will be examined. Safety outcomes include incidence of type-one immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions, gallbladder injury, and Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. The trial will enroll 120 subjects over approximately 3 to 4 years. DISCUSSION The PROTECT trial is novel in its (1) inclusion of OHCA survivors regardless of initial heart rhythm, (2) use of a low-risk antibiotic available in the USA that has not previously been tested after OHCA, (3) inclusion of anti-inflammatory effects of ceftriaxone as a novel mechanism for improved clinical outcomes, and (4) complete metagenomic assessment of bacterial resistomes pre- and post-ceftriaxone prophylaxis. The long-term goal is to develop a definitive phase III trial powered for mortality or functional outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04999592 . Registered on August 10, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Gagnon
- Department of Pharmacy, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA.
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA.
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sergey V Ryzhov
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Meghan A May
- University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME, USA
| | - Richard R Riker
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Critical Care Services, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Bram Geller
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Maine Medical Partners, MaineHealth Cardiology, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Teresa L May
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Critical Care Services, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Sarah Bockian
- Maine Medical Center Neuroscience Institute, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Joanne T deKay
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Ashley Eldridge
- Maine Medical Center Neuroscience Institute, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | | | - Patricia Lerwick
- Department of Critical Care Services, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Christine Lord
- Maine Medical Center Neuroscience Institute, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | - F Lee Lucas
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Patrick Mailloux
- Department of Critical Care Services, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Barbara McCrum
- Maine Medical Center Neuroscience Institute, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Meghan Searight
- Maine Medical Center Neuroscience Institute, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Joel Wirth
- Department of Critical Care Services, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | | | - Douglas Sawyer
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
- Maine Medical Partners, MaineHealth Cardiology, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - David B Seder
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Critical Care Services, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
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24
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Mafi S, Mansoori B, Taeb S, Sadeghi H, Abbasi R, Cho WC, Rostamzadeh D. mTOR-Mediated Regulation of Immune Responses in Cancer and Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 12:774103. [PMID: 35250965 PMCID: PMC8894239 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.774103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a downstream mediator in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways, which plays a pivotal role in regulating numerous cellular functions including cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism by integrating a variety of extracellular and intracellular signals in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway is frequently reported in many types of human tumors, and targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway has been considered an attractive potential therapeutic target in cancer. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling transduction pathway is important not only in the development and progression of cancers but also for its critical regulatory role in the tumor microenvironment. Immunologically, mTOR is emerging as a key regulator of immune responses. The mTOR signaling pathway plays an essential regulatory role in the differentiation and function of both innate and adaptive immune cells. Considering the central role of mTOR in metabolic and translational reprogramming, it can affect tumor-associated immune cells to undergo phenotypic and functional reprogramming in TME. The mTOR-mediated inflammatory response can also promote the recruitment of immune cells to TME, resulting in exerting the anti-tumor functions or promoting cancer cell growth, progression, and metastasis. Thus, deregulated mTOR signaling in cancer can modulate the TME, thereby affecting the tumor immune microenvironment. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the crucial role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in controlling and shaping the immune responses in TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Mafi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Behzad Mansoori
- The Wistar Institute, Molecular & Cellular Oncogenesis Program, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shahram Taeb
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Hossein Sadeghi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Reza Abbasi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Davoud Rostamzadeh, ; ; William C. Cho, ;
| | - Davoud Rostamzadeh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
- *Correspondence: Davoud Rostamzadeh, ; ; William C. Cho, ;
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25
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signalling controls multiple cell fate decisions during development and tissue homeostasis; hence, dysregulation of this pathway can drive several diseases, including cancer. Here we discuss the influence that TGFβ exerts on the composition and behaviour of different cell populations present in the tumour immune microenvironment, and the context-dependent functions of this cytokine in suppressing or promoting cancer. During homeostasis, TGFβ controls inflammatory responses triggered by exposure to the outside milieu in barrier tissues. Lack of TGFβ exacerbates inflammation, leading to tissue damage and cellular transformation. In contrast, as tumours progress, they leverage TGFβ to drive an unrestrained wound-healing programme in cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as to suppress the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system. In consonance with this key role in reprogramming the tumour microenvironment, emerging data demonstrate that TGFβ-inhibitory therapies can restore cancer immunity. Indeed, this approach can synergize with other immunotherapies - including immune checkpoint blockade - to unleash robust antitumour immune responses in preclinical cancer models. Despite initial challenges in clinical translation, these findings have sparked the development of multiple therapeutic strategies that inhibit the TGFβ pathway, many of which are currently in clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele V F Tauriello
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Elena Sancho
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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26
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Boral B, Ballı HT, Sözütok S, Pehlivan UA, Aikimbaev K. Clinical and prognostic significance of CD14 (+) HLA-DR (-/low) myeloid-derived suppressor cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma received transarterial radioembolization with Yttrium-90. Scand J Immunol 2021; 95:e13132. [PMID: 34936119 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13132] [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: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. For unresectable HCC, transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with Yttrium-90 is a widely used treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSC) and CD39+ T cells can be non-invasive predictive biomarkers of radiological response and prognosis in patients with HCC treated with TARE. This study was conducted on 39 patients with HCC who were treated with TARE between August 2018 and December 2019 and the control group consisted of 23 healthy volunteers. CD4+, CD8+, CD39+ T cells, Natural killer (NK) cells, myeloid cells (MC) and M-MDSC parameters are examined in the course of TARE treatment with student t test and Kaplan-Meier method. There were statistically significant differences in M-MDSC, CD39+ T cells and MC values between healthy controls and HCC patients. A statistically significant difference was found in M-MDSC and CD4+ T cells values in the HCC patient group who responded to the treatment compared to those who did not. Survival analysis found that patients with lower frequencies (under 3.81%) of M-MDSC showed more prominent differences of overall survival (OS) compared to patients with all high groups. We found that M-MDSC in the peripheral blood might be a useful non-invasive biomarker to predict OS. We have shown for the first time that M-MDSC is correlated with treatment response in HCC patients treated with TARE. Additionally, we have found that the percentage of CD39+ T cells is high in HCC patients and these cells are positively correlated with M-MDSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Boral
- Department of Immunology, Adana Health Practice and Research Center, University of Health Sciences, Adana, Turkey
| | | | - Sinan Sözütok
- Department of Radiology, Çukurova University School of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Umur Anıl Pehlivan
- Department of Radiology, Çukurova University School of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Kairgeldy Aikimbaev
- Department of Radiology, Çukurova University School of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
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27
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Lu JC, Zhang PF, Huang XY, Guo XJ, Gao C, Zeng HY, Zheng YM, Wang SW, Cai JB, Sun QM, Shi YH, Zhou J, Ke AW, Shi GM, Fan J. Amplification of spatially isolated adenosine pathway by tumor-macrophage interaction induces anti-PD1 resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:200. [PMID: 34838121 PMCID: PMC8627086 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01207-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint blockade resistance narrows the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Delineating the inherent mechanisms of anti-PD1 resistance is important to improve outcome of patients with advanced HCC. METHOD The level of cricTMEM181 was measured in HCC patients with anti-PD1 therapy by RNA sequencing and then confirmed by qPCR and Sanger sequencing. Immune status in tumor microenvironment of HCC patients or mice models was evaluated by flow cytometry and IHC. Exosomes from HCC cell lines were isolated by ultracentrifugation, and their internalization by macrophage was confirmed by immunofluorescence. The underlying mechanism of HCC-derived exosomal circTMEM181 to macrophage was confirmed by SILAC, RNA FISH and RNA immunoprecipitation. The ATP-ADO pathway amplified by HCC-macrophage interaction was evaluated through ATP, AMP and ADO measurement and macrophage-specific CD39 knockout mice. The role of circTMEM181 in anti-PD1 therapy and its clinical significance were also determined in our retrospective HCC cohorts. RESULTS Here, we found that circTMEM181 was elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients responding poorly to anti-PD1 therapy and in HCC patients with a poor prognosis after operation. Moreover, we also found that high exosomal circTMEM181 favored the immunosuppressive microenvironment and endowed anti-PD1 resistance in HCC. Mechanistically, exosomal circTMEM181 sponged miR-488-3p and upregulated CD39 expression in macrophages. Using macrophage-specific CD39 knockout mice and pharmacologic approaches, we revealed a novel mode of anti-PD1 resistance in HCC. We discovered that cell-specific CD39 expression in macrophages and CD73 expression in HCC cells synergistically activated the eATP-adenosine pathway and produced more adenosine, thereby impairing CD8+ T cell function and driving anti-PD1 resistance. CONCLUSION In summary, HCC-derived exosomal circTMEM181 contributes to immunosuppression and anti-PD1 resistance by elevating CD39 expression, and inhibiting the ATP-adenosine pathway by targeting CD39 on macrophages can rescue anti-PD1 therapy resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Cheng Lu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Peng-Fei Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Hai-Ying Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Min Zheng
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Si-Wei Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia-Bin Cai
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qi-Man Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying-Hong Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ai-Wu Ke
- Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Guo-Ming Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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28
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Kotulová J, Hajdúch M, Džubák P. Current Adenosinergic Therapies: What Do Cancer Cells Stand to Gain and Lose? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12569. [PMID: 34830449 PMCID: PMC8617980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A key objective in immuno-oncology is to reactivate the dormant immune system and increase tumour immunogenicity. Adenosine is an omnipresent purine that is formed in response to stress stimuli in order to restore physiological balance, mainly via anti-inflammatory, tissue-protective, and anti-nociceptive mechanisms. Adenosine overproduction occurs in all stages of tumorigenesis, from the initial inflammation/local tissue damage to the precancerous niche and the developed tumour, making the adenosinergic pathway an attractive but challenging therapeutic target. Many current efforts in immuno-oncology are focused on restoring immunosurveillance, largely by blocking adenosine-producing enzymes in the tumour microenvironment (TME) and adenosine receptors on immune cells either alone or combined with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. However, the effects of adenosinergic immunotherapy are not restricted to immune cells; other cells in the TME including cancer and stromal cells are also affected. Here we summarise recent advancements in the understanding of the tumour adenosinergic system and highlight the impact of current and prospective immunomodulatory therapies on other cell types within the TME, focusing on adenosine receptors in tumour cells. In addition, we evaluate the structure- and context-related limitations of targeting this pathway and highlight avenues that could possibly be exploited in future adenosinergic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Petr Džubák
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (M.H.)
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Hofer F, Di Sario G, Musiu C, Sartoris S, De Sanctis F, Ugel S. A Complex Metabolic Network Confers Immunosuppressive Functions to Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) within the Tumour Microenvironment. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102700. [PMID: 34685679 PMCID: PMC8534848 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) constitute a plastic and heterogeneous cell population among immune cells within the tumour microenvironment (TME) that support cancer progression and resistance to therapy. During tumour progression, cancer cells modify their metabolism to sustain an increased energy demand to cope with uncontrolled cell proliferation and differentiation. This metabolic reprogramming of cancer establishes competition for nutrients between tumour cells and leukocytes and most importantly, among tumour-infiltrating immune cells. Thus, MDSCs that have emerged as one of the most decisive immune regulators of TME exhibit an increase in glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism and also an upregulation of enzymes that catabolise essential metabolites. This complex metabolic network is not only crucial for MDSC survival and accumulation in the TME but also for enhancing immunosuppressive functions toward immune effectors. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the field of MDSC-associated metabolic pathways that could facilitate therapeutic targeting of these cells during cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Stefano Ugel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-8126451; Fax: +39-045-8126455
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Modeling codelivery of CD73 inhibitor and dendritic cell-based vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. Comput Biol Chem 2021; 95:107585. [PMID: 34610532 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2021.107585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are the dominant class of antigen-presenting cells in humans; therefore, a range of DC-based approaches have been established to promote an immune response against cancer cells. The efficacy of DC-based immunotherapeutic approaches is markedly affected by the immunosuppressive factors related to the tumor microenvironment, such as adenosine. In this paper, based on immunological theories and experimental data, a hybrid model is designed that offers some insights into the effects of DC-based immunotherapy combined with adenosine inhibition. The model combines an individual-based model for describing tumor-immune system interactions with a set of ordinary differential equations for adenosine modeling. Computational simulations of the proposed model clarify the conditions for the onset of a successful immune response against cancer cells. Global and local sensitivity analysis of the model highlights the importance of adenosine blockage for strengthening effector cells. The model is used to determine the most effective suppressive mechanism caused by adenosine, proper vaccination time, and the appropriate time interval between injections.
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Zheng W, Zhu Y, Chen X, Zhao J. CD73 expression in myeloid-derived suppressor cells is correlated with clinical stages in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1148. [PMID: 34430589 PMCID: PMC8350661 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-2589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (cluster of differentiation 73/CD73) is an ectonucleotidase that is being evaluated as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of various types of cancer. However, the clinicopathological relationship between CD73 expression in monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) and polymorphonuclear MDSC (PMN-MDSCs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) is not clear. Understanding the phenotypic and functional characteristics of human CD73+ MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment could help elucidate the roles of these cells in the ontogeny, spread, and treatment of solid cancer. Methods In the present study, we first analyzed the expression percentage of human M-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs subsets circulating in peripheral blood of patients with head and neck tumors originated in nasopharynx, oropharynx, oropharynx and larynx. To identify the correlation between phenotypic characteristics of MDSCs and clinical stages in HNSCC, we extended the study by analyzing the percentage, CD73 phenotype and immunosuppressive function of MDSCs and the correlation with the clinical parameters. Moreover, we compare the functions of both M-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs blunts T-cell function in an ectonucleotidase-dependent manner. Results Our study revealed that PMN-MDSCs were significantly increased in HNSCC patients, contributing to MDSC-mediated T cell immune suppression. Our results indicated that PMN-MDSCs comprised the majority of MDSCs participating in anticancer immunosuppression. The increase in PMN-MDSCs was directly correlated with the clinical stages of HNSCC. Levels of CD73 were increased in PMN-MDSCs and were correlated with the clinical stages of HNSCC. The ectonucleotidase inhibitor adenosine 5'-(α,β-methylene)diphosphate (APCP) decreased its suppression towards T cell proliferation. Ectonucleotidase inhibitors are promising candidates for the treatment of HNSCC. Conclusions These studies demonstrate the expansion of PMN-MDSCs correlated with expression of CD73 and increasing clinical stages in HNSCC. These CD73+ PMN-MDSCs contributes to T cell immune suppression activity in HNSCC patients. Using ectonucleotidase inhibitors is a promising rationale for PMN-MDSCs in future clinical development of immunotherapy in human HNSCC cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihui Zheng
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- NanoDrug Platform, Zhejiang California International NanoSystems Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianqiang Zhao
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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32
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Pasquini S, Contri C, Borea PA, Vincenzi F, Varani K. Adenosine and Inflammation: Here, There and Everywhere. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7685. [PMID: 34299305 PMCID: PMC8304851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is a ubiquitous endogenous modulator with the main function of maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis in pathological and stress conditions. It exerts its effect through the interaction with four G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) subtypes referred as A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 adenosine receptors (ARs), each of which has a unique pharmacological profile and tissue distribution. Adenosine is a potent modulator of inflammation, and for this reason the adenosinergic system represents an excellent pharmacological target for the myriad of diseases in which inflammation represents a cause, a pathogenetic mechanism, a consequence, a manifestation, or a protective factor. The omnipresence of ARs in every cell of the immune system as well as in almost all cells in the body represents both an opportunity and an obstacle to the clinical use of AR ligands. This review offers an overview of the cardinal role of adenosine in the modulation of inflammation, showing how the stimulation or blocking of its receptors or agents capable of regulating its extracellular concentration can represent promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chronic inflammatory pathologies, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
| | | | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
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Baghbani E, Noorolyai S, Shanehbandi D, Mokhtarzadeh A, Aghebati-Maleki L, Shahgoli VK, Brunetti O, Rahmani S, Shadbad MA, Baghbanzadeh A, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. Regulation of immune responses through CD39 and CD73 in cancer: Novel checkpoints. Life Sci 2021; 282:119826. [PMID: 34265363 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment has been implicated in attenuating anti-tumoral immune responses and tumor growth in various cancers. Inhibitory immune checkpoints have been introduced as the primary culprits for developing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Therefore, a better understanding of the cross-talk between inhibitory immune checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment can pave the way for introducing novel approaches for treating affected patients. Growing evidence indicates that CD39 and CD73, as novel checkpoints, can transform adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-mediated pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment into an adenosine-mediated immunosuppressive one via the purinergic signaling pathway. Indeed, enzymatic processes of CD39 and CD73 have crucial roles in adjusting the extent, intensity, and chemical properties of purinergic signals. This study aims to review the biological function of CD39 and CD73 and shed light on their significance in regulating anti-tumoral immune responses in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Baghbani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeed Noorolyai
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Khaze Shahgoli
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Cancer and Inflammation Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Shima Rahmani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Abdoli Shadbad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- IRCCS Bari, Italy, Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology DIMO, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Vasiukov G, Menshikh A, Owens P, Novitskaya T, Hurley P, Blackwell T, Feoktistov I, Novitskiy SV. Adenosine/TGFβ axis in regulation of mammary fibroblast functions. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252424. [PMID: 34101732 PMCID: PMC8186761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) play a key role in cancer progression and metastasis. Diminished TGFβ response on CAF correlates with poor outcome and recurrence in cancer patients. Mechanisms behind lost TGFβ signaling on CAF are poorly understood, but, utilizing MMTV-PyMT mouse model, we have previously demonstrated that in tumor microenvironment myeloid cells, producing adenosine, contribute to downregulated TGFβ signaling on CAFs. In the current work, we performed serial in vitro studies to investigate the role of adenosine/TGFβ axis in mouse mammary fibroblast functions, i.e., proliferation, protein expression, migration, and contractility. We found that adenosine analog NECA diminished TGFβ-induced CCL5 and MMP9 expression. Additionally, we discovered that NECA completely inhibited effect of TGFβ to upregulate αSMA, key protein of cytoskeletal rearrangements, necessary for migration and contractility of fibroblasts. Our results show that TGFβ increases contractility of mouse mammary fibroblasts and human fibroblast cell lines, and NECA attenuates theses effects. Using pharmacological approach and genetically modified animals, we determined that NECA effects on TGFβ pathway occur via A2A/A2B adenosine receptor—AC—PKA dependent manner. Using isolated CD11b+ cells from tumor tissue of CD73-KO and CD39-KO animals in co-culture experiments with ATP and AMP, we confirmed that myeloid cells can affect functions of mammary fibroblasts through adenosine signaling. Our data suggest a novel mechanism of interaction between adenosine and TGFβ signaling pathways that can impact phenotype of fibroblasts in a tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgii Vasiukov
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Anna Menshikh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Philip Owens
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Boulder, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Tatiana Novitskaya
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Paula Hurley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Timothy Blackwell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Igor Feoktistov
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Sergey V. Novitskiy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Zalfa C, Paust S. Natural Killer Cell Interactions With Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment and Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:633205. [PMID: 34025641 PMCID: PMC8133367 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.633205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and heterogeneous environment composed of cancer cells, tumor stroma, a mixture of tissue-resident and infiltrating immune cells, secreted factors, and extracellular matrix proteins. Natural killer (NK) cells play a vital role in fighting tumors, but chronic stimulation and immunosuppression in the TME lead to NK cell exhaustion and limited antitumor functions. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous group of myeloid cells with potent immunosuppressive activity that gradually accumulate in tumor tissues. MDSCs interact with innate and adaptive immune cells and play a crucial role in negatively regulating the immune response to tumors. This review discusses MDSC-mediated NK cell regulation within the TME, focusing on critical cellular and molecular interactions. We review current strategies that target MDSC-mediated immunosuppression to enhance NK cell cytotoxic antitumor activity. We also speculate on how NK cell-based antitumor immunotherapy could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silke Paust
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
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36
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Kurnit KC, Draisey A, Kazen RC, Chung C, Phan LH, Harvey JB, Feng J, Xie S, Broaddus RR, Bowser JL. Loss of CD73 shifts transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) from tumor suppressor to promoter in endometrial cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 505:75-86. [PMID: 33609609 PMCID: PMC9812391 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In many tumors, CD73 (NT5E), a rate-limiting enzyme in adenosine biosynthesis, is upregulated by TGF-β and drives tumor progression. Conversely, CD73 is downregulated in endometrial carcinomas (EC) despite a TGF-β-rich environment. Through gene expression analyses of normal endometrium samples of the uterine cancer TCGA data set and genetic and pharmacological studies, we discovered CD73 loss shifts TGF-β1 from tumor suppressor to promoter in EC. TGF-β1 upregulated CD73 and epithelial integrity in vivo in the normal endometrium and in vitro in early stage EC cells. With loss of CD73, TGF-β1-mediated epithelial integrity was abrogated. EC cells developed TGF-β1-mediated stress fibers and macromolecule permeability, migration, and invasion increased. In human tumors, CD73 is downregulated in deeply invasive stage I EC. Consistent with shifting TGF-β1 activity, CD73 loss increased TGF-β1-mediated canonical signaling and upregulated cyclin D1 (CCND1) and downregulated p21 expression. This shift was clinically relevant, as CD73Low/CCND1High expression associated with poor tumor differentiation, increased myometrial and lymphatic/vascular space invasion, and patient death. Further loss of CD73 in CD73Low expressing advanced stage EC cells increased TGF-β-mediated stress fibers, signaling, and invasiveness, whereby adenosine A1 receptor agonist, CPA, dampened TGF-β-mediated invasion. These data identify CD73 loss as essential for shifting TGF-β activity in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C Kurnit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ashley Draisey
- University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, USA; CPRIT/CURE Summer Research Experience, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca C Kazen
- University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA; CPRIT/CURE Summer Research Experience, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christine Chung
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luan H Phan
- University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jiping Feng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - SuSu Xie
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Russell R Broaddus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jessica L Bowser
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Mojsilovic S, Mojsilovic SS, Bjelica S, Santibanez JF. Transforming growth factor-beta1 and myeloid-derived suppressor cells: A cancerous partnership. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:105-124. [PMID: 33797140 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) plays a crucial role in tumor progression. It can inhibit early cancer stages but promotes tumor growth and development at the late stages of tumorigenesis. TGF-β1 has a potent immunosuppressive function within the tumor microenvironment that largely contributes to tumor cells' immune escape and reduction in cancer immunotherapy responses. Likewise, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been postulated as leading tumor promoters and a hallmark of cancer immune evasion mechanisms. This review attempts to analyze the prominent roles of both TGF-β1 and MDSCs and their interplay in cancer immunity. Furthermore, therapies against either TGF-β1 or MDSCs, and their potential synergistic combination with immunotherapies are discussed. Simultaneous TGF-β1 and MDSCs inhibition suggest a potential improvement in immunotherapy or subverted tumor immune resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavko Mojsilovic
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology and Stem Cells, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sonja S Mojsilovic
- Laboratory for Immunochemistry, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Suncica Bjelica
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Hospital Centre Dragisa Misovic, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Juan F Santibanez
- Molecular oncology group, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia.,Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
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Giuliani AL, Sarti AC, Di Virgilio F. Ectonucleotidases in Acute and Chronic Inflammation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:619458. [PMID: 33613285 PMCID: PMC7887318 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.619458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectonucleotidases are extracellular enzymes with a pivotal role in inflammation that hydrolyse extracellular purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, e.g., ATP, UTP, ADP, UDP, AMP and NAD+. Ectonucleotidases, expressed by virtually all cell types, immune cells included, either as plasma membrane-associated or secreted enzymes, are classified into four main families: 1) nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases), 2) nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide glycohydrolase (NAD glycohydrolase/ADP-ribosyl cyclase/cyclic ADP-ribose hydrolase 1), 3) ecto-5′-nucleotidase (NT5E), and 4) ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterases (NPPs). Concentration of ATP, UTP and NAD+ can be increased in the extracellular space thanks to un-regulated, e.g., cell damage or cell death, or regulated processes. Regulated processes include secretory exocytosis, connexin or pannexin hemichannels, ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, calcium homeostasis modulator (CALMH) channels, the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor, maxi-anion channels (MACs) and volume regulated ion channels (VRACs). Hydrolysis of extracellular purine nucleotides generates adenosine, an important immunosuppressant. Extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides initiate or dampen inflammation via P2 and P1 receptors, respectively. All these agents, depending on their level of expression or activation and on the agonist concentration, are potent modulators of inflammation and key promoters of host defences, immune cells activation, pathogen clearance, tissue repair and regeneration. Thus, their knowledge is of great importance for a full understanding of the pathophysiology of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. A selection of these pathologies will be briefly discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lisa Giuliani
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alba Clara Sarti
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Virgilio
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Bielecki PA, Lorkowski ME, Becicka WM, Atukorale PU, Moon TJ, Zhang Y, Wiese M, Covarrubias G, Ravichandran S, Karathanasis E. Immunostimulatory silica nanoparticle boosts innate immunity in brain tumors. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2021; 6:156-167. [PMID: 33400743 PMCID: PMC7878432 DOI: 10.1039/d0nh00446d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The high mortality associated with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is attributed to its invasive nature, hypoxic core, resistant cell subpopulations and a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To support adaptive immune function and establish a more robust antitumor immune response, we boosted the local innate immune compartment of GBM using an immunostimulatory mesoporous silica nanoparticle, termed immuno-MSN. The immuno-MSN was specifically designed for systemic and proficient delivery of a potent innate immune agonist to dysfunctional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the brain TME. The cargo of the immuno-MSN was cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (cdGMP), a Stimulator of Interferon Gene (STING) agonist. Studies showed the immuno-MSN promoted the uptake of STING agonist by APCs in vitro and the subsequent release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon β, 6-fold greater than free agonist. In an orthotopic GBM mouse model, systemically administered immuno-MSN particles were taken up by APCs in the near-perivascular regions of the brain tumor with striking efficiency. The immuno-MSNs facilitated the recruitment of dendritic cells and macrophages to the TME while sparing healthy brain tissue and peripheral organs, resulting in elevated circulating CD8+ T cell activity (2.5-fold) and delayed GBM tumor growth. We show that an engineered immunostimulatory nanoparticle can support pro-inflammatory innate immune function in GBM and subsequently augment current immunotherapeutic interventions and improve their therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Bielecki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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The Functional Crosstalk between Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Regulatory T Cells within the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020210. [PMID: 33430105 PMCID: PMC7827203 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/1970] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy improved the therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced cancer diseases. However, many patients do not benefit from immunotherapy. The bidirectional crosstalk between myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Treg) contributes to immune evasion, limiting the success of immunotherapy by checkpoint inhibitors. This review aims to outline the current knowledge of the role and the immunosuppressive properties of MDSC and Treg within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we will discuss the importance of the functional crosstalk between MDSC and Treg for immunosuppression, issuing particularly the role of cell adhesion molecules. Lastly, we will depict the impact of this interaction for cancer research and discuss several strategies aimed to target these pathways for tumor therapy. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have led to profound and durable tumor regression in some patients with metastatic cancer diseases. However, many patients still do not derive benefit from immunotherapy. Here, the accumulation of immunosuppressive cell populations within the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), and regulatory T cells (Treg), contributes to the development of immune resistance. MDSC and Treg expand systematically in tumor patients and inhibit T cell activation and T effector cell function. Numerous studies have shown that the immunosuppressive mechanisms exerted by those inhibitory cell populations comprise soluble immunomodulatory mediators and receptor interactions. The latter are also required for the crosstalk of MDSC and Treg, raising questions about the relevance of cell–cell contacts for the establishment of their inhibitory properties. This review aims to outline the current knowledge on the crosstalk between these two cell populations, issuing particularly the potential role of cell adhesion molecules. In this regard, we further discuss the relevance of β2 integrins, which are essential for the differentiation and function of leukocytes as well as for MDSC–Treg interaction. Lastly, we aim to describe the impact of such bidirectional crosstalk for basic and applied cancer research and discuss how the targeting of these pathways might pave the way for future approaches in immunotherapy.
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Antonioli L, Fornai M, Pellegrini C, D'Antongiovanni V, Turiello R, Morello S, Haskó G, Blandizzi C. Adenosine Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1270:145-167. [PMID: 33123998 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-47189-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine, deriving from ATP released by dying cancer cells and then degradated in the tumor environment by CD39/CD73 enzyme axis, is linked to the generation of an immunosuppressed niche favoring the onset of neoplasia. Signals delivered by extracellular adenosine are detected and transduced by G-protein-coupled cell surface receptors, classified into four subtypes: A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. A critical role of this nucleoside is emerging in the modulation of several immune and nonimmune cells defining the tumor microenvironment, providing novel insights about the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at undermining the immune-privileged sites where cancer cells grow and proliferate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Antonioli
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Matteo Fornai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberta Turiello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy.,PhD Program in Drug discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Silvana Morello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - György Haskó
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Gallerano D, Ciminati S, Grimaldi A, Piconese S, Cammarata I, Focaccetti C, Pacella I, Accapezzato D, Lancellotti F, Sacco L, Caronna R, Melaiu O, Fruci D, D'Oria V, Manzi E, Sagnotta A, Parrino C, Coletta D, Peruzzi G, Terenzi V, Battisti A, Cassoni A, Fadda MT, Brozzetti S, Fazzi K, Grazi GL, Valentini V, Chirletti P, Polimeni A, Barnaba V, Timperi E. Genetically driven CD39 expression shapes human tumor-infiltrating CD8 + T-cell functions. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:2597-2610. [PMID: 32483858 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In our study, we investigated the role of CD39 on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes (CD8+ TILs) in colorectal, head and neck and pancreatic cancers. Partially confirming recent observations correlating the CD39 expression with T-cell exhaustion, we demonstrated a divergent functional activity in CD39+ CD8+ TILs. On the one hand, CD39+ CD8+ TILs (as compared to their CD39- counterparts) produced significantly lower IFN-γ and IL-2 amounts, expressed higher PD-1, and inversely correlated with perforin and granzyme B expression. On the other, they displayed a significantly higher proliferative capacity ex vivo that was inversely correlated with the PD-1 expression. Therefore, CD39+ CD8+ TILs, including those co-expressing the CD103 (a marker of T resident memory [TRM] cells), were defined as partially dysfunctional T cells that correlate with tumor patients with initial progression stages. Interestingly, our results identified for the first time a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP rs10748643 A>G), as a genetic factor associated with CD39 expression in CD8+ TILs. Finally, we demonstrated that compounds inhibiting CD39-related ATPases improved CD39+ CD8+ T-cell effector function ex vivo, and that CD39+ CD8+ TILs displayed effective suppression function in vitro. Overall these data suggest that the SNP analysis may represent a suitable predictor of CD39+ CD8+ T-cell expression in cancer patients, and propose the modulation of CD39 as a new strategy to restore partially exhausted CD8+ TILs.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Apyrase/antagonists & inhibitors
- Apyrase/genetics
- Apyrase/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/immunology
- Humans
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Nivolumab/pharmacology
- Nivolumab/therapeutic use
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Primary Cell Culture
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gallerano
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Selina Ciminati
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Grimaldi
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Piconese
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Cammarata
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Pacella
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Accapezzato
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lancellotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Sacco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Caronna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina D'Oria
- Confocal Microscopy, Core Facility, Research Laboratories, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emy Manzi
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sagnotta
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Parrino
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Coletta
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Peruzzi
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Terenzi
- Odontostomatogical and Maxillo-facial Sciences Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Battisti
- Odontostomatogical and Maxillo-facial Sciences Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Cassoni
- Odontostomatogical and Maxillo-facial Sciences Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fadda
- Odontostomatogical and Maxillo-facial Sciences Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Brozzetti
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia "Pietro Valdoni", "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Fazzi
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia "Pietro Valdoni", "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Grazi
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentino Valentini
- Odontostomatogical and Maxillo-facial Sciences Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Chirletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Odontostomatogical and Maxillo-facial Sciences Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Barnaba
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Timperi
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- INSERM U932, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
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Allard B, Allard D, Buisseret L, Stagg J. The adenosine pathway in immuno-oncology. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2020; 17:611-629. [PMID: 32514148 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-020-0382-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy based on immune-checkpoint inhibition or adoptive cell therapy has revolutionized cancer care. Nevertheless, a large proportion of patients do not benefit from such treatments. Over the past decade, remarkable progress has been made in the development of 'next-generation' therapeutics in immuno-oncology, with inhibitors of extracellular adenosine (eADO) signalling constituting an expanding class of agents. Induced by tissue hypoxia, inflammation, tissue repair and specific oncogenic pathways, the adenosinergic axis is a broadly immunosuppressive pathway that regulates both innate and adaptive immune responses. Inhibition of eADO-generating enzymes and/or eADO receptors can promote antitumour immunity through multiple mechanisms, including enhancement of T cell and natural killer cell function, suppression of the pro-tumourigenic effects of myeloid cells and other immunoregulatory cells, and promotion of antigen presentation. With several clinical trials currently evaluating inhibitors of the eADO pathway in patients with cancer, we herein review the pathophysiological function of eADO with a focus on effects on antitumour immunity. We also discuss the treatment opportunities, potential limitations and biomarker-based strategies related to adenosine-targeted therapy in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Allard
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Allard
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laurence Buisseret
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | - John Stagg
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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44
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Molecular targets for diagnostic and intraoperative imaging of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX treatment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16211. [PMID: 33004930 PMCID: PMC7529886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73242-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant systemic treatment is increasingly being integrated in the standard treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients to improve oncological outcomes. Current available imaging techniques remain unreliable in assessing response to therapies, as they cannot distinguish between (vital) tumor tissue and therapy induced fibrosis (TIF). Consequently, resections with tumor positive margins and subsequent early post-operative recurrences occur and patients eligible for potential radical resection could be missed. To optimize patient selection and monitor results of neoadjuvant treatment, PDAC-specific diagnostic and intraoperative molecular imaging methods are required. This study aims to evaluate molecular imaging targets for PDAC after neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX treatment. Expression of integrin αvβ6, carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5), mesothelin, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, fibroblast activating receptor, integrin α5 subunit and epidermal growth factor receptor was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactivity was determined using the semiquantitative H-score. Resection specimens from patients after neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX treatment containing PDAC (n = 32), tumor associated pancreatitis (TAP) and TIF (n = 15), normal pancreas parenchyma (NPP) (n = 32) and tumor positive (n = 24) and negative (n = 56) lymph nodes were included. Integrin αvβ6, CEACAM5, mesothelin and PSMA stainings showed significantly higher expression in PDAC compared to TAP and NPP. No expression of αvβ6, CEACAM5 and mesothelin was observed in TIF. Integrin αvβ6 and CEACAM5 allow for accurate metastatic lymph node detection. Targeting integrin αvβ6, CEA, mesothelin and PSMA has the potential to distinguish vital PDAC from fibrotic tissue after neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX treatment. Integrin αvβ6 and CEACAM5 detect primary tumors and tumor positive lymph nodes.
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45
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Yu F, Zhu C, Xie Q, Wang Y. Adenosine A 2A Receptor Antagonists for Cancer Immunotherapy. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12196-12212. [PMID: 32667814 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Currently, the most promising therapeutic modality for cancer treatment is the blockade of immune checkpoint pathways, which has revolutionized cancer therapy in the past 15 years. Strategies targeting and modulating adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), an emerging alternative immune checkpoint, have shown the potential to produce significant therapeutic effects. In this review, we describe the immunosuppressive activities of A2AR and A2BR in the tumor microenvironment (TME), followed by a summary and discussion of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the A2AR (and dual A2AR/A2BR) antagonists that have been experimentally confirmed to exert oncoimmunological effects. This review also provides an update on the compounds under clinical evaluation and insights into the ligand binding modes of the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazhi Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenyu Zhu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qiong Xie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yonghui Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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46
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Ngiow SF, Young A. Re-education of the Tumor Microenvironment With Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1633. [PMID: 32849557 PMCID: PMC7399169 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical success of cancer immunotherapies targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4 has ignited a substantial research effort to improve our understanding of tumor immunity. Recent studies have revealed that the immune contexture of a tumor influences therapeutic response and survival benefit for cancer patients. Identifying treatment modalities that limit immunosuppression, relieve T cell exhaustion, and potentiate effector functions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is of much interest. In particular, combinatorial therapeutic approaches that re-educate the TME by limiting the accumulation of immunosuppressive immune cells, such as Foxp3 regulatory T cells (Tregs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), while promoting CD8+ and CD4+ effector T cell activity is critical. Here, we review key approaches to target these immunosuppressive immune cell subsets and signaling molecules and define the impact of these changes to the tumor milieu. We will highlight the preclinical and clinical evidence for their ability to improve anti-tumor immune responses as well as strategies and challenges for their implementation. Together, this review will provide understanding of therapeutic approaches to efficiently shape the TME and reinvigorate the immune response against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Foong Ngiow
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Arabella Young
- Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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47
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Yang Y, Li C, Liu T, Dai X, Bazhin AV. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Tumors: From Mechanisms to Antigen Specificity and Microenvironmental Regulation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1371. [PMID: 32793192 PMCID: PMC7387650 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the various immunological and non-immunological tumor-promoting activities of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), their immunosuppressive capacity remains a key hallmark. Effort in the past decade has provided us with a clearer view of the suppressive nature of MDSCs. More suppressive pathways have been identified, and their recognized targets have been expanded from T cells and natural killer (NK) cells to other immune cells. These novel mechanisms and targets afford MDSCs versatility in suppressing both innate and adaptive immunity. On the other hand, a better understanding of the regulation of their development and function has been unveiled. This intricate regulatory network, consisting of tumor cells, stromal cells, soluble mediators, and hostile physical conditions, reveals bi-directional crosstalk between MDSCs and the tumor microenvironment. In this article, we will review available information on how MDSCs exert their immunosuppressive function and how they are regulated in the tumor milieu. As MDSCs are a well-established obstacle to anti-tumor immunity, new insights in the potential synergistic combination of MDSC-targeted therapy and immunotherapy will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Lab of Molecular Imaging, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaofang Dai
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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48
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The Adenosine System at the Crossroads of Intestinal Inflammation and Neoplasia. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145089. [PMID: 32708507 PMCID: PMC7403993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is a purine nucleoside, resulting from the degradation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Under adverse conditions, including hypoxia, ischemia, inflammation, or cancer, the extracellular levels of adenosine increase significantly. Once released, adenosine activates cellular signaling pathways through the engagement of the four known G-protein-coupled receptors, adenosine A1 receptor subtype (A1), A2A, A2B, and A3. These receptors, expressed virtually on all immune cells, mitigate all aspects of immune/inflammatory responses. These immunosuppressive effects contribute to blunt the exuberant inflammatory responses, shielding cells, and tissues from an excessive immune response and immune-mediated damage. However, a prolonged persistence of increased adenosine concentrations can be deleterious, participating in the creation of an immunosuppressed niche, ideal for neoplasia onset and development. Based on this evidence, the present review has been conceived to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the involvement of adenosine system in shaping the molecular mechanisms underlying the enteric chronic inflammation and in promoting the generation of an immunosuppressive niche useful for the colorectal tumorigenesis.
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49
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Breast cancer-derived exosomes transmit lncRNA SNHG16 to induce CD73+γδ1 Treg cells. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:41. [PMID: 32345959 PMCID: PMC7188864 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
γδT cells have been reported to exert immunosuppressive functions in multiple solid malignant diseases, but their immunosuppressive functional subpopulation in breast cancer (BC) is still undetermined. Here, we collected 40 paired BC and normal tissue samples from Chinese patients for analysis. First, we showed that γδT1 cells comprise the majority of CD3+ T cells in BC; next, we found that CD73+γδT1 cells were the predominant regulatory T-cell (Treg) population in BC, and that their prevalence in peripheral blood was also related to tumour burden. In addition, CD73+γδT1 cells exert an immunosuppressive effect via adenosine generation. We also found that BC could modulate CD73 expression on γδT cells in a non-contact manner. The microarray analysis and functional experiments indicated that breast tumour cell-derived exosomes (TDEs) could transmit lncRNA SNHG16, which upregulates CD73 expression, to Vδ1 T cells. Regarding the mechanism, SNHG16 served as a ceRNA by sponging miR-16–5p, which led to the derepression of its target gene SMAD5 and resulted in potentiation of the TGF-β1/SMAD5 pathway to upregulate CD73 expression in Vδ1 T cells. Our results showed that the BC-derived exosomal SNHG16/miR-16–5p/SMAD5-regulatory axis potentiates TGF-β1/SMAD5 pathway activation, thus inducing CD73 expression in Vδ1 T cells. Our results first identify the significance of CD73+Vδ1 Tregs in BC, and therapy targeting this subpopulation or blocking TDEs might have potential for BC treatment in the future.
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50
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Vasiukov G, Novitskaya T, Zijlstra A, Owens P, Ye F, Zhao Z, Moses HL, Blackwell T, Feoktistov I, Novitskiy SV. Myeloid Cell-Derived TGFβ Signaling Regulates ECM Deposition in Mammary Carcinoma via Adenosine-Dependent Mechanisms. Cancer Res 2020; 80:2628-2638. [PMID: 32312837 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
TGFβ plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment by regulating cell-cell and cell-stroma interactions. We previously demonstrated that TGFβ signaling on myeloid cells regulates expression of CD73, a key enzyme for production of adenosine, a protumorigenic metabolite implicated in regulation of tumor cell behaviors, immune response, and angiogenesis. Here, using an MMTV-PyMT mouse mammary tumor model, we discovered that deletion of TGFβ signaling on myeloid cells (PyMT/TGFβRIILysM) affects extracellular matrix (ECM) formation in tumor tissue, specifically increasing collagen and decreasing fibronectin deposition. These changes were associated with mitigated tumor growth and reduced metastases. Reduced TGFβ signaling on fibroblasts was associated with their proximity to CD73+ myeloid cells in tumor tissue. Consistent with these findings, adenosine significantly downregulated TGFβ signaling on fibroblasts, an effect regulated by A2A and A2B adenosine receptors. METABRIC dataset analysis revealed that patients with triple-negative breast cancer and basal type harbored a similar signature of adenosine and ECM profiles; high expression of A2B adenosine receptors correlated with decreased expression of Col1 and was associated with poor outcome. Taken together, our studies reveal a new role for TGFβ signaling on myeloid cells in tumorigenesis. This discovered cross-talk between TGFβ/CD73 on myeloid cells and TGFβ signaling on fibroblasts can contribute to ECM remodeling and protumorigenic actions of cancer-associated fibroblasts. SIGNIFICANCE: TGFβ signaling on fibroblasts is decreased in breast cancer, correlates with poor prognosis, and appears to be driven by adenosine that accelerates tumor progression and metastasis via ECM remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgii Vasiukov
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Tatiana Novitskaya
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Andries Zijlstra
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Philip Owens
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado. Research Service, Department of VA, Eastern Colorado Health Care System. Aurora, Colorado
| | - Fei Ye
- Division of Cancer Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Zhiguo Zhao
- Division of Cancer Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Harold L Moses
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Timothy Blackwell
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Igor Feoktistov
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sergey V Novitskiy
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
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