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Tang XD, Lü KL, Yu J, Du HJ, Fan CQ, Chen L. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of DC-targeting PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating heparanase CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell epitopes for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:2969-2983. [PMID: 35546204 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03209-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Heparanase has been identified as a universal tumor-associated antigen, but heparanase epitope peptides are difficult to recognize. Therefore, it is necessary to explore novel strategies to ensure efficient delivery to antigen-presenting cells. Here, we established a novel immunotherapy model targeting antigens to dendritic cell (DC) receptors using a combination of heparanase CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell epitope peptides to achieve an efficient cytotoxic T-cell response, which was associated with strong activation of DCs. First, pegylated poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were used to encapsulate a combined heparanase CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell epitope alone or in combination with Toll-like receptor 3 and 7 ligands as a model antigen to enhance immunogenicity. The ligands were then targeted to DC cell-surface molecules using a DEC-205 antibody. The binding and internalization of these PLGA NPs and the activation of DCs, the T-cell response and the tumor-killing effect were assessed. The results showed that PLGA NPs encapsulating epitope peptides (mHpa399 + mHpa519) could be targeted to and internalized by DCs more efficiently, stimulating higher levels of IL-12 production, T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ production by T cells in vitro. Moreover, vaccination with DEC-205-targeted PLGA NPs encapsulating combined epitope peptides exhibited higher tumor-killing efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, delivery of PLGA NP vaccines targeting DEC-205 based on heparanase CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell epitopes are suitable immunogens for antitumor immunotherapy and have promising potential for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Dong Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Kui-Lin Lü
- Department of Pediatrics, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Han-Jian Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital and Chongqing Cancer Institute and Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Chao-Qiang Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037, China.
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Mayfosh AJ, Nguyen TK, Hulett MD. The Heparanase Regulatory Network in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11096. [PMID: 34681753 PMCID: PMC8541136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a structural framework that has many important physiological functions which include maintaining tissue structure and integrity, serving as a barrier to invading pathogens, and acting as a reservoir for bioactive molecules. This cellular scaffold is made up of various types of macromolecules including heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). HSPGs comprise a protein core linked to the complex glycosaminoglycan heparan sulfate (HS), the remodeling of which is important for many physiological processes such as wound healing as well as pathological processes including cancer metastasis. Turnover of HS is tightly regulated by a single enzyme capable of cleaving HS side chains: heparanase. Heparanase upregulation has been identified in many inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis, fibrosis, and cancer, where it has been shown to play multiple roles in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and cancer metastasis. Heparanase expression and activity are tightly regulated. Understanding the regulation of heparanase and its downstream targets is attractive for the development of treatments for these diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the regulators of heparanase as well as the enzyme's downstream gene and protein targets, and implications for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyce J. Mayfosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia; (A.J.M.); (T.K.N.)
| | - Tien K. Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia; (A.J.M.); (T.K.N.)
| | - Mark D. Hulett
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia; (A.J.M.); (T.K.N.)
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Tang B, Yang S. Involvement of Heparanase in Gastric Cancer Progression and Immunotherapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1221:351-363. [PMID: 32274717 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-34521-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Heparanase is upregulated in various tumors, and its expression is closely associated with tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis, which accomplishes this mainly through degrading heparan sulfate and releasing heparin-binding growth factors thereby influencing multiple signaling pathways. In addition to its enzymatic degrading activity, heparanase can act via its non-enzymatic mechanisms that directly regulate various signaling. This review mainly focuses on the expression levels and role of heparanase in gastric cancer, and multiple genes and mechanisms regulating heparanase expression in gastric cancer. Furthermore, the development of heparanase-targeted immunotherapy and its potential application for treating gastric cancer are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shiming Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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4
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Role of cell surface proteoglycans in cancer immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 62:48-67. [PMID: 31336150 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, understanding how tumor cells evade the immune system and their communication with their tumor microenvironment, has been the subject of intense investigation, with the aim of developing new cancer immunotherapies. The current therapies against cancer such as monoclonal antibodies against checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell transfer, cytokines, vaccines, and oncolytic viruses have managed to improve the clinical outcome of the patients. However, in some tumor entities, the response is limited and could benefit from the identification of novel therapeutic targets. It is known that tumor-extracellular matrix interplay and matrix remodeling are necessary for anti-tumor and pro-tumoral immune responses. Proteoglycans are dominant components of the extracellular matrix and are a highly heterogeneous group of proteins characterized by the covalent attachment of a specific linear carbohydrate chain of the glycosaminoglycan type. At cell surfaces, these molecules modulate the expression and activity of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, adhesion molecules, and function as signaling co-receptors. By these mechanisms, proteoglycans influence the behavior of cancer cells and their microenvironment during the progression of solid tumors and hematopoietic malignancies. In this review, we discuss why cell surface proteoglycans are attractive pharmacological targets in cancer, and we present current and recent developments in cancer immunology and immunotherapy utilizing proteoglycan-targeted strategies.
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Mayfosh AJ, Baschuk N, Hulett MD. Leukocyte Heparanase: A Double-Edged Sword in Tumor Progression. Front Oncol 2019; 9:331. [PMID: 31110966 PMCID: PMC6501466 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Heparanase is a β-D-endoglucuronidase that cleaves heparan sulfate, a complex glycosaminoglycan found ubiquitously throughout mammalian cells and tissues. Heparanase has been strongly associated with important pathological processes including inflammatory disease and tumor metastasis, through its ability to promote various cellular functions such as cell migration, invasion, adhesion, and cytokine release. A number of cell types express heparanase including leukocytes, cells of the vasculature as well as tumor cells. However, the relative contribution of heparanase from these different cell sources to these processes is poorly defined. It is now well-established that the immune system plays a critical role in shaping tumor progression. Intriguingly, leukocyte-derived heparanase has been shown to either assist or impede tumor progression, depending on the setting. This review covers our current knowledge of heparanase in immune regulation of tumor progression, as well as the potential applications and implications of exploiting or inhibiting heparanase in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyce J Mayfosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nikola Baschuk
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark D Hulett
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Wu W, Zhao L, Yu Y, Hu H, Shi H, Jia Q, Du L. Heparanase expression in blood is sensitive to monitor response to anticancer treatment in pancreatic cancer, a pilot study. Pancreatology 2018; 18:100-105. [PMID: 29153700 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND /Objectives: High heparanase level was shown in maliganant tumor; however, whether or not heparanase may serve as a sensitive marker to monitor response to anticancer treatment is still unknown. METHODS In the pilot study, heparanase mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cell fraction (PBMC) and activity in plasma and urine were detected by quantitative real time RT-PCR and heparan-degrading enzyme assay in 31 pancreatic cancer patients. RESULTS Heparanase mRNA and activity in samples from cancer patients were significantly higher than that in healthy donors. Both heparanase mRNA and activity in plasma and urine decreased significantly in 17 patients who underwent R0 resection, but increased remarkably in 6 patients when recurrence or metastasis occurred (P < 0.05). However, those who underwent R1 or R2 resection in 6 patients kept stable. For 8 patients who received chemotherapy, heparanase mRNA and activity in plasma and urine decreased in each of the samples (P < 0.05). Patients with high heparanase mRNA (≥a cutoff value of 1.84) in PBMC and activity in plasma (≥1.30U/ml) were associated with a poor postoperative survival (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Heparanase mRNA in PBMC and activity in plasma are closely correlated with therapeutic responsiveness and survival time, indicating that heparanase level in blood might be a sensitive but non-specific marker to monitor patients' response to anticancer treatment and to predict survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wujun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China.
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Yongtian Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Haitian Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Huaiping Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Qian'an Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Lixue Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
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7
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Heyman B, Yang Y. Mechanisms of heparanase inhibitors in cancer therapy. Exp Hematol 2016; 44:1002-1012. [PMID: 27576132 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Heparanase is an endo-β-D-glucuronidase capable of cleaving heparan sulfate side chains contributing to breakdown of the extracellular matrix. Increased expression of heparanase has been observed in numerous malignancies and is associated with a poor prognosis. It has generated significant interest as a potential antineoplastic target because of the multiple roles it plays in tumor growth and metastasis. The protumorigenic effects of heparanase are enhanced by the release of heparan sulfate side chains, with subsequent increase in bioactive fragments and cytokine levels that promote tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Preclinical experiments have found heparanase inhibitors to substantially reduce tumor growth and metastasis, leading to clinical trials with heparan sulfate mimetics. In this review, we examine the role of heparanase in tumor biology and its interaction with heparan surface proteoglycans, specifically syndecan-1, as well as the mechanism of action for heparanase inhibitors developed as antineoplastic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Heyman
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yiping Yang
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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8
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Tang XD, Guo SL, Wang GZ, Li N, Wu YY, Fang DC, Fan YH, Yang SM. In vitro and ex vivo evaluation of a multi-epitope heparinase vaccine for various malignancies. Cancer Sci 2013; 105:9-17. [PMID: 24152338 PMCID: PMC4317872 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that heparanase (Hpa) might represent a candidate universal tumor-associated antigen. However, vaccine therapy targeting only one cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope is suboptimal in preventing cancer. In the present study, we designed heparanase multi-epitope vaccines to increase the immune response to standard single heparanase epitopes. The results showed that multi-epitope vaccines Hpa525 + 277 + 405 + 16 and Hpa8 + 310 + 315 + 363 induced higher Hpa-specific lysis of various cancer cells from different tissues in a HLA-A2-restricted and heparanase-specific manner compared with the single epitope vaccines Hpa525, Hpa277, Hpa405, Hpa16, Hpa8, Hpa310, Hpa315 and Hpa363, both in vitro and ex vivo. Heparanase multi-epitope vaccines not only induced the heparanase-specific CTL to lyse tumor cells but also increased CTL secretion of interferon-γ. However, these heparanase-specific CTL did not lyse heparanase-expressing autologous lymphocytes and dendritic cells, which confirms the safety of these multi-epitope vaccines. Therefore, the present study provides theoretical evidence for the use of heparanase multi-epitope vaccines for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Dong Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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9
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Guo J, Li G, Tang J, Cao XB, Zhou QY, Fan ZJ, Zhu B, Pan XH. HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes from human hepsin as novel targets for prostate cancer immunotherapy. Scand J Immunol 2013; 78:248-57. [PMID: 23721092 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepsin is a type II transmembrane serine protease that is overexpressed in prostate cancer, and it is associated with prostate cancer cellular migration and invasion. Therefore, HPN is a biomarker for prostate cancer. CD8(+) T cells play an important role in tumour immunity. This study predicted and identified HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes in human hepsin protein. HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes were identified using the following four-step procedure: (1) a computer program generated predicted epitopes from the amino acid sequence of human hepsin; (2) an HLA-A2-binding assay detected the affinity of the predicted epitopes to the HLA-A2 molecule; (3) the primary T cell response against the predicted epitopes was stimulated in vitro; and (4) the induced CTLs towards different types of hepsin- or HLA-A2-expressing prostate cancer cells were detected. Five candidate peptides were identified. The effectors that were induced by human hepsin epitopes containing residues 229 to 237 (Hpn229; GLQLGVQAV), 268 to 276 (Hpn268; PLTEYIQPV) and 191 to 199 (Hpn199; SLLSGDWVL) effectively lysed LNCaP prostate cancer cells that were hepsin-positive and HLA-A2 matched. These peptide-specific CTLs did not lyse normal liver cells with low hepsin levels. Hpn229, Hpn268 and Hpn199 increased the frequency of IFN-γ-producing T cells compared with the negative peptide. These results suggest that the Hpn229, Hpn268 and Hpn199 epitopes are novel HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes that are capable of inducing hepsin-specific CTLs in vitro. Hpn229, Hpn268 and Hpn199 peptide-based vaccines may be useful for immunotherapy in patients with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Guo
- The Research Center of Stem Cell, Tissue and Organ Engineering, Kunming General Hospital of PLA, Kunming, China
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Liao ZL, Luo G, Xie X, Tang XD, Bai JY, Guo H, Yang SM. Diepitope multiple antigen peptide of hTERT trigger stronger anti-tumor immune responses in vitro. Int Immunopharmacol 2013; 16:444-50. [PMID: 23714071 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Rapid advances in immune system knowledge have led to the exploration of immunologic approaches for eliminating tumor cells. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is considered to be an ideal universal target for novel immunotherapies against cancers. Thus far, studies of effective antitumor immunotherapies have focused on the quantity and quality of the effector function of the CD8 compartment. However, increasing evidence has demonstrated that CD4+ T cells play important roles in generating and maintaining antitumor immune responses in animal models. The aim of this work was to verify whether diepitope multiple antigen peptides (MAPs) that were composed of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope of hTERT and the T-helper epitope of hTERT could improve upon the immunogenicity of a monoepitope MAP of hTERT. Dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with diepitope MAPs composed of the CTL epitope hTERT-540 and the T-helper epitope hTERT-766 were used to evaluate immune responses against various tumor cells. A standard in vitro 4-h ⁵¹Cr-release assay was employed in this study. The results demonstrated that CTLs activated by the diepitope MAP that consisted of hTERT-540 and hTERT-766 could cause 8.56% more lysis than CTLs activated by the monoepitope MAP containing hTERT-540. Moreover, the activated CTLs could kill neither hTERT-negative tumor cells, such as U2OS cells, nor HLA-A2 negative cells, such as HepG2 cells. Our results indicate that diepitope MAPs that are generated from hTERT can be exploited for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Li Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, P.R. China
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11
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ZHANG JUN, YANG JIANMIN, FAN DAIMING, TAO HOUQUAN, WANG HUIJU, YU TONG. Peptide FLNPDVLDI of heparanase is a novel HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitope and elicits potent immunological antitumor effects in vitro with an 8-branched design. Oncol Rep 2013; 29:1955-61. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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12
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Liao ZL, Tang XD, Lü MH, Wu YY, Cao YL, Fang DC, Yang SM, Guo H. Antitumor effect of new multiple antigen peptide based on HLA-A0201-restricted CTL epitopes of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Cancer Sci 2012; 103:1920-8. [PMID: 22909416 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2012.02410.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of peptide vaccines aimed at enhancing immune responses against tumor cells is becoming a promising area of research. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is an ideal universal target for novel immunotherapies against cancers. The aim of this work was to verify whether the multiple antigen peptides (MAP) based on HLA-A0201-restricted CTL epitopes of hTERT could trigger a better and more sustained CTL response and kill multiple types of hTERT-positive tumor cells in vitro and ex vivo. Dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with MAP based on HLA-A0201-restricted CTL epitopes of hTERT (hTERT-540, hTERT-865 and hTERT-572Y) were used to evaluate immune responses against various tumors and were compared to the immune responses resulting from the use of corresponding linear epitopes and a recombinant adenovirus-hTERT vector. A 4-h standard (51) Cr-release assay and an ELISPOT assay were used for both in vitro and ex vivo analyses. Results demonstrated that targeting hTERT with an adenovector was the most effective way to stimulate a CD8(+) T cell response. When compared with linear hTERT epitopes, MAP could trigger stronger hTERT-specific CTL responses against tumor cells expressing hTERT and HLA-A0201. In contrast, the activated CTL could neither kill the hTERT-negative tumor cells, such as U2OS cells, nor kill HLA-A0201 negative cells, such as HepG2 cells. We also found that these peptide-specific CTL could not kill autologous lymphocytes and DC with low telomerase activity. Our results indicate that MAP from hTERT can be exploited for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Li Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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13
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Vlodavsky I, Beckhove P, Lerner I, Pisano C, Meirovitz A, Ilan N, Elkin M. Significance of heparanase in cancer and inflammation. CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT SOCIETY 2012; 5:115-32. [PMID: 21811836 PMCID: PMC3399068 DOI: 10.1007/s12307-011-0082-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are primary components at the interface between virtually every eukaryotic cell and its extracellular matrix. HSPGs not only provide a storage depot for heparin-binding molecules in the cell microenvironment, but also decisively regulate their accessibility, function and mode of action. As such, they are intimately involved in modulating cell invasion and signaling loops that are critical for tumor growth, inflammation and kidney function. In a series of studies performed since the cloning of the human heparanase gene, we and others have demonstrated that heparanase, the sole heparan sulfate degrading endoglycosidase, is causally involved in cancer progression, inflammation and diabetic nephropathy and hence is a valid target for drug development. Heparanase is causally involved in inflammation and accelerates colon tumorigenesis associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Notably, heparanase stimulates macrophage activation, while macrophages induce production and activation of latent heparanase contributed by the colon epithelium, together generating a vicious cycle that powers colitis and the associated tumorigenesis. Heparanase also plays a decisive role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, degrading heparan sulfate in the glomerular basement membrane and ultimately leading to proteinuria and kidney dysfunction. Notably, clinically relevant doses of ionizing radiation (IR) upregulate heparanase expression and thereby augment the metastatic potential of pancreatic carcinoma. Thus, combining radiotherapy with heparanase inhibition is an effective strategy to prevent tumor resistance and dissemination in IR-treated pancreatic cancer patients. Also, accumulating evidence indicate that peptides derived from human heparanase elicit a potent anti-tumor immune response, suggesting that heparanase represents a promising target antigen for immunotherapeutic approaches against a broad variety of tumours. Oligosaccharide-based compounds that inhibit heparanase enzymatic activity were developed, aiming primarily at halting tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis. Some of these compounds are being evaluated in clinical trials, targeting both the tumor and tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Vlodavsky
- Cancer and Vascular Biology Research Center, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, P. O. Box 9649, Haifa, 31096, Israel,
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14
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Tang XD, Wang GZ, Guo J, Lü MH, Li C, Li N, Chao YL, Li CZ, Wu YY, Hu CJ, Fang DC, Yang SM. Multiple Antigenic Peptides Based on H-2Kb–Restricted CTL Epitopes from Murine Heparanase Induce a Potent Antitumor Immune Response In Vivo. Mol Cancer Ther 2012; 11:1183-92. [PMID: 22442309 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Dong Tang
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
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15
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Wang GZ, Tang XD, Lü MH, Gao JH, Liang GP, Li N, Li CZ, Wu YY, Chen L, Cao YL, Fang DC, Yang SM. Multiple antigenic peptides of human heparanase elicit a much more potent immune response against tumors. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2011; 4:1285-95. [PMID: 21505182 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-11-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Peptide vaccination for cancer immunotherapy requires an ideal immune response induced by epitope peptides derived from tumor-associated antigens (TAA). Heparanase is broadly expressed in various advanced tumors. Accumulating evidence suggests that heparanase can serve as a universal TAA for tumor immunotherapy. However, due to the low immunogenicity of peptide vaccines, an ideal immune response against tumors usually cannot be elicited in patients. To increase the immunogenicity of peptide vaccines, we designed three 4-branched multiple antigenic peptides (MAP) on the basis of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes of human heparanase that we identified previously as antigen carriers. Our results show that MAP vaccines based on the HLA-A2-restricted CLT epitopes of human heparanase were capable of inducing HLA-A2-restricted and heparanase-specific CTL in vitro and in mice. Moreover, compared with their corresponding linear peptides, heparanase MAP vaccines elicited much stronger lysis of tumor cells by activating CD8(+) T lymphocytes and increasing the releasing of IFN-γ. However, these heparanase-specific CTLs did not lyse heparanase-expressing autologous lymphocytes and dendritic cells, which confirm the safety of these MAP vaccines. Therefore, our findings indicate that MAP vaccines based on CTL epitopes of human heparanase can be used as potent immunogens for tumor immunotherapy because of advantages such as broad spectrum, high effectiveness, high specificity, and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Zhen Wang
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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16
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Zhang YF, Tang XD, Gao JH, Fang DC, Yang SM. Heparanase: a universal immunotherapeutic target in human cancers. Drug Discov Today 2011; 16:412-7. [PMID: 21376137 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2011.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Revised: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Heparanase has been identified as a particularly important player in metastasis, and its expression directly correlates with the metastatic spread of various tumors. Ideal targets for immunotherapy are gene products that are silenced in normal tissues but overexpressed in cancer, and that are directly involved in tumor cell survival and progression. Metastasis is the culmination of neoplastic progression. The importance of the role of heparanase in metastasis implies that immune escape by downregulation of heparanase expression could reduce the mortality of the cancer. These characteristics of heparanase make it an attractive universal target for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review current knowledge about heparanase and its involvement in tumor metastasis, with an emphasis on recent results from heparanase-targeted cancer immunotherapy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Fei Zhang
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, PR China
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17
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Vlodavsky I, Elkin M, Ilan N. Impact of heparanase and the tumor microenvironment on cancer metastasis and angiogenesis: basic aspects and clinical applications. Rambam Maimonides Med J 2011; 2:e0019. [PMID: 23908791 PMCID: PMC3678787 DOI: 10.5041/rmmj.10019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Heparanase is an endo-β-D-glucuronidase that cleaves heparan sulfate (HS) side chains at a limited number of sites, activity that is strongly implicated with cell invasion associated with cancer metastasis, a consequence of structural modification that loosens the extracellular matrix barrier. Heparanase activity is also implicated in neovascularization, inflammation, and autoimmunity, involving migration of vascular endothelial cells and activated cells of the immune system. The cloning of a single human heparanase cDNA 10 years ago enabled researchers to critically approve the notion that HS cleavage by heparanase is required for structural remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby facilitating cell invasion. Heparanase is preferentially expressed in human tumors and its over-expression in tumor cells confers an invasive phenotype in experimental animals. The enzyme also releases angiogenic factors residing in the tumor microenvironment and thereby induces an angiogenic response in vivo. Heparanase up-regulation correlates with increased tumor vascularity and poor postoperative survival of cancer patients. These observations, the anticancerous effect of heparanase gene silencing and of heparanase-inhibiting molecules, as well as the unexpected identification of a single functional heparanase suggest that the enzyme is a promising target for anticancer drug development. Progress in the field expanded the scope of heparanase function and its significance in tumor progression and other pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease and diabetic nephropathy. Notably, while heparanase inhibitors attenuated tumor progression and metastasis in several experimental systems, other studies revealed that heparanase also functions in an enzymatic activity-independent manner. Thus, point-mutated inactive heparanase was noted to promote phosphorylation of signaling molecules such as Akt and Src, facilitating gene transcription (i.e. VEGF) and phosphorylation of selected Src substrates (i.e. EGF receptor). The concept of enzymatic activity-independent function of heparanase gained substantial support by elucidation of the heparanase C-terminus domain as the molecular determinant behind its signaling capacity and the identification of a human heparanase splice variant (T5) devoid of enzymatic activity, yet endowed with protumorigenic characteristics. Resolving the heparanase crystal structure will accelerate rational design of effective inhibitory molecules and neutralizing antibodies, paving the way for advanced clinical trials in patients with cancer and other diseases involving heparanase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Vlodavsky
- Cancer and Vascular Biology Research Center, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa 31096, Israel; and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| | - Michael Elkin
- Sharett Institute, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Neta Ilan
- Cancer and Vascular Biology Research Center, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa 31096, Israel; and
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18
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Barash U, Cohen-Kaplan V, Dowek I, Sanderson RD, Ilan N, Vlodavsky I. Proteoglycans in health and disease: new concepts for heparanase function in tumor progression and metastasis. FEBS J 2010; 277:3890-903. [PMID: 20840586 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2010.07799.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Heparanase is an endo-β-D-glucuronidase capable of cleaving heparan sulfate side chains at a limited number of sites, yielding heparan sulfate fragments of still appreciable size. Importantly, heparanase activity correlates with the metastatic potential of tumor-derived cells, attributed to enhanced cell dissemination as a consequence of heparan sulfate cleavage and remodeling of the extracellular matrix and basement membrane underlying epithelial and endothelial cells. Similarly, heparanase activity is implicated in neovascularization, inflammation and autoimmunity, involving the migration of vascular endothelial cells and activated cells of the immune system. The cloning of a single human heparanase cDNA 10 years ago enabled researchers to critically approve the notion that heparan sulfate cleavage by heparanase is required for structural remodeling of the extracellular matrix, thereby facilitating cell invasion. Progress in the field has expanded the scope of heparanase function and its significance in tumor progression and other pathologies. Notably, although heparanase inhibitors attenuated tumor progression and metastasis in several experimental systems, other studies revealed that heparanase also functions in an enzymatic activity-independent manner. Thus, inactive heparanase was noted to facilitate adhesion and migration of primary endothelial cells and to promote phosphorylation of signaling molecules such as Akt and Src, facilitating gene transcription (i.e. vascular endothelial growth factor) and phosphorylation of selected Src substrates (i.e. endothelial growth factor receptor). The concept of enzymatic activity-independent function of heparanase gained substantial support by the recent identification of the heparanase C-terminus domain as the molecular determinant behind its signaling capacity. Identification and characterization of a human heparanase splice variant (T5) devoid of enzymatic activity and endowed with protumorigenic characteristics, elucidation of cross-talk between heparanase and other extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes, and identification of single nucleotide polymorphism associated with heparanase expression and increased risk of graft versus host disease add other layers of complexity to heparanase function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Barash
- Cancer and Vascular Biology Research Center, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel
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