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Zhou R, Wu ST, Yazdanifar M, Williams C, Sanders A, Brouwer C, Maher J, Mukherjee P. Mucin-1-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Are Effective and Safe in Controlling Solid Tumors in Immunocompetent Host. J Immunother 2024; 47:77-88. [PMID: 38270462 PMCID: PMC10913860 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000505] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in solid epithelial tumors has been explored, however, with limited success. As much of the preclinical work has relied on xenograft models in immunocompromised animals, the immune-related efficacies and toxicities may have been missed. In this study, we engineered syngeneic murine CAR T cells targeting the tumor form of human mucin-1 (tMUC1) and tested the MUC1 CAR T cells' efficacy and toxicity in the immunocompetent human MUC1-expressing mouse models. The MUC1 CAR T cells significantly eliminated murine pancreatic and breast cancer cell lines in vitro. In vivo, MUC1 CAR T cells significantly slowed the mammary gland tumor progression in the spontaneous PyVMT×MUC1.Tg (MMT) mice, prevented lung metastasis, and prolonged survival. Most importantly, there was minimal short or long-term toxicity with acceptable levels of transient liver toxicity but no kidney toxicity. In addition, the mice did not show any signs of weight loss or other behavioral changes with the treatment. We also report that a single dose of MUC1 CAR T-cell treatment modestly reduced the pancreatic tumor burden in a syngeneic orthotopic model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma given at late stage of an established tumor. Taken together, these findings suggested the further development of tMUC1-targeted CAR T cells as an effective and relatively safe treatment modality for various tMUC1-expressing solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - Shu-ta Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
- Medpace, Irving, TX
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
- Adaptive Biotechnologies, South San Francisco, CA
| | - Chandra Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
- Pfizer, Cambridge, MA
| | - Alexa Sanders
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - Cory Brouwer
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - John Maher
- King’s College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guy’s Cancer Centre, London, UK
| | - Pinku Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
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2
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Essongo FE, Mvogo A, Ben-Bolie GH. Dynamics of a diffusive model for cancer stem cells with time delay in microRNA-differentiated cancer cell interactions and radiotherapy effects. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5295. [PMID: 38438408 PMCID: PMC10912232 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55212-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Understand the dynamics of cancer stem cells (CSCs), prevent the non-recurrence of cancers and develop therapeutic strategies to destroy both cancer cells and CSCs remain a challenge topic. In this paper, we study both analytically and numerically the dynamics of CSCs under radiotherapy effects. The dynamical model takes into account the diffusion of cells, the de-differentiation (or plasticity) mechanism of differentiated cancer cells (DCs) and the time delay on the interaction between microRNAs molecules (microRNAs) with DCs. The stability of the model system is studied by using a Hopf bifurcation analysis. We mainly investigate on the critical time delay τ c , that represents the time for DCs to transform into CSCs after the interaction of microRNAs with DCs. Using the system parameters, we calculate the value of τ c for prostate, lung and breast cancers. To confirm the analytical predictions, the numerical simulations are performed and show the formation of spatiotemporal circular patterns. Such patterns have been found as promising diagnostic and therapeutic value in management of cancer and various diseases. The radiotherapy is applied in the particular case of prostate model. We calculate the optimum dose of radiation and determine the probability of avoiding local cancer recurrence after radiotherapy treatment. We find numerically a complete eradication of patterns when the radiotherapy is applied before a time t < τ c . This scenario induces microRNAs to act as suppressors as experimentally observed in prostate cancer. The results obtained in this paper will provide a better concept for the clinicians and oncologists to understand the complex dynamics of CSCs and to design more efficacious therapeutic strategies to prevent the non-recurrence of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Eric Essongo
- Laboratory of Nuclear Physics, Dosimetry and Radiation Protection, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Alain Mvogo
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon.
| | - Germain Hubert Ben-Bolie
- Laboratory of Nuclear Physics, Dosimetry and Radiation Protection, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
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3
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Fuentes‐Antrás J, Bedard PL, Cescon DW. Seize the engine: Emerging cell cycle targets in breast cancer. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1544. [PMID: 38264947 PMCID: PMC10807317 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1544] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer arises from a series of molecular alterations that disrupt cell cycle checkpoints, leading to aberrant cell proliferation and genomic instability. Targeted pharmacological inhibition of cell cycle regulators has long been considered a promising anti-cancer strategy. Initial attempts to drug critical cell cycle drivers were hampered by poor selectivity, modest efficacy and haematological toxicity. Advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of cell cycle disruption and the mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors have reignited interest in blocking specific components of the cell cycle machinery, such as CDK2, CDK4, CDK7, PLK4, WEE1, PKMYT1, AURKA and TTK. These targets play critical roles in regulating quiescence, DNA replication and chromosome segregation. Extensive preclinical data support their potential to overcome CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance, induce synthetic lethality or sensitise tumours to immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review provides a biological and drug development perspective on emerging cell cycle targets and novel inhibitors, many of which exhibit favourable safety profiles and promising activity in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Fuentes‐Antrás
- Division of Medical Oncology and HematologyDepartment of MedicinePrincess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- NEXT OncologyHospital Universitario QuironSalud MadridMadridSpain
| | - Philippe L. Bedard
- Division of Medical Oncology and HematologyDepartment of MedicinePrincess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - David W. Cescon
- Division of Medical Oncology and HematologyDepartment of MedicinePrincess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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4
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Gao G, Li J, Cao Y, Li X, Qian Y, Wang X, Li M, Qiu Y, Wu T, Wang L, Fang M. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 4,4'-bipyridine derivatives acting as CDK9-Cyclin T1 protein-protein interaction inhibitors against triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115858. [PMID: 37837671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115858] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is directly related to tumor development in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Increased CDK9 is significantly associated with poor patient prognosis, while inhibiting CDK9-Cyclin T1 protein-protein interaction has recently been demonstrated as a new approach to TNBC treatment. Herein, we synthesized a novel class of 4,4'-bipyridine derivatives as potential CDK9-Cyclin T1 PPI inhibitors against TNBC. The represented compound B19 was found to be an excellent and selective CDK9-Cyclin T1 PPI inhibitor with good potency against TNBC cell lines while exhibiting lower toxicity in normal human cell lines than the positive compound I-CDK9. Notably, compound B19 showed good pharmacokinetic properties and excellent antitumor activity against TNBC (4T1) allografts in mice with a therapeutic index of more than 42 (TGI4T1(12.5 mg/kg,i.p.) = 63.1% vs. LD50 = 537 mg/kg). Moreover, the administration of B19 in combination with the PARP inhibitor Olaparib results in a significant increase of the antitumor activity in MDA-MB-231 cells relative to that of either single agent. To our knowledge, B19 is the first reported non-metal organic compound that acts as a selective CDK9-Cyclin T1 PPI inhibitor with in vivo antitumor activity, and it may be alone and in combination with PARP inhibitor Olaparib for TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiping Gao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Huaqiao University School of Medicine Science, Quanzhou, 362021, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yin Cao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xudan Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yuqing Qian
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Mengyu Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yingkun Qiu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Huaqiao University School of Medicine Science, Quanzhou, 362021, China.
| | - Meijuan Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
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5
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Ruan Y, Tang Q, Qiao J, Wang J, Li H, Yue X, Sun Y, Wang P, Yang H, Liu Z. Identification of a novel glycolysis-related prognosis risk signature in triple-negative breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1171496. [PMID: 37274269 PMCID: PMC10233057 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1171496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive cluster of breast cancer characterized by significant molecular heterogeneity. Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that is significantly associated with cancer progression, metastasis, recurrence and chemoresistance. However, the potential roles of glycolysis-related genes in TNBC remain unclear. Methods In the present study, we identified 108 glycolysis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between breast cancer (BRCA) tumor tissues and normal tissues, and we divided patients into two different clusters with significantly distinct molecular characteristics, clinicopathological features, prognosis, immune cell infiltration and mutation burden. We then constructed a 10-gene signature that classified all TNBCs into low- and high-risk groups. Results The high-risk group had significantly lower survival than the low-risk group, which implied that the risk score was an independent prognostic indicator for TNBC patients. Consequently, we constructed and validated a prognostic nomogram, which accurately predicted individual overall survival (OS) of TNBC. Moreover, the risk score predicted the drug sensitivity of chemotherapeutic agents and immunotherapy for TNBC patients. Discussion The present comprehensive analysis of glycolysis-related DEGs in TNBC provides new methods for prognosis prediction and more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxia Ruan
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiang Tang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianghua Qiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiabin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huimin Li
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Tianjin’s Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiayu Yue
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yadong Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peili Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hanzhao Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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6
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Sequera C, Grattarola M, Holczbauer A, Dono R, Pizzimenti S, Barrera G, Wangensteen KJ, Maina F. MYC and MET cooperatively drive hepatocellular carcinoma with distinct molecular traits and vulnerabilities. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:994. [PMID: 36433941 PMCID: PMC9700715 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05411-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Enhanced activation of the transcription factor MYC and of the receptor tyrosine kinase MET are among the events frequently occurring in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Both genes individually act as drivers of liver cancer initiation and progression. However, their concomitant alteration in HCC has not been explored, nor functionally documented. Here, we analysed databases of five independent human HCC cohorts and found a subset of patients with high levels of MYC and MET (MYChigh/METhigh) characterised by poor prognosis. This clinical observation drove us to explore the functionality of MYC and MET co-occurrence in vivo, combining hydrodynamic tail vein injection for MYC expression in the R26stopMet genetic setting, in which wild-type MET levels are enhanced following the genetic deletion of a stop cassette. Results showed that increased MYC and MET expression in hepatocytes is sufficient to induce liver tumorigenesis even in the absence of pre-existing injuries associated with a chronic disease state. Intriguingly, ectopic MYC in MET tumours increases expression of the Mki67 proliferation marker, and switches them into loss of Afp, Spp1, Gpc3, Epcam accompanied by an increase in Hgma1, Vim, and Hep-Par1 levels. We additionally found a switch in the expression of specific immune checkpoints, with an increase in the Ctla-4 and Lag3 lymphocyte co-inhibitory responses, and in the Icosl co-stimulatory responses of tumour cells. We provide in vitro evidence on the vulnerability of some human HCC cell lines to combined MYC and MET targeting, which are otherwise resistant to single inhibition. Mechanistically, combined blockage of MYC and MET converts a partial cytostatic effect, triggered by individual blockage of MYC or MET, into a cytotoxic effect. Together, these findings highlight a subgroup of HCC characterised by MYChigh/METhigh, and document functional cooperativity between MYC and MET in liver tumorigenesis. Thus, the MYC-R26Met model is a relevant setting for HCC biology, patient classification and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Sequera
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Margherita Grattarola
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Agnes Holczbauer
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Rosanna Dono
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stefania Pizzimenti
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Barrera
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Kirk J. Wangensteen
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Flavio Maina
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
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7
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Zhao Z, Fang L, Xiao P, Sun X, Zhou L, Liu X, Wang J, Wang G, Cao H, Zhang P, Jiang Y, Wang D, Li Y. Walking Dead Tumor Cells for Targeted Drug Delivery Against Lung Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2205462. [PMID: 35759925 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202205462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lung metastasis is challenging in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Surgery is always not available due to the dissemination of metastatic foci and most drugs are powerless because of poor retention at metastatic sites. TNBC cells generate an inflamed microenvironment and overexpress adhesive molecules to promote invasion and colonization. Herein, "walking dead" TNBC cells are developed through conjugating anti-PD-1 (programmed death protein 1 inhibitor) and doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded liposomes onto cell corpses for temporal chemo-immunotherapy against lung metastasis. The walking dead TNBC cells maintain plenary tumor antigens to conduct vaccination effects. Anti-PD-1 antibodies are conjugated to cell corpses via reduction-activated linker, and DOX-loaded liposomes are attached by maleimide-thiol coupling. This anchor strategy enables rapid release of anti-PD-1 upon reduction conditions while long-lasting release of DOX at inflamed metastatic sites. The walking dead TNBC cells improve pulmonary accumulation and local retention of drugs, reprogram the lung microenvironment through damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and PD-1 blockade, and prolong overall survival of lung metastatic 4T1 and EMT6-bearing mice. Taking advantage of the walking dead TNBC cells for pulmonary preferred delivery of chemotherapeutics and checkpoint inhibitors, this study suggests an alternative treatment option of chemo-immunotherapy to augment the efficacy against lung metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong, 264000, China
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lei Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ping Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiangshi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiaochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Guanru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haiqiang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Yanyan Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dangge Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Yaping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shangdong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Shandong, 264000, China
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8
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Miller JL, Bartlett AP, Harman RM, Majhi PD, Jerry DJ, Van de Walle GR. Induced mammary cancer in rat models: pathogenesis, genetics, and relevance to female breast cancer. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2022; 27:185-210. [PMID: 35904679 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-022-09522-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary cancer, or breast cancer in women, is a polygenic disease with a complex etiopathogenesis. While much remains elusive regarding its origin, it is well established that chemical carcinogens and endogenous estrogens contribute significantly to the initiation and progression of this disease. Rats have been useful models to study induced mammary cancer. They develop mammary tumors with comparable histopathology to humans and exhibit differences in resistance or susceptibility to mammary cancer depending on strain. While some rat strains (e.g., Sprague-Dawley) readily form mammary tumors following treatment with the chemical carcinogen, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]-anthracene (DMBA), other strains (e.g., Copenhagen) are resistant to DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis. Genetic linkage in inbred strains has identified strain-specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting mammary tumors, via mechanisms that act together to promote or attenuate, and include 24 QTLs controlling the outcome of chemical induction, 10 QTLs controlling the outcome of estrogen induction, and 4 QTLs controlling the outcome of irradiation induction. Moreover, and based on shared factors affecting mammary cancer etiopathogenesis between rats and humans, including orthologous risk regions between both species, rats have served as useful models for identifying methods for breast cancer prediction and treatment. These studies in rats, combined with alternative animal models that more closely mimic advanced stages of breast cancer and/or human lifestyles, will further improve our understanding of this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Miller
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Arianna P Bartlett
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca M Harman
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Prabin Dhangada Majhi
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 01003, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - D Joseph Jerry
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 01003, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Gerlinde R Van de Walle
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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9
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Bukhari AB, Chan GK, Gamper AM. Targeting the DNA Damage Response for Cancer Therapy by Inhibiting the Kinase Wee1. Front Oncol 2022; 12:828684. [PMID: 35251998 PMCID: PMC8891215 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.828684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells typically heavily rely on the G2/M checkpoint to survive endogenous and exogenous DNA damage, such as genotoxic stress due to genome instability or radiation and chemotherapy. The key regulator of the G2/M checkpoint, the cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), is tightly controlled, including by its phosphorylation state. This posttranslational modification, which is determined by the opposing activities of the phosphatase cdc25 and the kinase Wee1, allows for a more rapid response to cellular stress than via the synthesis or degradation of modulatory interacting proteins, such as p21 or cyclin B. Reducing Wee1 activity results in ectopic activation of CDK1 activity and drives premature entry into mitosis with unrepaired or under-replicated DNA and causing mitotic catastrophe. Here, we review efforts to use small molecule inhibitors of Wee1 for therapeutic purposes, including strategies to combine Wee1 inhibition with genotoxic agents, such as radiation therapy or drugs inducing replication stress, or inhibitors of pathways that show synthetic lethality with Wee1. Furthermore, it become increasingly clear that Wee1 inhibition can also modulate therapeutic immune responses. We will discuss the mechanisms underlying combination treatments identifying both cell intrinsic and systemic anti-tumor activities.
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10
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Bai X, Ni J, Beretov J, Wang S, Dong X, Graham P, Li Y. THOC2 and THOC5 Regulate Stemness and Radioresistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2102658. [PMID: 34708581 PMCID: PMC8693071 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Radioresistance and stemness are substantial obstacles to TNBC treatment. The THO complex (THOC) is a subunit of the TRanscription-EXport complex that functions in the coupling of transcription to nascent RNA splicing, elongation, and export. However, its role in regulating TNBC therapeutic resistance is not reported yet. In this study, the authors demonstrate that cancer stem cells are enriched in radioresistant TNBC cells and describe the role of the THOC in regulating TNBC radioresistance and stemness. The authors find that THOC2 and THOC5 are upregulated in radioresistant TNBC cells and associated with a poor prognosis in TNBC patients. Further investigation reveals that THOC2 promotes the stem-like properties and radioresistance of TNBC cells in a THOC5-dependent manner by facilitating the release of sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2) and homeobox transcription factor (NANOG) transcripts from the nucleus. Silencing THOC2 or THOC5 expression decreases the protein expression of SOX2 and NANOG, depletes the stem-like properties, and causes radiosensitization in these TNBC cells. Moreover, THOC2 or THOC5 depletion blocks the xenograft tumorigenesis and growth of radioresistant TNBC in vivo. These findings uncover the novel correlations of THOC with TNBC stemness and therapeutic resistance, proposing alternative therapeutic strategies against relapsed TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xupeng Bai
- St George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSW2052Australia
- Cancer Care CentreSt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
| | - Jie Ni
- St George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSW2052Australia
- Cancer Care CentreSt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
| | - Julia Beretov
- St George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSW2052Australia
- Cancer Care CentreSt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
- Anatomical PathologyNSW Health PathologySt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
| | - Shanping Wang
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangdong University of TechnologyGuangzhou510006China
| | - Xingli Dong
- Department of Biopharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbin150081China
| | - Peter Graham
- St George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSW2052Australia
- Cancer Care CentreSt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
| | - Yong Li
- St George and Sutherland Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSW2052Australia
- Cancer Care CentreSt George HospitalKogarahNSW2217Australia
- School of Basic MedicineZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450001China
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11
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Single-Cell Proteomic Analysis Dissects the Complexity of Tumor Microenvironment in Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215440. [PMID: 34771607 PMCID: PMC8582554 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment (TME) is considered to play a key role in the development of many types of tumors. Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), which is well known for its heterogeneity, has a highly complex TME. Herein, we integrated mass cytometry and imaging mass cytometry to systematically investigate the complexity of the MIBC TME. Our investigation revealed tumor and immune cells with diverse phenotypes. We identified a specific cancer stem-like cell cluster (ALDH+PD-L1+ER-β−), which is associated with poor prognosis and highlighted the importance of the spatial distribution patterns of MIBC TME components. The present study comprehensively elucidated the complexity of the MIBC TME and provides potentially valuable information for future research. Abstract Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is a malignancy with considerable heterogeneity. The MIBC tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly complex, comprising diverse phenotypes and spatial architectures. The complexity of the MIBC TME must be characterized to provide potential targets for precision therapy. Herein, an integrated combination of mass cytometry and imaging mass cytometry was used to analyze tumor cells, immune cells, and TME spatial characteristics of 44 MIBC patients. We detected tumor and immune cell clusters with abnormal phenotypes. In particular, we identified a previously overlooked cancer stem-like cell cluster (ALDH+PD-L1+ER-β−) that was strongly associated with poor prognosis. We elucidated the different spatial architectures of immune cells (excluded, infiltrated, and deserted) and tumor-associated collagens (curved, stretched, directionally distributed, and chaotic) in the MIBC TME. The present study is the first to provide in-depth insight into the complexity of the MIBC TME at the single-cell level. Our results will improve the general understanding of the heterogeneous characteristics of MIBC, potentially facilitating patient stratification and personalized therapy.
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Castellanet O, Ahmad F, Vinik Y, Mills GB, Habermann B, Borg JP, Lev S, Lamballe F, Maina F. BCL-XL blockage in TNBC models confers vulnerability to inhibition of specific cell cycle regulators. Theranostics 2021; 11:9180-9197. [PMID: 34646365 PMCID: PMC8490507 DOI: 10.7150/thno.60503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle regulators are frequently altered in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Emerging agents targeting these signals offer the possibility to design new combinatorial therapies. However, preclinical models that recapitulate TNBC primary resistance and heterogeneity are essential to evaluate the potency of these combined treatments. Methods: Bioinformatic processing of human breast cancer datasets was used to analyse correlations between expression levels of cell cycle regulators and patient survival outcome. The MMTV-R26Met mouse model of TNBC resistance and heterogeneity was employed to analyse expression and targeting vulnerability of cell cycle regulators in the presence of BCL-XL blockage. Robustness of outcomes and selectivity was further explored using a panel of human breast cancer cells. Orthotopic studies in nude mice were applied for preclinical evaluation of efficacy and toxicity. Alterations of protein expression, phosphorylation, and/or cellular localisation were analysed by western blots, reverse phase protein array, and immunocytochemistry. Bioinformatics was performed to highlight drug's mechanisms of action. Results: We report that high expression levels of the BCL2L1 gene encoding BCL-XL and of specific cell cycle regulators correlate with poor survival outcomes of TNBC patients. Blockage of BCL-XL confers vulnerability to drugs targeting CDK1/2/4, but not FOXM1, CDK4/6, Aurora A and Aurora B, to all MMTV-R26Met and human TNBC cell lines tested. Combined blockage of BCL-XL and CDK1/2/4 interfered with tumour growth in vivo. Mechanistically, we show that, co-targeting of BCL-XL and CDK1/2/4 synergistically inhibited cell viability by combinatorial depletion of survival and RTK/AKT signals, and concomitantly restoring FOXO3a tumour suppression actions. This was accompanied by an accumulation of DNA damage and consequently apoptosis. Conclusions: Our studies illustrate the possibility to exploit the vulnerability of TNBC cells to CDK1/2/4 inhibition by targeting BCL-XL. Moreover, they underline that specificity matters in targeting cell cycle regulators for combinatorial anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Castellanet
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille (France)
| | - Fahmida Ahmad
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille (France)
| | - Yaron Vinik
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Rehovot (Israel)
| | | | - Bianca Habermann
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille (France)
| | - Jean-Paul Borg
- Aix Marseille Univ, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Equipe labellisée Ligue 'Cell polarity, cell signaling and cancer', Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille (France)
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF)
| | - Sima Lev
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Rehovot (Israel)
| | - Fabienne Lamballe
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille (France)
| | - Flavio Maina
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille (France)
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de Nonneville A, Finetti P, Birnbaum D, Mamessier E, Bertucci F. WEE1 Dependency and Pejorative Prognostic Value in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2101030. [PMID: 34227743 PMCID: PMC8425927 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The WEE1 G2 checkpoint kinase acts as a negative cell cycle regulator for entry into mitosis (G2-to-M transition). This comment extends a recent Advanced Science paper by reporting higher WEE1-dependency of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, pejorative prognostic value of WEE1 expression in TNBC clinical samples as well as higher expression of biomarkers of sensitivity to WEE1 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre de Nonneville
- Laboratory of Predictive OncologyInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesComprehensive Cancer CenterAix‐Marseille UnivMarseille13009France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Laboratory of Predictive OncologyInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesComprehensive Cancer CenterAix‐Marseille UnivMarseille13009France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Laboratory of Predictive OncologyInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesComprehensive Cancer CenterAix‐Marseille UnivMarseille13009France
| | - Emilie Mamessier
- Laboratory of Predictive OncologyInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesComprehensive Cancer CenterAix‐Marseille UnivMarseille13009France
| | - François Bertucci
- Laboratory of Predictive OncologyInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesComprehensive Cancer CenterAix‐Marseille UnivMarseille13009France
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Mattiuz R, Brousse C, Ambrosini M, Cancel J, Bessou G, Mussard J, Sanlaville A, Caux C, Bendriss‐Vermare N, Valladeau‐Guilemond J, Dalod M, Crozat K. Type 1 conventional dendritic cells and interferons are required for spontaneous CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell protective responses to breast cancer. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1305. [PMID: 34277006 PMCID: PMC8279130 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To better understand how immune responses may be harnessed against breast cancer, we investigated which immune cell types and signalling pathways are required for spontaneous control of a mouse model of mammary adenocarcinoma. METHODS The NOP23 mammary adenocarcinoma cell line expressing epitopes derived from the ovalbumin model antigen is spontaneously controlled when orthotopically engrafted in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. We combined this breast cancer model with antibody-mediated depletion of lymphocytes and with mutant mice affected in interferon (IFN) or type 1 conventional dendritic cell (cDC1) responses. We monitored tumor growth and immune infiltration including the activation of cognate ovalbumin-specific T cells. RESULTS Breast cancer immunosurveillance required cDC1, NK/NK T cells, conventional CD4+ T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). cDC1 were required constitutively, but especially during T-cell priming. In tumors, cDC1 were interacting simultaneously with CD4+ T cells and tumor-specific CTLs. cDC1 expression of the XCR1 chemokine receptor and of the T-cell-attracting or T-cell-activating cytokines CXCL9, IL-12 and IL-15 was dispensable for tumor rejection, whereas IFN responses were necessary, including cDC1-intrinsic signalling by STAT1 and IFN-γ but not type I IFN (IFN-I). cDC1 and IFNs promoted CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell infiltration, terminal differentiation and effector functions. In breast cancer patients, high intratumor expression of genes specific to cDC1, CTLs, CD4+ T cells or IFN responses is associated with a better prognosis. CONCLUSION Interferons and cDC1 are critical for breast cancer immunosurveillance. IFN-γ plays a prominent role over IFN-I in licensing cDC1 for efficient T-cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Mattiuz
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille‐LuminyTuring Center for Living SystemsCNRSINSERMAix Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
- Present address:
The Precision Immunology Institute and Tisch Cancer InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Carine Brousse
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille‐LuminyTuring Center for Living SystemsCNRSINSERMAix Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| | - Marc Ambrosini
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille‐LuminyTuring Center for Living SystemsCNRSINSERMAix Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| | - Jean‐Charles Cancel
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille‐LuminyTuring Center for Living SystemsCNRSINSERMAix Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| | - Gilles Bessou
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille‐LuminyTuring Center for Living SystemsCNRSINSERMAix Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| | - Julie Mussard
- INSERM 1052CNRS 5286Centre Léon BérardCancer Research Center of LyonUniv LyonUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1LyonFrance
| | - Amélien Sanlaville
- INSERM 1052CNRS 5286Centre Léon BérardCancer Research Center of LyonUniv LyonUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1LyonFrance
| | - Christophe Caux
- INSERM 1052CNRS 5286Centre Léon BérardCancer Research Center of LyonUniv LyonUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1LyonFrance
| | - Nathalie Bendriss‐Vermare
- INSERM 1052CNRS 5286Centre Léon BérardCancer Research Center of LyonUniv LyonUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1LyonFrance
| | - Jenny Valladeau‐Guilemond
- INSERM 1052CNRS 5286Centre Léon BérardCancer Research Center of LyonUniv LyonUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1LyonFrance
| | - Marc Dalod
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille‐LuminyTuring Center for Living SystemsCNRSINSERMAix Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| | - Karine Crozat
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille‐LuminyTuring Center for Living SystemsCNRSINSERMAix Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
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