1
|
Li Z, Xiong W, Liang Z, Wang J, Zeng Z, Kołat D, Li X, Zhou D, Xu X, Zhao L. Critical role of the gut microbiota in immune responses and cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:33. [PMID: 38745196 PMCID: PMC11094969 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01541-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the progression of human diseases, especially cancer. In recent decades, there has been accumulating evidence of the connections between the gut microbiota and cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the functional role of the gut microbiota in regulating immune responses to cancer immunotherapy is crucial for developing precision medicine. In this review, we extract insights from state-of-the-art research to decipher the complicated crosstalk among the gut microbiota, the systemic immune system, and immunotherapy in the context of cancer. Additionally, as the gut microbiota can account for immune-related adverse events, we discuss potential interventions to minimize these adverse effects and discuss the clinical application of five microbiota-targeted strategies that precisely increase the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Finally, as the gut microbiota holds promising potential as a target for precision cancer immunotherapeutics, we summarize current challenges and provide a general outlook on future directions in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zehua Li
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Weixi Xiong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Liang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
- Target Discovery Institute, Center for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziyi Zeng
- Department of Neonatology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Damian Kołat
- Department of Functional Genomics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Biomedicine and Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Urology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation, Oxford, UK
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuewen Xu
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linyong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery and Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pan QZ, Zhao JJ, Liu L, Zhang DS, Wang LP, Hu WW, Weng DS, Xu X, Li YZ, Tang Y, Zhang WH, Li JY, Zheng X, Wang QJ, Li YQ, Xiang T, Zhou L, Yang SN, Wu C, Huang RX, He J, Du WJ, Chen LJ, Wu YN, Xu B, Shen Q, Zhang Y, Jiang JT, Ren XB, Xia JC. XELOX (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) plus bevacizumab (anti-VEGF-A antibody) with or without adoptive cell immunotherapy in the treatment of patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer: a multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled, phase 3 trial. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:79. [PMID: 38565886 PMCID: PMC10987514 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01788-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluoropyrimidine-based combination chemotherapy plus targeted therapy is the standard initial treatment for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but the prognosis remains poor. This phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03950154) assessed the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of the combination of PD-1 blockade-activated DC-CIK (PD1-T) cells with XELOX plus bevacizumab as a first-line therapy in patients with mCRC. A total of 202 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either first-line XELOX plus bevacizumab (the control group, n = 102) or the same regimen plus autologous PD1-T cell immunotherapy (the immunotherapy group, n = 100) every 21 days for up to 6 cycles, followed by maintenance treatment with capecitabine and bevacizumab. The main endpoint of the trial was progression-free survival (PFS). The median follow-up was 19.5 months. Median PFS was 14.8 months (95% CI, 11.6-18.0) for the immunotherapy group compared with 9.9 months (8.0-11.8) for the control group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60 [95% CI, 0.40-0.88]; p = 0.009). Median overall survival (OS) was not reached for the immunotherapy group and 25.6 months (95% CI, 18.3-32.8) for the control group (HR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.33-0.98]; p = 0.043). Grade 3 or higher AEs occurred in 20.0% of patients in the immunotherapy group and 23.5% in the control groups, with no toxicity-associated deaths reported. The addition of PD1-T cells to first-line XELOX plus bevacizumab demonstrates significant clinical improvement of PFS and OS with well tolerability in patients with previously untreated mCRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Zhong Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Liang Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy/Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Dong-Sheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Li-Ping Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Wen-Wei Hu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - De-Sheng Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, PR China
| | - Yi-Zhuo Li
- Imaging Diagnosis and Interventional Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Yan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Wei-Hong Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy/Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Jie-Yao Li
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - Qi-Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Yong-Qiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Tong Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy/Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Shuang-Ning Yang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Chen Wu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - Rong-Xing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Jia He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Wei-Jiao Du
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy/Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Lu-Jun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - Yue-Na Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - Qiong Shen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China.
| | - Jing-Ting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China.
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China.
| | - Xiu-Bao Ren
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
- Department of Biotherapy/Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
| | - Jian-Chuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Al Zein M, Boukhdoud M, Shammaa H, Mouslem H, El Ayoubi LM, Iratni R, Issa K, Khachab M, Assi HI, Sahebkar A, Eid AH. Immunotherapy and immunoevasion of colorectal cancer. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103669. [PMID: 37328052 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The tremendous success of immunotherapy in clinical trials has led to its establishment as a new pillar of cancer therapy. However, little clinical efficacy has been achieved in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC), which constitutes most CRC tumors. Here, we discuss the molecular and genetic heterogeneity of CRC. We review the immune escape mechanisms, and focus on the latest advances in immunotherapy as a treatment modality for CRC. By providing a better understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the molecular mechanisms underlying immunoevasion, this review offers an insight into developing therapeutic strategies that are effective for patients with various subsets of CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Al Zein
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mona Boukhdoud
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hadi Shammaa
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hadi Mouslem
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Rabah Iratni
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE
| | - Khodr Issa
- University of Lille, Proteomics, Inflammatory Response, Mass Spectrometry, INSERM U-1192, Lille, France
| | - Maha Khachab
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Lebanon
| | - Hazem I Assi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qatar University, QU Health, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xue X, Li R, Chen Z, Li G, Liu B, Guo S, Yue Q, Yang S, Xie L, Zhang Y, Zhao J, Tan R. The role of the symbiotic microecosystem in cancer: gut microbiota, metabolome, and host immunome. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235827. [PMID: 37691931 PMCID: PMC10484231 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235827] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is not just a simple nutritional symbiosis that parasitizes the host; it is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that coevolves actively with the host and is involved in a variety of biological activities such as circadian rhythm regulation, energy metabolism, and immune response. The development of the immune system and immunological functions are significantly influenced by the interaction between the host and the microbiota. The interactions between gut microbiota and cancer are of a complex nature. The critical role that the gut microbiota plays in tumor occurrence, progression, and treatment is not clear despite the already done research. The development of precision medicine and cancer immunotherapy further emphasizes the importance and significance of the question of how the microbiota takes part in cancer development, progression, and treatment. This review summarizes recent literature on the relationship between the gut microbiome and cancer immunology. The findings suggest the existence of a "symbiotic microecosystem" formed by gut microbiota, metabolome, and host immunome that is fundamental for the pathogenesis analysis and the development of therapeutic strategies for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xue
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Center of Genuine Regional Drug, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Formation Principle and Quality Evaluation of Genuine Medicinal Materials, Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenni Chen
- Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Center of Genuine Regional Drug, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Formation Principle and Quality Evaluation of Genuine Medicinal Materials, Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guiyu Li
- Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Center of Genuine Regional Drug, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Formation Principle and Quality Evaluation of Genuine Medicinal Materials, Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Bisheng Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanshan Guo
- Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Center of Genuine Regional Drug, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Formation Principle and Quality Evaluation of Genuine Medicinal Materials, Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianhua Yue
- Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Center of Genuine Regional Drug, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Formation Principle and Quality Evaluation of Genuine Medicinal Materials, Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Siye Yang
- Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Center of Genuine Regional Drug, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Formation Principle and Quality Evaluation of Genuine Medicinal Materials, Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Linlin Xie
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Classical Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Luzhou, China
| | - Yiguan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Center of Genuine Regional Drug, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Formation Principle and Quality Evaluation of Genuine Medicinal Materials, Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Junning Zhao
- Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Center of Genuine Regional Drug, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Formation Principle and Quality Evaluation of Genuine Medicinal Materials, Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruirong Tan
- Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Center of Genuine Regional Drug, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Formation Principle and Quality Evaluation of Genuine Medicinal Materials, Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Generation of colon cancer-derived tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs) for adoptive cell therapy. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:537-547. [PMID: 36775787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using specific immune cells and stem cells has emerged as a promising treatment option that could complement traditional cancer therapies in the future. In particular, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been shown to be effective against solid tumors in various clinical trials. Despite the enormous disease burden and large number of premature deaths caused by colorectal cancer (CRC), studies on TILs isolated from tumor tissue of patients with CRC are still rare. To date, studies on ACT often lack controlled and comparable expansion processes as well as selected ACT-relevant T-cell populations. We describe a procedure for generating patient-specific TILs, which are prerequisites for clinical trials of ACT in CRC. The manufacturing and characteristics of these TILs differ in important modalities from TILs commonly used for this therapeutic approach. Tumor tissue samples were obtained from 12 patients undergoing surgery for primary CRC, predominantly with low microsatellite instability (pMMR-MSI-L). Tumors in the resected specimens were examined pathologically, and an approved volume of tumor tissue was transferred to a disposable perfusion bioreactor. Tissue samples were subjected to an automatically controlled and highly reproducible cultivation process in a GMP-conform, closed perfusion bioreactor system using starting medium containing interleukin-2 and interleukin-12. Outgrowth of TIL from tissue samples was initiated by short-term supplementation with a specific activation cocktail. During subsequent expansion, TILs were grown in interleukin-2-enriched medium. Expansion of TILs in a low-scaled, two-phase process in the Zellwerk ZRP bioreactor under hyperoxic conditions resulted in a number of approximately 2 × 109 cells. The expanded TILs consisted mainly (73%) of the ACT-relevant CD3+/CD8+ effector memory phenotype (CD45RO+/CCR7-). TILs harvested under these conditions exhibited high functional potential, which was confirmed upon nonspecific stimulation (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α cytokine assay).
Collapse
|
6
|
Darvishi M, Tosan F, Nakhaei P, Manjili DA, Kharkouei SA, Alizadeh A, Ilkhani S, Khalafi F, Zadeh FA, Shafagh SG. Recent progress in cancer immunotherapy: Overview of current status and challenges. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 241:154241. [PMID: 36543080 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer treatment is presently one of the most important challenges in medical science. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combining these methods is used to eliminate the tumor. Hormone therapy, bone marrow transplantation, stem cell therapy as well as immunotherapy are other well-known therapeutic modalities. Immunotherapy, as the most important complementary method, uses the immune system for treating cancer followed by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. This method is systematically used to prevent malignancies development mainly via potentiating antitumor immune cells activation and conversely compromising their exhaustion with the lowest negative effects on healthy cells. Active immunotherapy can be employed for cancer immunotherapy by directly using the ingredients of the immune system and activating immune responses. On the other hand, inactive immunotherapy is utilized by indirect induction and using immune cell-based products consisting of monoclonal antibodies. It has strongly been proved that combination therapy with immunotherapies and other therapeutic means, such as anti-angiogenic agents, could be a rational plan to treat cancer. Herein, we have focused on recent findings concerning the therapeutic merits of cancer therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), adoptive cell transfer (ACT) and cancer vaccine alone or in combination with other approaches. Also, we offer a glimpse into the current challenges in this context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Darvishi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Department of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, AJA University of Medicinal Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Foad Tosan
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Pooria Nakhaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Danial Amiri Manjili
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Alizadeh
- Department of Digital Health, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saba Ilkhani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farima Khalafi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Seyhan AA, Carini C. Insights and Strategies of Melanoma Immunotherapy: Predictive Biomarkers of Response and Resistance and Strategies to Improve Response Rates. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010041. [PMID: 36613491 PMCID: PMC9820306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent successes and durable responses with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), many cancer patients, including those with melanoma, do not derive long-term benefits from ICI therapies. The lack of predictive biomarkers to stratify patients to targeted treatments has been the driver of primary treatment failure and represents an unmet medical need in melanoma and other cancers. Understanding genomic correlations with response and resistance to ICI will enhance cancer patients' benefits. Building on insights into interplay with the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), the ultimate goal should be assessing how the tumor 'instructs' the local immune system to create its privileged niche with a focus on genomic reprogramming within the TME. It is hypothesized that this genomic reprogramming determines the response to ICI. Furthermore, emerging genomic signatures of ICI response, including those related to neoantigens, antigen presentation, DNA repair, and oncogenic pathways, are gaining momentum. In addition, emerging data suggest a role for checkpoint regulators, T cell functionality, chromatin modifiers, and copy-number alterations in mediating the selective response to ICI. As such, efforts to contextualize genomic correlations with response into a more insightful understanding of tumor immune biology will help the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to overcome ICI resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attila A. Seyhan
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudio Carini
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, New Hunt’s House, Guy’s Campus, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
- Biomarkers Consortium, Foundation of the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lin Y, Zhou X, Ni Y, Zhao X, Liang X. Metabolic reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer: A novel orientation for immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1030831. [PMID: 36311734 PMCID: PMC9613923 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1030831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic tumor, with the highest mortality rate. Numerous studies have been conducted on the treatment of ovarian cancer in the hopes of improving therapeutic outcomes. Immune cells have been revealed to play a dual function in the development of ovarian cancer, acting as both tumor promoters and tumor suppressors. Increasingly, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has been proposed and confirmed to play a unique role in tumor development and treatment by altering immunosuppressive and cytotoxic responses in the vicinity of tumor cells through metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, studies of immunometabolism have provided new insights into the understanding of the TIME. Targeting or activating metabolic processes of the TIME has the potential to be an antitumor therapy modality. In this review, we summarize the composition of the TIME of ovarian cancer and its metabolic reprogramming, its relationship with drug resistance in ovarian cancer, and recent research advances in immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
9
|
Jeong S, Kim YG, Kim S, Kim K. Enhanced anticancer efficacy of primed natural killer cells via coacervate-mediated exogenous interleukin-15 delivery. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:5968-5979. [PMID: 36048163 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00876a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Effective exogenous delivery of interleukin (IL)-15 to natural killer (NK) cells with subsequent anticancer efficacy could be a promising immune cell-based cancer immunotherapy. For the protection of encapsulated cargo IL-15 while maintaining its bioactivity under physiological conditions, we utilized a coacervate (Coa) consisting of a cationic methoxy polyethylene glycol-poly(ethylene arginyl aspartate diglyceride) (mPEG-PEAD) polymer, anionic counterpart heparin, and cargo IL-15. mPEGylation into the backbone cation effectively preserved the colloidal stability of Coa in harsh environments and enhanced the protection of cargo IL-15 than normal Coa without mPEGylation. Proliferation and anticancer efficacy of primed NK cells through co-culture with multiple cancer cell lines were enhanced in the mPEG-Coa group due to the maintained bioactivity of cargo IL-15 during the ex vivo expansion of NK cells. These facilitated functions of NK cells were also supported by the increased expression of mRNAs related to anticancer effects of NK cells, including cytotoxic granules, death ligands, anti-apoptotic proteins, and activation receptors. In summary, our Coa-mediated exogenous IL-15 delivery could be an effective ex vivo priming technique for NK cells with sustained immune activation that can effectively facilitate its usage for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sehwan Jeong
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Guk Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sungjun Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyobum Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yuan J, Li J, Gao C, Jiang C, Xiang Z, Wu J. Immunotherapies catering to the unmet medical need of cold colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1022190. [PMID: 36275766 PMCID: PMC9579278 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1022190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a common malignant tumor of gastrointestinal tract, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has gradually increased in recent years. In western developed countries, it has even become the second largest malignant tumor next to lung cancer. Immunotherapy is a hot topic in the field of cancer therapy, including immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), adoptive cell therapy (ACT), cancer vaccines and cytokines, aiming to improve the ability of the immune system to recognize, target and eliminate cancer cells. However, cold CRC, which accounts for a high proportion of CRC, is not so reactive to it. The development of immunotherapy to prevent cancer cells from forming “immune escape” pathways to the immune system in cold CRC, has been under increasing study attention. There is proof that an organic combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and several immunotherapies can considerably boost the immune system’s capacity to eradicate tumor cells. In this review, we summarized the role of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. In addition, we propose a breakthrough and strategy to improve the role of immunotherapy in cold CRC based on its characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People’s Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ce Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chun Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ze Xiang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Wu, ; Ze Xiang,
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Wu, ; Ze Xiang,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lipid Nanoparticles for mRNA Delivery to Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175607. [PMID: 36080373 PMCID: PMC9458026 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is being developed by researchers as a novel drug for the treatment or prevention of many diseases. However, to enable mRNA to fully exploit its effects in vivo, researchers need to develop safer and more effective mRNA delivery systems that improve mRNA stability and enhance the ability of cells to take up and release mRNA. To date, lipid nanoparticles are promising nanodrug carriers for tumor therapy, which can significantly improve the immunotherapeutic effects of conventional drugs by modulating mRNA delivery, and have attracted widespread interest in the biomedical field. This review focuses on the delivery of mRNA by lipid nanoparticles for cancer treatment. We summarize some common tumor immunotherapy and mRNA delivery strategies, describe the clinical advantages of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery, and provide an outlook on the current challenges and future developments of this technology.
Collapse
|
12
|
Wozniakova M, Skarda J, Raska M. The Role of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Response in Colorectal Cancer Development and Prognosis. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610502. [PMID: 35936516 PMCID: PMC9350736 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The patient’s prognosis largely depends on the tumor stage at diagnosis. The pathological TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors (pTNM) staging of surgically resected cancers represents the main prognostic factor and guidance for decision-making in CRC patients. However, this approach alone is insufficient as a prognostic predictor because clinical outcomes in patients at the same histological tumor stage can still differ. Recently, significant progress in the treatment of CRC has been made due to improvements in both chemotherapy and surgical management. Immunotherapy-based approaches are one of the most rapidly developing areas of tumor therapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune response and its interactions with CRC development, immunotherapy and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Wozniakova
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Maria Wozniakova,
| | - Jozef Skarda
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Milan Raska
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhong W, Fang C, Liu H, Zhang L, Zhang X, Zhong J, He X, Zhang L. LAP+CD4+T cells regulate the anti-tumor role of CIK cells in colorectal cancer through IL-10 and TGF-β. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:3716-3728. [PMID: 35836905 PMCID: PMC9274552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing. Adoptive immune cell therapy (ACT) is a research hotspot in CRC treatment, and the common adoptive cells are cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK). The problem of ACT is that some regulatory T cells (Treg) will affect the efficacy. Latent associated polypeptide (LAP)+CD4+T is a new Treg, and its immunosuppressive effect is much higher than that of traditional Tregs. This research mainly explored the influence of LAP+CD4+T cells on anti-tumor lethality of CIK cells, so as to fill this gap. The LAP+CD4+T CIK cells and LAP-CD4+T CIK cells were sorted by immunomagnetic beads. LAP+CD4+T cells were expanded in vitro, and high expression cytokine genes were screened by RT-qPCR. LAP+CD4+T and LAP-CD4+T CIK cells were co-cultured to test cyto-activity. Transplanted tumor models of CRC were established in nude mice, which were randomized into a control group (CG), CIK group, LAP (-) group, LAP (+) group, IL-10 siRNA group, and TGF-siRNA group, and the tumor growth in each group was observed. The research results revealed that interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were highly expressed in LAP+CD4+T cells. LAP+CD4+T could effectively suppress CIK cell proliferation and activity. LAP-CD4+T could suppress IL-10 and TGF-β, and inhibit CIK cell apoptosis, proliferation, and tumor growth, thus improving their anti-tumor lethality. LAP+CD4+T cells regulate the anti-tumor role of CIK cells in CRC through IL-10 and TGF-β.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wu Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang UniversityGanzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chuanfa Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang UniversityGanzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hongquan Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang UniversityGanzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang UniversityGanzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Department of Anorectal, Ganzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine HospitalGanzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Junqiao Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang UniversityGanzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xianping He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang UniversityGanzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Leichang Zhang
- Department of Anorectal, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese MedicineNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kim S, Lee J, Im S, Kim WJ. Injectable immunogel based on polymerized phenylboronic acid and mannan for cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2022; 345:138-146. [PMID: 35271910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.03.009] [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: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The recent development and prospects of cancer immunotherapy have led to diversification of the types of therapeutic agents used. By simultaneously administering various agents, a more effective therapeutic effect can be expected due to the synergistic effects of multiple therapeutics. In particular, if a substance with adjuvanticity and tumor antigen is delivered at the same time, enhanced cancer immunotherapy can be achieved through high cross-presentation and antigen-presenting cell (APC) maturation. To this end, we developed a polymerized phenylboronic acid (pPBA)-based immunogel for the simultaneous delivery of mannan, which has adjuvanticity and tumor antigen. The immunogel was formed by simple mixing of the polysaccharide mannan with pPBA through the formation of phenylboronic ester between the diol of mannose monomers and phenylboronic acids of pPBA. The immunogel was slowly degraded by hydrolysis to release the loaded tumor antigen. In addition, the released mannan played a key role in both APC maturation in vitro and the upregulation of cross-presentation. Finally, the pPBA-mannan immunogel exhibited a significant anticancer effect in the 4 T1 cell-inoculated mouse model, implying the potential of a codelivery system of antigens and adjuvants for effective cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seonil Kim
- Department of Chemistry, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Junseok Lee
- Department of Chemistry, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea; OmniaMed Co, Ltd., Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooseok Im
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea; OmniaMed Co, Ltd., Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Jong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea; School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea; OmniaMed Co, Ltd., Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: Mechanisms and Predictive Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14041028. [PMID: 35205776 PMCID: PMC8869923 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Late-stage colorectal cancer treatment often involves chemotherapy and radiation that can cause dose-limiting toxicity, and therefore there is great interest in developing targeted therapies for this disease. Immunotherapy is a targeted therapy that uses peptides, cells, antibodies, viruses, or small molecules to engage or train the immune system to kill cancer. Here, we discuss the preclinical and clinical development of immunotherapy for treatment of colorectal cancer and provide an overview of predictive biomarkers for such treatments. We also consider open questions including optimal combination treatments and sensitization of colorectal cancer patients with proficient mismatch repair enzymes. Abstract Though early-stage colorectal cancer has a high 5 year survival rate of 65–92% depending on the specific stage, this probability drops to 13% after the cancer metastasizes. Frontline treatments for colorectal cancer such as chemotherapy and radiation often produce dose-limiting toxicities in patients and acquired resistance in cancer cells. Additional targeted treatments are needed to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Immunotherapy involves treatment with peptides, cells, antibodies, viruses, or small molecules to engage or train the immune system to kill cancer cells. Preclinical and clinical investigations of immunotherapy for treatment of colorectal cancer including immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, monoclonal antibodies, oncolytic viruses, anti-cancer vaccines, and immune system modulators have been promising, but demonstrate limitations for patients with proficient mismatch repair enzymes. In this review, we discuss preclinical and clinical studies investigating immunotherapy for treatment of colorectal cancer and predictive biomarkers for response to these treatments. We also consider open questions including optimal combination treatments to maximize efficacy, minimize toxicity, and prevent acquired resistance and approaches to sensitize mismatch repair-proficient patients to immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
16
|
Landscape of Immunotherapy Options for Colorectal Cancer: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives beyond Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020229. [PMID: 35207516 PMCID: PMC8878674 DOI: 10.3390/life12020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent malignancy in Western countries and a major cause of death despite recent improvements in screening programs and early detection methods. In the last decade, a growing effort has been put into better understanding how the immune system interacts with cancer cells. Even if treatments with immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD1, anti-PD-L1, anti-CTLA4) were proven effective for several cancer types, the benefit for colorectal cancer patients is still limited. However, a subset of patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)/microsatellite-instability-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer has been observed to have a prolonged benefit to immune checkpoint inhibitors. As a result, pembrolizumab and nivolumab +/− ipilimumab recently obtained the Food and Drug Administration approval. This review aims to highlight the body of knowledge on immunotherapy in the colorectal cancer setting, discussing the potential mechanisms of resistance and future strategies to extend its use.
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The association of gut microbiota with gastrointestinal carcinogenesis has been heavily investigated since the recent advance in sequencing technology. Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical roles of commensal microbes in cancer progression. Given by its importance, emerging studies have focussed on targeting microbiota to ameliorate therapeutic effectiveness. It is now clear that the microbial community is closely related to the efficacy of chemotherapy, while the correlation of microbiota with immunotherapy is much less studied. Herein, we review the up-to-date findings on the influence of gut microbiota on three common immunotherapies including adoptive cell transfer, immune checkpoint blockade, and CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide therapy. We then explore three microbiota-targeted strategies that may improve treatment efficacy, involving dietary intervention, probiotics supplementation, and fecal microbiota transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Cheuk Hay Lau
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
| | - Joseph Jao-Yiu Sung
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong,CONTACT Jun Yu Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhong F, Lin Y, Jing X, Ye Y, Wang S, Shen Z. Innate tumor killers in colorectal cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 527:115-126. [PMID: 34952144 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Standard treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) improves the prognosis of CRC patients, but it is still intractable to control the progression of metastatic CRC. Immune microenvironment and immunotherapies of CRC have received extensive attention in recent years, but present immunotherapies of CRC have mainly focused on T cells and therapeutic response is only observed in a small proportion of patients. Innate immune cells are the first-line of defense in the development of malignancies. Natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells and γδT cells are three types of innate cells of lymphoid origin and show cytotoxicity against various tumor cells including CRC. Besides, in the development of CRC, they can also be inhibited or express regulatory type, promoting tumor progression. Researches about anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic mechanisms of these cells are ongoing and regulation of these cells is also being unearthed. Meanwhile, immunotherapies using these cells more or less have shown efficacy in animal models and some of them are under exploration in clinical trials. This review provides an overview of intrinsic properties of NK cell, NKT cell and γδT cell, and summarizes current related promising treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Yilin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Xiangxiang Jing
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Yingjiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| | - Zhanlong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abakushina EV, Popova LI, Zamyatnin AA, Werner J, Mikhailovsky NV, Bazhin AV. The Advantages and Challenges of Anticancer Dendritic Cell Vaccines and NK Cells in Adoptive Cell Immunotherapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1363. [PMID: 34835294 PMCID: PMC8625865 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, an impressive advance was achieved in adoptive cell therapy (ACT), which has improved therapeutic potential and significant value in promising cancer treatment for patients. The ACT is based on the cell transfer of dendritic cells (DCs) and/or immune effector cells. DCs are often used as vaccine carriers or antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to prime naive T cells ex vivo or in vivo. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells are used as major tool effector cells for ACT. Despite the fact that NK cell immunotherapy is highly effective and promising against many cancer types, there are still some limitations, including insignificant infiltration, adverse conditions of the microenvironment, the immunosuppressive cellular populations, and the low cytotoxic activity in solid tumors. To overcome these difficulties, novel methods of NK cell isolation, expansion, and stimulation of cytotoxic activity should be designed. In this review, we discuss the basic characteristics of DC vaccines and NK cells as potential adoptive cell preparations in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena V. Abakushina
- Department for Development and Research in Immunology, LLC “Tecon Medical Devices”, 123298 Moscow, Russia; (L.I.P.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Liubov I. Popova
- Department for Development and Research in Immunology, LLC “Tecon Medical Devices”, 123298 Moscow, Russia; (L.I.P.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Andrey A. Zamyatnin
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia;
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.W.); (A.V.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nikolay V. Mikhailovsky
- Department for Development and Research in Immunology, LLC “Tecon Medical Devices”, 123298 Moscow, Russia; (L.I.P.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Alexandr V. Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.W.); (A.V.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sumransub N, Vantanasiri K, Prakash A, Lou E. Advances and new frontiers for immunotherapy in colorectal cancer: Setting the stage for neoadjuvant success? Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 22:1-12. [PMID: 34307839 PMCID: PMC8280480 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy in the metastatic setting has drastically altered the landscape of treatment for various types of malignancy, including colorectal cancer. The category of immune checkpoint inhibitors has especially emerged as a class of therapy predicated on a more comprehensive understanding of immune cell-cancer cell regulation and evolution of the tumor microenvironment over time. Strategies including adoptive cellular therapies, tumor vaccines, and antibodies have also demonstrated the ability to enhance antitumor immunity. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the current landscape of immunotherapeutic strategies in colorectal cancer and provide insight into how these strategies may evolve in the next decade and be adapted to more localized forms of cancers of the colon and rectum. We provide particular focus on various combination approaches under investigation for reversing cancer-induced immunosuppression, especially in mismatch repair-proficient/microsatellite-stable colorectal tumors. Finally, we summarize current understanding on a recently identified integral factor in local immune regulation, the colonic microbiome. The aim of this article is to identify current challenges and barriers to improvement and to specify opportunities for applying knowledge in the immunotherapy sphere to rational design of clinical trials intended to improve survival and related outcomes in patients treated in the neoadjuvant setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuttavut Sumransub
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St., SE, MMC 480, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kornpong Vantanasiri
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St., SE, MMC 480, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ajay Prakash
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, 160 E. 34th St., New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Emil Lou
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St., SE, MMC 480, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Immune Characters and Plasticity of the Sentinel Lymph Node in Colorectal Cancer Patients. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:5516399. [PMID: 34458377 PMCID: PMC8390165 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5516399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study is aimed at immunologically characterizing sentinel lymph nodes (SNs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and identifying changes in immunological phenotype and function of SNs isolated from the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Methods A total of 53 pairs of matched SNs and non-SNs (NSNs) were collected by using a lymph node tracer dye. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the immunophenotype of T cells as well as the expression of activation and inhibitory markers. Differential expression and distribution of characteristic immune cell markers were analyzed by multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC). Transcriptomics analysis was conducted to compare the differences in the expression of immune-related genes among lymph nodes. The ex vivo culture of lymph nodes was carried out to examine changes in immunological phenotypes and functions. Results Compared with NSNs, SNs harbored a significantly higher percentage of regulatory T cells (Tregs) but a lower proportion of MoMDSCs. As indicated in the mIHC assays, Tregs, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, and M2 macrophages were mainly distributed in cortical areas, germinal centers, and subcapsular sinus areas, respectively, while significantly higher numbers of Tregs and Tfh cells were detected in SNs as compared to NSNs. Moreover, GSEA revealed that T cell activation genes and CD8+ T cell exhaustion-related genes are enriched in SNs and NSNs, respectively. The ex vivo culture led to an increase in the proportion of CD4+ cells, while activating T cells in SNs. In addition, SNs displayed a higher increase in the expression of cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, and sFas than NSNs. Conclusion SNs are shown to be in an immune active state in vivo, while highly expressing inhibitory cytokines and suppressive markers. The ex vivo culture enhanced antitumor immunological function of SN-T cells, providing a starting material for adoptive cell therapy for CRC.
Collapse
|
22
|
Xia W, Tao Z, Zhu B, Zhang W, Liu C, Chen S, Song M. Targeted Delivery of Drugs and Genes Using Polymer Nanocarriers for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9118. [PMID: 34502028 PMCID: PMC8431379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the primary causes of worldwide human deaths. Most cancer patients receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but these treatments are usually only partially efficacious and lead to a variety of serious side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies. The emergence of nanotechnology has had a profound impact on general clinical treatment. The application of nanotechnology has facilitated the development of nano-drug delivery systems (NDDSs) that are highly tumor selective and allow for the slow release of active anticancer drugs. In recent years, vehicles such as liposomes, dendrimers and polymer nanomaterials have been considered promising carriers for tumor-specific drug delivery, reducing toxicity and improving biocompatibility. Among them, polymer nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the most innovative methods of non-invasive drug delivery. Here, we review the application of polymer NPs in drug delivery, gene therapy, and early diagnostics for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Siyu Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (W.X.); (Z.T.); (B.Z.); (W.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Mingming Song
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (W.X.); (Z.T.); (B.Z.); (W.Z.); (C.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hoteit M, Oneissi Z, Reda R, Wakim F, Zaidan A, Farran M, Abi-Khalil E, El-Sibai M. Cancer immunotherapy: A comprehensive appraisal of its modes of application. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:655. [PMID: 34386077 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy have reached their therapeutic potential, leaving a gap for developing more effective cancer therapeutics. Cancer cells evade the immune system using various mechanisms of immune tolerance, underlying the potential impact of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Immunotherapy includes several approaches such as activating the immune system in a cytokine-dependent manner, manipulating the feedback mechanisms involved in the immune response, enhancing the immune response via lymphocyte expansion and using cancer vaccines to elicit long-lasting, robust responses. These techniques can be used as monotherapies or combination therapies. The present review describes the immune-based mechanisms involved in tumor cell proliferation and maintenance and the rationale underlying various treatment methods. In addition, the present review provides insight into the potential of immunotherapy used alone or in combination with various types of therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mira Hoteit
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Zeina Oneissi
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Ranim Reda
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Fadi Wakim
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Amar Zaidan
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Farran
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Elie Abi-Khalil
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cao W, Ma X, Fischer JV, Sun C, Kong B, Zhang Q. Immunotherapy in endometrial cancer: rationale, practice and perspectives. Biomark Res 2021; 9:49. [PMID: 34134781 PMCID: PMC8207707 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00301-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy has attracted more and more attention nowadays, and multiple clinical trials have confirmed its effect in a variety of solid tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer (ACT), and lymphocyte-promoting cytokines are the main immunotherapy methods. Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most frequent tumors in women and the prognosis of recurrent or metastatic EC is poor. Since molecular classification has been applied to EC, immunotherapy for different EC subtypes (especially POLE and MSI-H) has gradually attracted attention. In this review, we focus on the expression and molecular basis of the main biomarkers in the immunotherapy of EC firstly, as well as their clinical application significance and limitations. Blocking tumor immune checkpoints is one of the most effective strategies for cancer treatment in recent years, and has now become the focus in the field of tumor research and treatment. We summarized clinical date of planned and ongoing clinical trials and introduced other common immunotherapy methods in EC, such as cancer vaccine and ACT. Hormone aberrations, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and p53 mutant and that affect the immunotherapy of endometrial cancer will also be discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China.,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Xinyue Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China.,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Jean Victoria Fischer
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern Medicine, Gynecologic Pathology Fellow, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Chenggong Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China.,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China.,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China. .,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang Z, Lu M, Qin Y, Gao W, Tao L, Su W, Zhong J. Neoantigen: A New Breakthrough in Tumor Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:672356. [PMID: 33936118 PMCID: PMC8085349 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.672356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy works by stimulating and strengthening the body’s anti-tumor immune response to eliminate cancer cells. Over the past few decades, immunotherapy has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of cancer, particularly the success of immune checkpoint blockade targeting CTLA-4, PD-1 and PDL1, which has led to a breakthrough in tumor immunotherapy. Tumor neoantigens, a new approach to tumor immunotherapy, include antigens produced by tumor viruses integrated into the genome and antigens produced by mutant proteins, which are abundantly expressed only in tumor cells and have strong immunogenicity and tumor heterogeneity. A growing number of studies have highlighted the relationship between neoantigens and T cells’ recognition of cancer cells. Vaccines developed against neoantigens are now being used in clinical trials in various solid tumors. In this review, we summarized the latest advances in the classification of immunotherapy and the process of classification, identification and synthesis of tumor-specific neoantigens, as well as their role in current cancer immunotherapy. Finally, the application prospects and existing problems of neoantigens were discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheying Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Manman Lu
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yu Qin
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Wuji Gao
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Li Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Su
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jiateng Zhong
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yang Y, Feng M, Bai L, Zhang M, Zhou K, Liao W, Lei W, Zhang N, Huang J, Li Q. The Effects of Autophagy-Related Genes and lncRNAs in Therapy and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:582040. [PMID: 33777735 PMCID: PMC7991845 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.582040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular autophagy plays an important role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Whether autophagy-related genes and lncRNAs can be used as ideal markers in CRC is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to identify novel treatment and prognosis markers of CRC. We downloaded transcription and clinical data of CRC from the GEO (GSE40967, GSE12954, GSE17536) and TCGA database, screened for differentially autophagy-related genes (DEAGs) and lncRNAs, constructed prognostic model, and analyzed its relationship with immune infiltration. TCGA and GEO datasets (GSE12954 and GSE17536) were used to validate the effect of the model. Oncomine database and Human Protein Atlas verified the expression of DEAGs. We obtained a total of 151 DEAGs in three verification sets collaboratively. Then we constructed a risk prognostic model through Lasso regression to obtain 15 prognostic DEAGs from the training set and verified the risk prognostic model in three verification sets. The low-risk group survived longer than the high-risk group. Age, gender, pathological stage, and TNM stage were related to the prognostic risk of CRC. On the other hand, BRAF status, RFS event, and tumor location are considered as most significant risk factors of CRC in the training set. Furthermore, we found that the immune score of the low-risk group was higher. The content of CD8 + T cells, active NK cells, macrophages M0, macrophages M1, and active dendritic cells was noted more in the high-risk group. The content of plasma cells, resting memory CD4 + T cells, resting NK cells, resting mast cells, and neutrophil cells was higher in the low-risk group. After all, the Oncomine database and immunohistochemistry verified that the expression level of most key autophagy-related genes was consistent with the results that we found. In addition, we obtained six lncRNAs co-expressed with DEAGs from the training set and found that the survival time was longer in the low-risk group. This finding was verified in the verification set and showed same trend to the results mentioned above. In the final analysis, these results indicate that autophagy-related genes and lncRNAs can be used as prognostic and therapeutic markers for CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingyang Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - LiangLiang Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengxi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Kexun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Weiting Liao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanting Lei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Liu WQ, Li WL, Ma SM, Liang L, Kou ZY, Yang J. Discovery of core gene families associated with liver metastasis in colorectal cancer and regulatory roles in tumor cell immune infiltration. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101011. [PMID: 33450702 PMCID: PMC7810789 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to uncover genes that drive the pathogenesis of liver metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC), and identify effective genes that could serve as potential therapeutic targets for treating with colorectal liver metastasis patients based on two GEO datasets. Several bioinformatics approaches were implemented. First, differential expression analysis screened out key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across the two GEO datasets. Based on gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, we identified the enrichment functions and pathways of the DEGs that were associated with liver metastasis in CRC. Second, immune infiltration analysis identified key immune signature gene sets associated with CRC liver metastasis, among which two key immune gene families (CD and CCL) identified as key DEGs were filtered by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Some of the members in these gene families were associated with disease free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) in two subtypes of CRC, namely COAD and READ. Finally, functional enrichment analysis of the two gene families and their neighboring genes revealed that they were closely associated with cytokine, leukocyte proliferation and chemotaxis. These results are valuable in comprehending the pathogenesis of liver metastasis in CRC, and are of seminal importance in understanding the role of immune tumor infiltration in CRC. Our study also identified potentially effective therapeutic targets for liver metastasis in CRC including CCL20, CCL24 and CD70.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Qing Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, PR China
| | - Wen-Liang Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295 Xichang road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, PR China
| | - Shu-Min Ma
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295 Xichang road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, PR China
| | - Lei Liang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295 Xichang road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, PR China
| | - Zhi-Yong Kou
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295 Xichang road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, PR China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295 Xichang road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yu X, Zhu L, Liu J, Xie M, Chen J, Li J. Emerging Role of Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:11645-11658. [PMID: 33223838 PMCID: PMC7671511 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s271955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor in the world and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with the liver as the most common site of distant metastasis. The prognosis of CRC with liver metastasis is poor, and most patients cannot undergo surgery. In addition, conventional antitumor approaches such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery result in unsatisfactory outcomes. In recent years, immunotherapy has shown good prospects in the treatment of assorted tumors by enhancing the host's antitumor immune function, and it may become a new effective treatment for liver metastasis of CRC. However, challenges remain in applying immunotherapy to CRC with liver metastasis. This review examines how the microenvironment and immunosuppressive landscape of the liver favor tumor progression. It also highlights the latest research advances in immunotherapy for colorectal liver metastasis and identifies immunotherapy as a treatment regimen with a promising future in clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhe Yu
- Gastrointestinal Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingling Zhu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Xie
- Gastrointestinal Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianguo Li
- Gastrointestinal Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Forster S, Radpour R. Molecular Immunotherapy: Promising Approach to Treat Metastatic Colorectal Cancer by Targeting Resistant Cancer Cells or Cancer Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:569017. [PMID: 33240813 PMCID: PMC7680905 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.569017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is able to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. Some tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC), induce immune tolerance via different mechanisms of “immunoediting” and “immune evasion” and can thus escape immune surveillance. The impact of immunotherapy on cancer has been investigated for many years, but so far, the application was limited to few cancer types. Immuno-oncological therapeutic strategies against metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the adaptive immune system activating approaches, offer a high potential for adaptation to the great heterogeneity of CRC. Moreover, novel treatment approaches are currently being tested that might specifically target the disease initiating and maintaining population of colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this review, we aim to summarize the current state of immune-oncology and tumor immunotherapy of patients with mCRC and discuss different therapeutic modalities that focus on the activation of tumor-specific T-cells and their perspectives such as tumor vaccination, checkpoint inhibition, and adoptive T-cell transfer or on the eradication of colorectal CSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Forster
- Tumor Immunology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ramin Radpour
- Tumor Immunology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Pilipow K, Darwich A, Losurdo A. T-cell-based breast cancer immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 72:90-101. [PMID: 32492452 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has witnessed a new renaissance with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which reactivate T cells and foster endogenous anti-tumor responses. The excellent results of immunotherapy in the field of melanoma, renal cancer, lung cancer, and other cancer types that have traditionally been known to be immunogenic, rekindled the interest of the oncology community in extending the benefits to all cancers including breast cancer (BC). In this review, we highlight the current state of using T cells as both markers for clinical practice and therapeutic options for BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pilipow
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Italy; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS - Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Abbass Darwich
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology and Microbiota, Italy; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS - Rozzano, MI, Italy; Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Agnese Losurdo
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Italy; Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Italy; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS - Rozzano, MI, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kitsou M, Ayiomamitis GD, Zaravinos A. High expression of immune checkpoints is associated with the TIL load, mutation rate and patient survival in colorectal cancer. Int J Oncol 2020; 57:237-248. [PMID: 32468013 PMCID: PMC7252459 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy with the use of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is a very promising immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, within the tumor microenvironment, co-inhibitory immune checkpoints can inactivate TILs. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the TIL load, the mutation rate and the clinical outcome in the immune landscape of patients with CRC. RNA-seq and whole exome seq data of 453 colon adenocarcinomas (COAD) and rectal adenocarcinomas (READ), along with the TIL load and clinicopathological information of each patient, were extracted from the TCGA GDC Data Portal and analyzed computationally. The expression of immune checkpoint molecules was compared between colon cancer and normal tissue. A total of 9 immune-related gene signatures were investigated in CRC. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlation between the TIL load with the expression of each immune checkpoint molecule. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) was found to be significantly overexpressed in CRC, whereas V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) and lymphocyte activating 3 (LAG3) were markedly downregulated. A high expression of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), IDO1, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), tended to be associated with a better overall survival of the patients. In COAD, the TIL load positively correlated with the expression of adenosine A2A receptor (ADORA2A), CTLA-4, hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2 (HAVCR2), lymphocyte activating 3 (LAG3), programmed death-ligand PD-L1, PD-L2, TIGIT and VISTA, whereas in READ, such positive correlations were noted only between the TIL load and LAG3 or PD-L2. The 'central memory T-cell' and 'exhausted T-cell' gene signatures were significantly lower among the READ tumors. The expression of PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA-4 and IDO1 was significantly higher among COAD patients with a high mutation rate (>34 mutations/Mb) compared to those with a lower rate. Somatic mutations in PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4 and other checkpoint molecules did not seem to affect their expression levels. On the whole, the data of the present study highlight the association of immune checkpoint molecules with the TIL load, patient survival and a high mutation rate in CRC. The data corroborate that patients with colon cancer with higher PD1, PD-L1/2, CTLA-4 and IDO1 expression, and a high mutation rate, are the ones who will benefit more from the respective immune checkpoint inhibition therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Kitsou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713 Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pan QZ, Zhao JJ, Yang CP, Zhou YQ, Lin JZ, Tang Y, Gu JM, Wang QJ, Li YQ, He J, Chen SP, Song MJ, Huang Y, Yang JY, Weng DS, Xia JC. Efficacy of adjuvant cytokine-induced killer cell immunotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer after radical resection. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1752563. [PMID: 32363125 PMCID: PMC7185208 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1752563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery is the standard treatment modality for stage III and part of stage II or stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate remains unsatisfactory. Thus, developing combination therapies is essential to improve the prognosis of patients with CRC. The present study aimed to determine the effect of a sequential combination of cytokine-induced killer cell (CIK) infusion and chemotherapy for patients with CRC. 122 patients with CRC treated with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were retrospectively included in this study. Among them, 62 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy only (control group), while the other 60 patients, with similar demographic and clinical characteristics, received adjuvant chemotherapy and sequential CIK cell immunotherapy (CIK group). Survival analysis showed significantly improved disease free survival (DFS) and OS rates in the CIK group compared with the control group (log-rank test, P = .0024; P = .008, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that sequential CIK cell treatment was an independent prognostic factor for patients’ DFS and OS. Subgroup analyses showed that sequential CIK cell treatment significantly improved the DFS and OS of patients with high-risk T4 stage and insufficient chemotherapy duration. In conclusion, these data indicate that sequential adjuvant CIK cell treatment combined with chemotherapy is an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent disease recurrence and prolong survival of patients with CRC, particularly for patients with high-risk T4 stage and insufficient chemotherapy duration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Zhong Pan
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao-Pin Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Qing Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Yuexiu District Children's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Zhong Lin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Mei Gu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Jing Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia He
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Ping Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Jia Song
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie-Ying Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - De-Sheng Weng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Chuan Xia
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Han S, Wu W, Da M, Xu J, Zhuang J, Zhang L, Zhang X, Yang X. Adequate Lymph Node Assessments and Investigation of Gut Microorganisms and Microbial Metabolites in Colorectal Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:1893-1906. [PMID: 32184624 PMCID: PMC7061441 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s242017] [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: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the lymph node metastasis status and prognosis in CRCs and to investigate the gut microorganisms and microbial metabolites at different lymph node stages. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and STAT software were used to analyze the clinical features and lymph node metastasis. Bacterial 16S V3-V4 and fungal ITS V3-V4 ribosomal RNA genes were sequenced in 53 stool samples and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GS/MS) was performed to detect the microbial metabolites in 48 stool samples from CRC patients. Results A higher number of lymph node metastases predicted a poor prognosis. Inadequate evaluation of lymph nodes affects the accuracy of prognostic assessments. We constructed a nomogram model for the assessment of prognostic factors. There were multiple characteristic bacteria identified, including Akkermansia, Megamonas, Dialister, etc., and fungi, including Penicillium, Filobasidium, Debaryomyces, etc. A total of 27 characteristic microbial metabolites in different lymph node metastasis status were also identified. Conclusion Gut microorganisms and microbial metabolites may provide reference and guidance for the adequate lymph node assessments (ALNA) in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Han
- Department of Oncology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Da
- Department of Nursing, Huzhou Third Municipal Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiamin Xu
- Graduate School of Nursing, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Graduate School of Nursing, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Longqi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Examination, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Oncology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yi M, Jiao D, Qin S, Chu Q, Li A, Wu K. Manipulating Gut Microbiota Composition to Enhance the Therapeutic Effect of Cancer Immunotherapy. Integr Cancer Ther 2020; 18:1534735419876351. [PMID: 31517538 PMCID: PMC7242797 DOI: 10.1177/1534735419876351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, a growing set of immunotherapies including immune checkpoint
blockade, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and bispecific antibodies propelled
the advancement of oncology therapeutics. Accumulating evidence demonstrates
that immunotherapy could eliminate tumors better than traditional chemotherapy
or radiotherapy with lower risk of adverse events in numerous cancer types.
Unfortunately, a substantial proportion of patients eventually acquire
resistance to immunotherapy. By analyzing the differences between
immunotherapy-sensitive and immunotherapy-resistant populations, it was noticed
that the composition of gut microbiota is closely related to treatment effect.
Moreover, in xenograft models, interventional regulation of gut microbiota could
effectively enhance efficacy and relieve resistance during immunotherapy. Thus,
we believe that gut microbiota composition might be helpful to explain the
heterogeneity of treatment effect, and manipulating gut microbiota could be a
promising adjuvant treatment for cancer immunotherapy. In this mini review, we
focus on the latest understanding of the cross-talk between gut microbiota and
host immunity. Moreover, we highlight the role of gut microbiota in cancer
immunotherapy including immune checkpoint inhibitor and adoptive cell
transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dechao Jiao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuang Qin
- Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Chu
- Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Anping Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Shen Y, Li Y, Chen C, Wang W, Li T. D-dimer and diffusion-weighted imaging pattern as two diagnostic indicators for cancer-related stroke: A case-control study based on the STROBE guidelines. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e18779. [PMID: 31977868 PMCID: PMC7004795 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000018779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and elucidate the clinical characteristics of cancer-associated ischemic stroke to differentiate it from conventional ischemic stroke in China and East Asia. Between June 2012 and June 2016, a retrospective analysis was performed on 609 stroke patients with cancer. They were divided into 3 groups: cancer-stroke group (CSG, 203 cases), stroke group (SG, 203 cases), and cancer group (CG, 203 cases). The D-dimer levels and diffusion-weighted imaging lesion (DWI) pattern were compared to an age- and sex-matched control group. The most common cancer types were colorectal cancer (20.2%) and lung cancer (18.72%). The average D-dimer level in stroke patients and cancer patients were 0.34 and 1.50 mg/L, respectively. The descending levels of D-dimer from cancer types were lung cancer (2.06 mg/L), pancreas (1.74 mg/L), gastric (1.61 mg/L), among others. Univariate analysis of the CSG and the others shows there were significant differences in the prevalence of the levels of D-dimer and DWI pattern, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and thrombus. CSG has a unique pathological characteristic including high plasma D-dimer levels and multiple vascular lesions. The results show that D-dimer and DWI can be used as diagnostic index in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xin Hua Hospital Chongming Branch Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai
- Department of Neurology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai
| | - Yuxia Li
- Department of General Surgery, Hanchuan People's Hospital, Hanchuan
| | - Chengming Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 900th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xin Hua Hospital Chongming Branch Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai
- Department of Neurology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Neurology, Xin Hua Hospital Chongming Branch Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai
- School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi’an
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang Y, Chen X. Nanotechnology and nanomaterial-based no-wash electrochemical biosensors: from design to application. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:19105-19118. [PMID: 31549117 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr05696c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology and nanomaterial based electrochemical biosensors (ECBs) have achieved great development in many fields, such as clinical diagnosis, food analysis, and environmental monitoring. Nowadays, the single-handed pursuit of sensitivity and accuracy cannot meet the demands of detection in many in situ and point-of-care (POC) circumstances. More and more attention has been focused on simplifying the operation procedure and reducing detection time, and thus no-wash assay has become one of the most effective ways for the continuous development of ECBs. However, there are many challenges to realize no-wash detection in the real analysis, such as redox interferences, multiple impurities, non-conducting protein macromolecules, etc. Furthermore, the complex detection circumstance in different application fields makes the realization of no-wash ECBs more complicated and difficult. Thanks to the updated nanotechnology and nanomaterials, in-depth analysis of the obstacles in the detection process and various methods for fabricating no-wash ECBs, most issues have been largely resolved. In this review, we have systematically analyzed the nanomaterial based design strategy of the state-of-the-art no-wash ECBs in the past few years. Following that, we summarized the challenges in the detection process of no-wash ECBs and their applications in different fields. Finally, based on the summary and analysis in this review, we also evaluated and discussed future prospects from the design to the application of ECBs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Interfacial Reaction & Sensing Analysis in Universities of Shandong, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, PR China. and Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine (LOMIN), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine (LOMIN), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tintelnot J, Stein A. Immunotherapy in colorectal cancer: Available clinical evidence, challenges and novel approaches. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:3920-3928. [PMID: 31413527 PMCID: PMC6689806 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i29.3920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to other tumor types, immunotherapy has not yet become a relevant part of the treatment landscape of unselected colorectal cancer. Beside the small subgroup of deficient mismatch repair or microsatellite instable tumors (about 5%) as a surrogate for high mutational burden and subsequently high neoantigen load and immunogenicity, inhibitors of programmed death 1 (PD-1), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and/or cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 were not or only modestly effective in metastatic colorectal cancer. Thus, a variety of combination approaches with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, toll-like receptor agonists, local ablation or oncolytic viruses is currently being evaluated in different disease settings. Despite several encouraging single arm data already presented or published, available randomized data are unimpressive. Adding PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors to fluoropyrimidines and bevacizumab maintenance showed no beneficial impact on delaying progression. In refractory disease, the combination of PD-1/PD-L1 and MEK inhibitor was not different from regorafenib, whereas a PD-1/PD-L1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 inhibitor combination demonstrated better overall survival compared to supportive care alone. Clinical trials in all disease settings applying different combination approaches are ongoing and may define the role of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Tintelnot
- Department of Internal Medicine II (Oncology Center), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Alexander Stein
- Department of Internal Medicine II (Oncology Center), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Acquired resistance to cancer immunotherapy: Role of tumor-mediated immunosuppression. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 65:13-27. [PMID: 31362073 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor cells are constantly evolving to reduce neoantigen generation and the mutational burden to escape the anti-tumor response. This will lower tumor reactivity to the adaptive immune response and give rise to tumor intrinsic factors, such as altered expression of immune regulatory molecules on tumor cells. Tumor-extrinsic factors, such as immunosuppressive cells, soluble suppressive molecules or inhibitory receptors expressed by immune cells will alter the composition and activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (by increasing T regulatory cells:T effector cells ratio and inhibiting T effector cell function) and promote tumor growth and metastasis. Together, these factors limit the response rates and clinical outcomes to a particular cancer therapy. Within the TME, the cross-talks between immune and non-immune cells result in the generation of positive feedback loops, which augment immunosuppression and support tumor growth and survival (termed as tumor-mediated immunosuppression). Cancer immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell transfer (ACT), have shown therapeutic efficacy in hematologic cancers and different types of solid tumors. However, achieving durable response rates in some cancer patients remains a challenge as a result of acquired resistance and tumor immune evasion. This could be driven by the cellular and molecular suppressive network within the TME or due to the loss of tumor antigens. In this review, we describe the contribution of the immunosuppressive cellular and molecular tumor network to the development of acquired resistance against cancer immunotherapies. We also discuss potential combined therapeutic strategies which could help to overcome such resistance against cancer immunotherapies, and to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and improve clinical outcomes in patients.
Collapse
|
39
|
Song H, Yang P, Huang P, Zhang C, Kong D, Wang W. Injectable polypeptide hydrogel-based co-delivery of vaccine and immune checkpoint inhibitors improves tumor immunotherapy. Theranostics 2019; 9:2299-2314. [PMID: 31149045 PMCID: PMC6531311 DOI: 10.7150/thno.30577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, an attractive option for cancer treatment, necessitates the direct stimulation of immune cells in vivo and the simultaneous effective inhibition of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. Methods: In the present study, we developed an injectable PEG-b-poly(L-alanine) hydrogel for co-delivery of a tumor vaccine and dual immune checkpoint inhibitors to increase tumor immunotherapy efficacy. Tumor cell lysates, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-CTLA-4/PD-1 antibody) were readily encapsulated in the porous hydrogel during the spontaneous self-assembly of polypeptide in aqueous solution. Results: Sustained release of tumor antigens and GM-CSF persistently recruited and activated dendritic cells (DCs) and induced a strong T-cell response in vivo, which was further enhanced by the immune checkpoint therapy. The hydrogel vaccine also upregulated the production of IgG and the secretion of cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-4, and TNF-α. Importantly, the hydrogel-based combination therapy had superior immunotherapy effects against melanoma and 4T-1 tumor in comparison with the vaccine alone or in addition with a single immune checkpoint blockade. In studying the underlying mechanism, we found that the hydrogel-based combinatorial immunotherapy not only significantly increased the activated effector CD8+ T cells within the spleens and tumors of vaccinated mice, but also reduced the ratio of Tregs. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the polypeptide hydrogel can be used as an effective sustained delivery platform for vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors, providing an advanced combinatorial immunotherapy approach for cancer treatment.
Collapse
|