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Zhang X, Zhao Z, Wang X, Zhang S, Zhao Z, Feng W, Xu L, Nie J, Li H, Liu J, Xiao G, Zhang Y, Li H, Lu M, Mai J, Zhou S, Zhao AZ, Li F. Deprivation of methionine inhibits osteosarcoma growth and metastasis via C1orf112-mediated regulation of mitochondrial functions. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:349. [PMID: 38769167 PMCID: PMC11106329 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06727-1] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that primarily inflicts the youth. It often metastasizes to the lungs after chemotherapy failure, which eventually shortens patients' lives. Thus, there is a dire clinical need to develop a novel therapy to tackle osteosarcoma metastasis. Methionine dependence is a special metabolic characteristic of most malignant tumor cells that may offer a target pathway for such therapy. Herein, we demonstrated that methionine deficiency restricted the growth and metastasis of cultured human osteosarcoma cells. A genetically engineered Salmonella, SGN1, capable of overexpressing an L-methioninase and hydrolyzing methionine led to significant reduction of methionine and S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) specifically in tumor tissues, drastically restricted the growth and metastasis in subcutaneous xenograft, orthotopic, and tail vein-injected metastatic models, and prolonged the survival of the model animals. SGN1 also sharply suppressed the growth of patient-derived organoid and xenograft. Methionine restriction in the osteosarcoma cells initiated severe mitochondrial dysfunction, as evident in the dysregulated gene expression of respiratory chains, increased mitochondrial ROS generation, reduced ATP production, decreased basal and maximum respiration, and damaged mitochondrial membrane potential. Transcriptomic and molecular analysis revealed the reduction of C1orf112 expression as a primary mechanism underlies methionine deprivation-initiated suppression on the growth and metastasis as well as mitochondrial functions. Collectively, our findings unraveled a molecular linkage between methionine restriction, mitochondrial function, and osteosarcoma growth and metastasis. A pharmacological agent, such as SGN1, that can achieve tumor specific deprivation of methionine may represent a promising modality against the metastasis of osteosarcoma and potentially other types of sarcomas as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xindan Zhang
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenggang Zhao
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuepeng Wang
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiwei Zhang
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zilong Zhao
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Feng
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijun Xu
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junhua Nie
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- Biomedical Laboratory, Guangzhou Jingke Life Science Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Liu
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gengmiao Xiao
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haomiao Li
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialuo Mai
- Guangzhou Sinogen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sujin Zhou
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Allan Z Zhao
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Fanghong Li
- The School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhang Y, Bailey TS, Hittmeyer P, Dubois LJ, Theys J, Lambin P. Multiplex genetic manipulations in Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium sporogenes to secrete recombinant antigen proteins for oral-spore vaccination. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:119. [PMID: 38659027 PMCID: PMC11040787 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02389-y] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium spp. has demonstrated therapeutic potential in cancer treatment through intravenous or intratumoral administration. This approach has expanded to include non-pathogenic clostridia for the treatment of various diseases, underscoring the innovative concept of oral-spore vaccination using clostridia. Recent advancements in the field of synthetic biology have significantly enhanced the development of Clostridium-based bio-therapeutics. These advancements are particularly notable in the areas of efficient protein overexpression and secretion, which are crucial for the feasibility of oral vaccination strategies. Here, we present two examples of genetically engineered Clostridium candidates: one as an oral cancer vaccine and the other as an antiviral oral vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS Using five validated promoters and a signal peptide derived from Clostridium sporogenes, a series of full-length NY-ESO-1/CTAG1, a promising cancer vaccine candidate, expression vectors were constructed and transformed into C. sporogenes and Clostridium butyricum. Western blotting analysis confirmed efficient expression and secretion of NY-ESO-1 in clostridia, with specific promoters leading to enhanced detection signals. Additionally, the fusion of a reported bacterial adjuvant to NY-ESO-1 for improved immune recognition led to the cloning difficulties in E. coli. The use of an AUU start codon successfully mitigated potential toxicity issues in E. coli, enabling the secretion of recombinant proteins in C. sporogenes and C. butyricum. We further demonstrate the successful replacement of PyrE loci with high-expression cassettes carrying NY-ESO-1 and adjuvant-fused NY-ESO-1, achieving plasmid-free clostridia capable of secreting the antigens. Lastly, the study successfully extends its multiplex genetic manipulations to engineer clostridia for the secretion of SARS-CoV-2-related Spike_S1 antigens. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully demonstrated that C. butyricum and C. sporogenes can produce the two recombinant antigen proteins (NY-ESO-1 and SARS-CoV-2-related Spike_S1 antigens) through genetic manipulations, utilizing the AUU start codon. This approach overcomes challenges in cloning difficult proteins in E. coli. These findings underscore the feasibility of harnessing commensal clostridia for antigen protein secretion, emphasizing the applicability of non-canonical translation initiation across diverse species with broad implications for medical or industrial biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchao Zhang
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands.
| | - Tom S Bailey
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Philip Hittmeyer
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
- LivingMed Biotech BV, Clos Chanmurly 13, Liège, 4000, Belgium
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands.
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Yarahmadi A, Zare M, Aghayari M, Afkhami H, Jafari GA. Therapeutic bacteria and viruses to combat cancer: double-edged sword in cancer therapy: new insights for future. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:239. [PMID: 38654309 PMCID: PMC11040964 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01622-w] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, ranked as the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, leads to the death of approximately seven million people annually, establishing itself as one of the most significant health challenges globally. The discovery and identification of new anti-cancer drugs that kill or inactivate cancer cells without harming normal and healthy cells and reduce adverse effects on the immune system is a potential challenge in medicine and a fundamental goal in Many studies. Therapeutic bacteria and viruses have become a dual-faceted instrument in cancer therapy. They provide a promising avenue for cancer treatment, but at the same time, they also create significant obstacles and complications that contribute to cancer growth and development. This review article explores the role of bacteria and viruses in cancer treatment, examining their potential benefits and drawbacks. By amalgamating established knowledge and perspectives, this review offers an in-depth examination of the present research landscape within this domain and identifies avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Yarahmadi
- Department of Biology, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mitra Zare
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Aghayari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gholam Ali Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
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Jia J, Wang X, Lin X, Zhao Y. Engineered Microorganisms for Advancing Tumor Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2313389. [PMID: 38485221 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Engineered microorganisms have attracted significant interest as a unique therapeutic platform in tumor treatment. Compared with conventional cancer treatment strategies, engineering microorganism-based systems provide various distinct advantages, such as the intrinsic capability in targeting tumors, their inherent immunogenicity, in situ production of antitumor agents, and multiple synergistic functions to fight against tumors. Herein, the design, preparation, and application of the engineered microorganisms for advanced tumor therapy are thoroughly reviewed. This review presents a comprehensive survey of innovative tumor therapeutic strategies based on a series of representative engineered microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, microalgae, and fungi. Specifically, it offers extensive analyses of the design principles, engineering strategies, and tumor therapeutic mechanisms, as well as the advantages and limitations of different engineered microorganism-based systems. Finally, the current challenges and future research prospects in this field, which can inspire new ideas for the design of creative tumor therapy paradigms utilizing engineered microorganisms and facilitate their clinical applications, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxuan Jia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xiaocheng Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, China
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5
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Wang Z, Sun W, Hua R, Wang Y, Li Y, Zhang H. Promising dawn in tumor microenvironment therapy: engineering oral bacteria. Int J Oral Sci 2024; 16:24. [PMID: 38472176 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-024-00282-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research, cancer continues to be a major global health concern. The human mouth appears to be a multiplicity of local environments communicating with other organs and causing diseases via microbes. Nowadays, the role of oral microbes in the development and progression of cancer has received increasing scrutiny. At the same time, bioengineering technology and nanotechnology is growing rapidly, in which the physiological activities of natural bacteria are modified to improve the therapeutic efficiency of cancers. These engineered bacteria were transformed to achieve directed genetic reprogramming, selective functional reorganization and precise control. In contrast to endotoxins produced by typical genetically modified bacteria, oral flora exhibits favorable biosafety characteristics. To outline the current cognitions upon oral microbes, engineered microbes and human cancers, related literatures were searched and reviewed based on the PubMed database. We focused on a number of oral microbes and related mechanisms associated with the tumor microenvironment, which involve in cancer occurrence and development. Whether engineering oral bacteria can be a possible application of cancer therapy is worth consideration. A deeper understanding of the relationship between engineered oral bacteria and cancer therapy may enhance our knowledge of tumor pathogenesis thus providing new insights and strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wansu Sun
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruixue Hua
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanyin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Hengguo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Zheng K, Feng Y, Li L, Kong F, Gao J, Kong X. Engineered bacterial outer membrane vesicles: a versatile bacteria-based weapon against gastrointestinal tumors. Theranostics 2024; 14:761-787. [PMID: 38169585 PMCID: PMC10758051 DOI: 10.7150/thno.85917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are nanoscale lipid bilayer structures released by gram-negative bacteria. They share membrane composition and properties with their originating cells, making them adept at traversing cellular barriers. These OMVs have demonstrated exceptional membrane stability, immunogenicity, safety, penetration, and tumor-targeting properties, which have been leveraged in developing vaccines and drug delivery systems. Recent research efforts have focused on engineering OMVs to increase production yield, reduce cytotoxicity, and improve the safety and efficacy of treatment. Notably, gastrointestinal (GI) tumors have proven resistant to several traditional oncological treatment strategies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in some patients, their usage as monotherapy remains limited by tumor heterogeneity and individual variability. The immunogenic and modifiable nature of OMVs makes them an ideal design platform for the individualized treatment of GI tumors. OMV-based therapy enables combination therapy and optimization of anti-tumor effects. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in OMV engineering for GI tumor therapy and discusses the challenges in the clinical translation of emerging OMV-based anti-tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshuang Zheng
- National Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of the Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongpu Feng
- National Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of the Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Li
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanyang Kong
- National Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of the Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Changhai Clinical Research Unit, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Kong
- National Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of the Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Changhai Clinical Research Unit, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Moradbeygi F, Ghasemi Y, Farmani AR, Hemmati S. Glucarpidase (carboxypeptidase G2): Biotechnological production, clinical application as a methotrexate antidote, and placement in targeted cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115292. [PMID: 37579696 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115292] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients receiving high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) for malignancies are exposed to diverse complications, including nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, mucositis, myelotoxicity, neurological symptoms, and death. Glucarpidase is a recombinant carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) that converts MTX into nontoxic metabolites. In this study, the role of vector type, gene optimization, orientation, and host on the expression of CPG2 is investigated. The effectiveness of various therapeutic regimens containing glucarpidase is classified and perspectives on the dose adjustment based on precision medicine are provided. Conjugation with cell-penetrating peptides, human serum albumin, and polymers such as PEG and dextran for delivery, higher stability, and production of the biobetter variants of CPG2 is highlighted. Conjugation of CPG2 to F(ab՜)2 or scFv antibody fragments against tumor-specific antigens and the corresponding prodrugs for tumor-targeted drug delivery using the antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) is communicated. Trials to reduce the off-target effects and the possibility of repeated ADEPT cycles by adding pro-domains sensitive to tumor-overexpressed proteases, antiCPG2 antibodies, CPG2 mutants with immune-system-unrecognizable epitopes, and protective polymers are reported. Intracellular cpg2 gene expression by gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) and the concerns regarding the safety and transfection efficacy of the GDEPT vectors are described. A novel bifunctional platform using engineered CAR-T cell micropharmacies, known as Synthetic Enzyme-Armed KillER (SEAKER) cells, expressing CPG2 to activate prodrugs at the tumor niche is introduced. Taken together, integrated data in this review and recruiting combinatorial strategies in novel drug delivery systems define the future directions of ADEPT, GDEPT, and SEAKER cell therapy and the placement of CPG2 therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moradbeygi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Farmani
- Tissue Engineering Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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8
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Anderson TS, McCormick AL, Daugherity EA, Oladejo M, Okpalanwaka IF, Smith SL, Appiah D, Wood LM, Lowe DB. Listeria-based vaccination against the pericyte antigen RGS5 elicits anti-vascular effects and colon cancer protection. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2260620. [PMID: 37781234 PMCID: PMC10540654 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2260620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality despite efforts to improve standard interventions. As CRC patients can benefit from immunotherapeutic strategies that incite effector T cell action, cancer vaccines represent a safe and promising therapeutic approach to elicit protective and durable immune responses against components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we investigate the pre-clinical potential of a Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)-based vaccine targeting the CRC-associated vasculature. CRC survival and progression are reliant on functioning blood vessels to effectively mediate various metabolic processes and oxygenate underlying tissues. We, therefore, advance the strategy of initiating immunity in syngeneic mouse models against the endogenous pericyte antigen RGS5, which is a critical mediator of pathological vascularization. Overall, Lm-based vaccination safely induced potent anti-tumor effects that consisted of recruiting functional Type-1-associated T cells into the TME and reducing tumor blood vessel content. This study underscores the promising clinical potential of targeting RGS5 against vascularized tumors like CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor S. Anderson
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Amanda L. McCormick
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Daugherity
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Mariam Oladejo
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Izuchukwu F. Okpalanwaka
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Savanna L. Smith
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Duke Appiah
- Department of Public Health, School of Population and Public Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Laurence M. Wood
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Devin B. Lowe
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
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