1
|
Yang C, Zhao L, Lin Y, Wang S, Ye Y, Shen Z. Improving the efficiency of immune checkpoint inhibitors for metastatic pMMR/MSS colorectal cancer: Options and strategies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 200:104204. [PMID: 37984588 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104204] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment and been extensively used for patients with metastastic colorectal cancer (mCRC), especially those harboring deficient mismatch repair/ microsatellite instability (dMMR/MSI). However, the majority of mCRC are classified as proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stability(pMMR/MSS) type characterized by a cold immune microenvironment, rendering them generally unresponsive to ICIs. How to improve the efficacy of ICIs for these patients is an important issue to be solved. On the one hand, it is urgent to discover the predictive biomarkers and clinical characteristics associated with effectiveness and expand the subset of pMMR/MSS mCRC patients who benefit from ICIs. Additionally, combined strategies are being explored to modulate the immune microenvironment of pMMR/MSS CRC and facilitate the conversion of cold tumors into hot tumors. In this review, we have focused on the recent advancements in the predictive biomarkers and combination therapeutic strategies with ICIs for pMMR/MSS mCRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changjiang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Yilin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Yingjiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Zhanlong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Trnkova L, Buocikova V, Mego M, Cumova A, Burikova M, Bohac M, Miklikova S, Cihova M, Smolkova B. Epigenetic deregulation in breast cancer microenvironment: Implications for tumor progression and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116559. [PMID: 38603889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116559] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer comprises a substantial proportion of cancer diagnoses in women and is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality. While hormone-responsive cases generally have a favorable prognosis, the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer presents challenges, with intrinsic resistance to established treatments being a persistent issue. The complexity intensifies with the emergence of acquired resistance, further complicating the management of breast cancer. Epigenetic changes, encompassing DNA methylation, histone and RNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs, are acknowledged as crucial contributors to the heterogeneity of breast cancer. The unique epigenetic landscape harbored by each cellular component within the tumor microenvironment (TME) adds great diversity to the intricate regulations which influence therapeutic responses. The TME, a sophisticated ecosystem of cellular and non-cellular elements interacting with tumor cells, establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment and fuels processes such as tumor growth, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. These factors contribute to challenging conditions in cancer treatment by fostering a hypoxic environment, inducing metabolic stress, and creating physical barriers to drug delivery. This article delves into the complex connections between breast cancer treatment response, underlying epigenetic changes, and vital interactions within the TME. To restore sensitivity to treatment, it emphasizes the need for combination therapies considering epigenetic changes specific to individual members of the TME. Recognizing the pivotal role of epigenetics in drug resistance and comprehending the specificities of breast TME is essential for devising more effective therapeutic strategies. The development of reliable biomarkers for patient stratification will facilitate tailored and precise treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Trnkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia; 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Cumova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Monika Burikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Martin Bohac
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia; Regenmed Ltd., Medena 29, Bratislava 811 01, Slovakia; Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava 811 08, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li NN, Lun DX, Gong N, Meng G, Du XY, Wang H, Bao X, Li XY, Song JW, Hu K, Li L, Li SY, Liu W, Zhu W, Zhang Y, Li J, Yao T, Mou L, Han X, Hao F, Hu Y, Liu L, Zhu H, Wu Y, Liu B. Targeting the chromatin structural changes of antitumor immunity. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100905. [PMID: 38665224 PMCID: PMC11043877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.11.012] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenomic imbalance drives abnormal transcriptional processes, promoting the onset and progression of cancer. Although defective gene regulation generally affects carcinogenesis and tumor suppression networks, tumor immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumor responses may also be affected by epigenomic changes, which may have significant implications for the development and application of epigenetic therapy, cancer immunotherapy, and their combinations. Herein, we focus on the impact of epigenetic regulation on tumor immune cell function and the role of key abnormal epigenetic processes, DNA methylation, histone post-translational modification, and chromatin structure in tumor immunogenicity, and introduce these epigenetic research methods. We emphasize the value of small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic modulators in enhancing antitumor immune responses and discuss the challenges of developing treatment plans that combine epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy through the complex interaction between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nian-nian Li
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
- School of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Deng-xing Lun
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Ningning Gong
- Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Gang Meng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Ankang University, Ankang, Shaanxi, 725000, China
| | - Xin-ying Du
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - He Wang
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Xiangxiang Bao
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Xin-yang Li
- Guizhou Education University, Guiyang, 550018, China
| | - Ji-wu Song
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Kewei Hu
- Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Lala Li
- Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Si-ying Li
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Wanping Zhu
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Yunlong Zhang
- School of Medical Imaging, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, China
| | - Jikai Li
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, 300299, China
| | - Ting Yao
- School of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Teda Institute of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Leming Mou
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Xiaoqing Han
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Furong Hao
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Yongcheng Hu
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Hongguang Zhu
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Yuyun Wu
- Xinqiao Hospital of Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
- School of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Teda Institute of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300457, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Russo S, Feola S, Feodoroff M, Chiaro J, Antignani G, Fusciello M, D’Alessio F, Hamdan F, Pellinen T, Mölsä R, Tripodi L, Pastore L, Grönholm M, Cerullo V. Low-dose decitabine enhances the efficacy of viral cancer vaccines for immunotherapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200766. [PMID: 38596301 PMCID: PMC10869747 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy requires a specific antitumor CD8+ T cell-driven immune response; however, upon genetic and epigenetic alterations of the antigen processing and presenting components, cancer cells escape the CD8+ T cell recognition. As a result, poorly immunogenic tumors are refractory to conventional immunotherapy. In this context, the use of viral cancer vaccines in combination with hypomethylating agents represents a promising strategy to prevent cancer from escaping immune system recognition. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of melanoma (B16-expressing ovalbumin) and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (4T1) cell lines to FDA-approved low-dose decitabine in combination with PeptiCRAd, an adenoviral anticancer vaccine. The two models showed different sensitivity to decitabine in vitro and in vivo when combined with PeptiCRAd. In particular, mice bearing syngeneic 4T1 cancer showed higher tumor growth control when receiving the combinatorial treatment compared to single controls in association with a higher expression of MHC class I on cancer cells and reduction in Tregs within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, remodeling of the CD8+ T cell infiltration and cytotoxic activity toward cancer cells confirmed the effect of decitabine in enhancing anticancer vaccines in immunotherapy regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Russo
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sara Feola
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michaela Feodoroff
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jacopo Chiaro
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gabriella Antignani
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Manlio Fusciello
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Federica D’Alessio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Firas Hamdan
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Teijo Pellinen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Mölsä
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lorella Tripodi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore s.c.a.r.l, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lucio Pastore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore s.c.a.r.l, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mikaela Grönholm
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vincenzo Cerullo
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ye C, Jiang N, Zheng J, Zhang S, Zhang J, Zhou J. Epigenetic therapy: Research progress of decitabine in the treatment of solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189066. [PMID: 38163523 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189066] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Decitabine's early successful therapeutic outcomes in hematologic malignancies have led to regulatory approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for addressing myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These approvals have sparked keen interest in exploring the potential of decitabine for treating solid tumors. Continuous preclinical and clinical trials have proved that low doses of decitabine also bring benefits in treating solid tumors, and various proposed mechanisms attempt to explain the potential efficacy. It is important to note that the application of decitabine in solid tumors is still considered investigational. This article reviews the application mechanism and current status of decitabine in the treatment of solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenlin Ye
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shumeng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingchen Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianya Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jie C, Li R, Cheng Y, Wang Z, Wu Q, Xie C. Prospects and feasibility of synergistic therapy with radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1122352. [PMID: 36875059 PMCID: PMC9981667 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of lung cancer are increasing, seriously threatening human health and life. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has an insidious onset and is not easy to be diagnosed in its early stage. Distant metastasis often occurs and the prognosis is poor. Radiotherapy (RT) combined with immunotherapy, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has become the focus of research in NSCLC. The efficacy of immunoradiotherapy (iRT) is promising, but further optimization is necessary. DNA methylation has been involved in immune escape and radioresistance, and becomes a game changer in iRT. In this review, we focused on the regulation of DNA methylation on ICIs treatment resistance and radioresistance in NSCLC and elucidated the potential synergistic effects of DNA methyltransferases inhibitors (DNMTis) with iRT. Taken together, we outlined evidence suggesting that a combination of DNMTis, RT, and immunotherapy could be a promising treatment strategy to improve NSCLC outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rumeng Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Cheng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
van Geffen C, Heiss C, Deißler A, Kolahian S. Pharmacological modulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells to dampen inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:933847. [PMID: 36110844 PMCID: PMC9468781 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.933847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous cell population with potent suppressive and regulative properties. MDSCs’ strong immunosuppressive potential creates new possibilities to treat chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases or induce tolerance towards transplantation. Here, we summarize and critically discuss different pharmacological approaches which modulate the generation, activation, and recruitment of MDSCs in vitro and in vivo, and their potential role in future immunosuppressive therapy.
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu Z, Ren Y, Weng S, Xu H, Li L, Han X. A New Trend in Cancer Treatment: The Combination of Epigenetics and Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:809761. [PMID: 35140720 PMCID: PMC8818678 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.809761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has become a hot spot in the treatment of tumors. As an emerging treatment, it solves many problems in traditional cancer treatment and has now become the main method for cancer treatment. Although immunotherapy is promising, most patients do not respond to treatment or develop resistance. Therefore, in order to achieve a better therapeutic effect, combination therapy has emerged. The combination of immune checkpoint inhibition and epigenetic therapy is one such strategy. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the key mechanisms of how epigenetic mechanisms affect cancer immune responses and reveal the key role of epigenetic processes in regulating immune cell function and mediating anti-tumor immunity. In addition, we highlight the outlook of combined epigenetic and immune regimens, particularly the combination of immune checkpoint blockade with epigenetic agents, to address the limitations of immunotherapy alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lifeng Li
- Internet Medical and System Applications of National Engineering Laboratory, Zhengzhou, China
- Medical School, Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xinwei Han, ; Lifeng Li,
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xinwei Han, ; Lifeng Li,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kilian M, Bunse T, Wick W, Platten M, Bunse L. Genetically Modified Cellular Therapies for Malignant Gliomas. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12810. [PMID: 34884607 PMCID: PMC8657496 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive preclinical research on immunotherapeutic approaches, malignant glioma remains a devastating disease of the central nervous system for which standard of care treatment is still confined to resection and radiochemotherapy. For peripheral solid tumors, immune checkpoint inhibition has shown substantial clinical benefit, while promising preclinical results have yet failed to translate into clinical efficacy for brain tumor patients. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies, tumor antigens and corresponding T cell receptors (TCR) and antibodies have been identified, leading to the development of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), which are comprised of an extracellular antibody part and an intracellular T cell receptor signaling part, to genetically engineer T cells for antigen recognition. Due to efficacy in other tumor entities, a plethora of CARs has been designed and tested for glioma, with promising signs of biological activity. In this review, we describe glioma antigens that have been targeted using CAR T cells preclinically and clinically, review their drawbacks and benefits, and illustrate how the emerging field of transgenic TCR therapy can be used as a potent alternative for cell therapy of glioma overcoming antigenic limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kilian
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Theresa Bunse
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic, Heidelberg University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- DKTK CCU Neurooncology, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Immune Monitoring Unit, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute of Translational Oncology (HI-TRON), 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lukas Bunse
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hu H, Khodadadi-Jamayran A, Dolgalev I, Cho H, Badri S, Chiriboga LA, Zeck B, Lopez De Rodas Gregorio M, Dowling CM, Labbe K, Deng J, Chen T, Zhang H, Zappile P, Chen Z, Ueberheide B, Karatza A, Han H, Ranieri M, Tang S, Jour G, Osman I, Sucker A, Schadendorf D, Tsirigos A, Schalper KA, Velcheti V, Huang HY, Jin Y, Ji H, Poirier JT, Li F, Wong KK. Targeting the Atf7ip-Setdb1 Complex Augments Antitumor Immunity by Boosting Tumor Immunogenicity. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:1298-1315. [PMID: 34462284 PMCID: PMC9414288 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Substantial progress has been made in understanding how tumors escape immune surveillance. However, few measures to counteract tumor immune evasion have been developed. Suppression of tumor antigen expression is a common adaptive mechanism that cancers use to evade detection and destruction by the immune system. Epigenetic modifications play a critical role in various aspects of immune invasion, including the regulation of tumor antigen expression. To identify epigenetic regulators of tumor antigen expression, we established a transplantable syngeneic tumor model of immune escape with silenced antigen expression and used this system as a platform for a CRISPR-Cas9 suppressor screen for genes encoding epigenetic modifiers. We found that disruption of the genes encoding either of the chromatin modifiers activating transcription factor 7-interacting protein (Atf7ip) or its interacting partner SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (Setdb1) in tumor cells restored tumor antigen expression. This resulted in augmented tumor immunogenicity concomitant with elevated endogenous retroviral (ERV) antigens and mRNA intron retention. ERV disinhibition was associated with a robust type I interferon response and increased T-cell infiltration, leading to rejection of cells lacking intact Atf7ip or Setdb1. ATF7IP or SETDB1 expression inversely correlated with antigen processing and presentation pathways, interferon signaling, and T-cell infiltration and cytotoxicity in human cancers. Our results provide a rationale for targeting Atf7ip or Setdb1 in cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai Hu
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Alireza Khodadadi-Jamayran
- Division of Advanced Research Technologies, Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories and Genome Technology Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Igor Dolgalev
- Division of Advanced Research Technologies, Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories and Genome Technology Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Hyunwoo Cho
- Division of Advanced Research Technologies, Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories and Genome Technology Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Radiation Oncology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Sana Badri
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Luis A Chiriboga
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Briana Zeck
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Catríona M Dowling
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kristen Labbe
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jiehui Deng
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Ting Chen
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Hua Zhang
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Paul Zappile
- Division of Advanced Research Technologies, Genome Technology Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Ze Chen
- Department of Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York
| | | | - Angeliki Karatza
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Han Han
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Michela Ranieri
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Sittinon Tang
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - George Jour
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Iman Osman
- Department of Dermatology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Antje Sucker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Aristotelis Tsirigos
- Division of Advanced Research Technologies, Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories and Genome Technology Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Kurt A Schalper
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Vamsidhar Velcheti
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Hsin-Yi Huang
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Yujuan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - John T Poirier
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Akbari B, Ghahri-Saremi N, Soltantoyeh T, Hadjati J, Ghassemi S, Mirzaei HR. Epigenetic strategies to boost CAR T cell therapy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2640-2659. [PMID: 34365035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has led to a paradigm shift in cancer immunotherapy, but still several obstacles limit CAR T cell efficacy in cancers. Advances in high-throughput technologies revealed new insights into the role that epigenetic reprogramming plays in T cells. Mechanistic studies as well as comprehensive epigenome maps revealed an important role for epigenetic remodeling in T cell differentiation. These modifications shape the overall immune response through alterations in T cell phenotype and function. Here, we outline how epigenetic modifications in CAR T cells can overcome barriers limiting CAR T cell effectiveness, particularly in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. We also offer our perspective on how selected epigenetic modifications can boost CAR T cells to ultimately improve the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behnia Akbari
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
| | - Navid Ghahri-Saremi
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
| | - Tahereh Soltantoyeh
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
| | - Jamshid Hadjati
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
| | - Saba Ghassemi
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Maes K, Mondino A, Lasarte JJ, Agirre X, Vanderkerken K, Prosper F, Breckpot K. Epigenetic Modifiers: Anti-Neoplastic Drugs With Immunomodulating Potential. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652160. [PMID: 33859645 PMCID: PMC8042276 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are under the surveillance of the host immune system. Nevertheless, a number of immunosuppressive mechanisms allow tumors to escape protective responses and impose immune tolerance. Epigenetic alterations are central to cancer cell biology and cancer immune evasion. Accordingly, epigenetic modulating agents (EMAs) are being exploited as anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory agents to restore immunological fitness. By simultaneously acting on cancer cells, e.g. by changing expression of tumor antigens, immune checkpoints, chemokines or innate defense pathways, and on immune cells, e.g. by remodeling the tumor stroma or enhancing effector cell functionality, EMAs can indeed overcome peripheral tolerance to transformed cells. Therefore, combinations of EMAs with chemo- or immunotherapy have become interesting strategies to fight cancer. Here we review several examples of epigenetic changes critical for immune cell functions and tumor-immune evasion and of the use of EMAs in promoting anti-tumor immunity. Finally, we provide our perspective on how EMAs could represent a game changer for combinatorial therapies and the clinical management of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Maes
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universiteit Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anna Mondino
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Juan José Lasarte
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.,Hemato-oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.,Hemato-oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Hematology and Cell Therapy Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Targeting the epigenetic regulation of antitumour immunity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:776-800. [PMID: 32929243 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the epigenome drives aberrant transcriptional programmes that promote cancer onset and progression. Although defective gene regulation often affects oncogenic and tumour-suppressor networks, tumour immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumour responses may also be affected by epigenomic alterations. This could have important implications for the development and application of both epigenetic therapies and cancer immunotherapies, and combinations thereof. Here, we review the role of key aberrant epigenetic processes - DNA methylation and post-translational modification of histones - in tumour immunogenicity, as well as the effects of epigenetic modulation on antitumour immune cell function. We emphasize opportunities for small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic regulators to enhance antitumour immune responses, and discuss the challenges of exploiting the complex interplay between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to develop treatment regimens combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
Collapse
|
14
|
Epigenetic Mechanisms of Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10071061. [PMID: 32708698 PMCID: PMC7407667 DOI: 10.3390/biom10071061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated to be highly efficient in treating solid tumors; however, many patients have limited benefits in terms of response and survival. This rapidly led to the investigation of combination therapies to enhance response rates. Moreover, predictive biomarkers were assessed to better select patients. Although PD-L1 expression remains the only validated marker in clinics, molecular profiling has brought valuable information, showing that the tumor mutation load and microsatellite instability (MSI) status were associated to higher response rates in nearly all cancer types. Moreover, in lung cancer, EGFR and MET mutations, oncogene fusions or STK11 inactivating mutations were associated with low response rates. Cancer progression towards invasive phenotypes that impede immune surveillance relies on complex regulatory networks and cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Epigenetic modifications, such as the alteration of histone patterns, chromatin structure, DNA methylation status at specific promoters and changes in microRNA levels, may alter the cell phenotype and reshape the tumor microenvironment, allowing cells to grow and escape from immune surveillance. The objective of this review is to make an update on the identified epigenetic changes that target immune surveillance and, ultimately, ICI responses, such as histone marks, DNA methylation and miR signatures. Translational studies or clinical trials, when available, and potential epigenetic biomarkers will be discussed as perspectives in the context of combination treatment strategies to enhance ICI responses in patients with solid tumors.
Collapse
|
15
|
Nielsen AY, Ormhøj M, Traynor S, Gjerstorff MF. Augmenting engineered T-cell strategies in solid cancers through epigenetic priming. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:2169-2178. [PMID: 32648166 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02661-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
T-cell receptor (TCR)- and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based adoptive cell transfer (ACT) has shown promising results in hematological malignancies, but remains immature in solid cancers. The challenges associated with identification of tumor-specific targets, the heterogenic antigen expression, limited T-cell trafficking to tumor sites and the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME), are all factors contributing to the limited efficacy of ACT therapies against solid tumors. Epigenetic priming of tumor cells and the microenvironment may be a way of overcoming these obstacles and improving the clinical efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapies in the future. Here, we review the current literature and suggest combining epigenetic modulators and ACT strategies as a way of augmenting the efficacy of TCR- and CAR-engineered T cells against solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaraby Y Nielsen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Ormhøj
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Traynor
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten F Gjerstorff
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. .,Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. .,Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Donovan LK, Delaidelli A, Joseph SK, Bielamowicz K, Fousek K, Holgado BL, Manno A, Srikanthan D, Gad AZ, Van Ommeren R, Przelicki D, Richman C, Ramaswamy V, Daniels C, Pallota JG, Douglas T, Joynt ACM, Haapasalo J, Nor C, Vladoiu MC, Kuzan-Fischer CM, Garzia L, Mack SC, Varadharajan S, Baker ML, Hendrikse L, Ly M, Kharas K, Balin P, Wu X, Qin L, Huang N, Stucklin AG, Morrissy AS, Cavalli FMG, Luu B, Suarez R, De Antonellis P, Michealraj A, Rastan A, Hegde M, Komosa M, Sirbu O, Kumar SA, Abdullaev Z, Faria CC, Yip S, Hukin J, Tabori U, Hawkins C, Aldape K, Daugaard M, Maris JM, Sorensen PH, Ahmed N, Taylor MD. Locoregional delivery of CAR T cells to the cerebrospinal fluid for treatment of metastatic medulloblastoma and ependymoma. Nat Med 2020; 26:720-731. [PMID: 32341580 PMCID: PMC8815773 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-0827-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent medulloblastoma and ependymoma are universally lethal, with no approved targeted therapies and few candidates presently under clinical evaluation. Nearly all recurrent medulloblastomas and posterior fossa group A (PFA) ependymomas are located adjacent to and bathed by the cerebrospinal fluid, presenting an opportunity for locoregional therapy, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. We identify three cell-surface targets, EPHA2, HER2 and interleukin 13 receptor α2, expressed on medulloblastomas and ependymomas, but not expressed in the normal developing brain. We validate intrathecal delivery of EPHA2, HER2 and interleukin 13 receptor α2 chimeric antigen receptor T cells as an effective treatment for primary, metastatic and recurrent group 3 medulloblastoma and PFA ependymoma xenografts in mouse models. Finally, we demonstrate that administration of these chimeric antigen receptor T cells into the cerebrospinal fluid, alone or in combination with azacytidine, is a highly effective therapy for multiple metastatic mouse models of group 3 medulloblastoma and PFA ependymoma, thereby providing a rationale for clinical trials of these approaches in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Donovan
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alberto Delaidelli
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sujith K Joseph
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin Bielamowicz
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristen Fousek
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Borja L Holgado
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Manno
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dilakshan Srikanthan
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmed Z Gad
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Randy Van Ommeren
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Przelicki
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cory Richman
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Craig Daniels
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonelle G Pallota
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tajana Douglas
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alyssa C M Joynt
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joonas Haapasalo
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolina Nor
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria C Vladoiu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claudia M Kuzan-Fischer
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Livia Garzia
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stephen C Mack
- Brain Tumour Program, Children's Cancer Centre and Department of Paediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Srinidhi Varadharajan
- Brain Tumour Program, Children's Cancer Centre and Department of Paediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew L Baker
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Liam Hendrikse
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle Ly
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Kharas
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Polina Balin
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaochong Wu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lei Qin
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ning Huang
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ana Guerreiro Stucklin
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Sorana Morrissy
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Florence M G Cavalli
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Betty Luu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raul Suarez
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pasqualino De Antonellis
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antony Michealraj
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Avesta Rastan
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meenakshi Hegde
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Martin Komosa
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olga Sirbu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sachin A Kumar
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zied Abdullaev
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute Centre for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claudia C Faria
- Division of Neurosurgery, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stephen Yip
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Juliette Hukin
- Division of Neurology, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Uri Tabori
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cynthia Hawkins
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ken Aldape
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute Centre for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mads Daugaard
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John M Maris
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Poul H Sorensen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nabil Ahmed
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Michael D Taylor
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Luker AJ, Graham LJ, Smith TM, Camarena C, Zellner MP, Gilmer JJS, Damle SR, Conrad DH, Bear HD, Martin RK. The DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, guadecitabine, targets tumor-induced myelopoiesis and recovers T cell activity to slow tumor growth in combination with adoptive immunotherapy in a mouse model of breast cancer. BMC Immunol 2020; 21:8. [PMID: 32106810 PMCID: PMC7045411 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-020-0337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) present a significant obstacle to cancer immunotherapy because they dampen anti-tumor cytotoxic T cell responses. Previous groups, including our own, have reported on the myelo-depletive effects of certain chemotherapy agents. We have shown previously that decitabine increased tumor cell Class I and tumor antigen expression, increased ability of tumor cells to stimulate T lymphocytes, depleted tumor-induced MDSC in vivo and augmented immunotherapy of a murine mammary carcinoma. Results In this study, we expand upon this observation by testing a next-generation DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi), guadecitabine, which has increased stability in the circulation. Using the 4 T1 murine mammary carcinoma model, in BALB/cJ female mice, we found that guadecitabine significantly reduces tumor burden in a T cell-dependent manner by preventing excessive myeloid proliferation and systemic accumulation of MDSC. The remaining MDSC were shifted to an antigen-presenting phenotype. Building upon our previous publication, we show that guadecitabine enhances the therapeutic effect of adoptively transferred antigen-experienced lymphocytes to diminish tumor growth and improve overall survival. We also show guadecitabine’s versatility with similar tumor reduction and augmentation of immunotherapy in the C57BL/6 J E0771 murine breast cancer model. Conclusions Guadecitabine depleted and altered MDSC, inhibited growth of two different murine mammary carcinomas in vivo, and augmented immunotherapeutic efficacy. Based on these findings, we believe the immune-modulatory effects of guadecitabine can help rescue anti-tumor immune response and contribute to the overall effectiveness of current cancer immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Luker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.,Massey Cancer Center, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Laura J Graham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.,Massey Cancer Center, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Timothy M Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.,Massey Cancer Center, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Carmen Camarena
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Matt P Zellner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Jamie-Jean S Gilmer
- Department of Biology, College of Humanities and Sciences, VCU, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sheela R Damle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.,Massey Cancer Center, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Daniel H Conrad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.,Massey Cancer Center, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Harry D Bear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.,Massey Cancer Center, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, VCU, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Rebecca K Martin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA. .,Massey Cancer Center, VCU, Box 980678, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sylvestre M, Tarte K, Roulois D. Epigenetic mechanisms driving tumor supportive microenvironment differentiation and function: a role in cancer therapy? Epigenomics 2019; 12:157-169. [PMID: 31849241 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in tumor development and drug resistance. Within TME, the stromal cell subset, called cancer-associated fibroblasts, is a heterogeneous population originating from poorly characterized precursors. Since cancer-associated fibroblasts do not acquire somatic mutations, other mechanisms like epigenetic regulation, could be involved in the development of these cells and in the acquisition of tumor supportive phenotypes. Moreover, such epigenetic modulations have been correlated to the emergence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment facilitating tumor evasion. These findings underline the need to deepen our knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms driving TME development and function, and to understand the impact of epigenetic drugs that could be used in future to target both tumor cells and their TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Sylvestre
- UMR _S 1236, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Établissement français du sang (EFS) Bretagne, Rennes, France
| | - Karin Tarte
- UMR _S 1236, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Établissement français du sang (EFS) Bretagne, Rennes, France.,Laboratoire Suivi Immunologique des Thérapeutiques Innovantes (SITI), Centre Hospitalier Universitaires de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - David Roulois
- UMR _S 1236, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Établissement français du sang (EFS) Bretagne, Rennes, France.,Niches & Epigenetics of Tumors from Cancéropole Grand Ouest, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gatti-Mays ME, Balko JM, Gameiro SR, Bear HD, Prabhakaran S, Fukui J, Disis ML, Nanda R, Gulley JL, Kalinsky K, Abdul Sater H, Sparano JA, Cescon D, Page DB, McArthur H, Adams S, Mittendorf EA. If we build it they will come: targeting the immune response to breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2019; 5:37. [PMID: 31700993 PMCID: PMC6820540 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-019-0133-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, breast cancer tumors have been considered immunologically quiescent, with the majority of tumors demonstrating low lymphocyte infiltration, low mutational burden, and modest objective response rates to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy. Tumor and immunologic profiling has shed light on potential mechanisms of immune evasion in breast cancer, as well as unique aspects of the tumor microenvironment (TME). These include elements associated with antigen processing and presentation as well as immunosuppressive elements, which may be targeted therapeutically. Examples of such therapeutic strategies include efforts to (1) expand effector T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells and immunostimulatory dendritic cells (DCs), (2) improve antigen presentation, and (3) decrease inhibitory cytokines, tumor-associated M2 macrophages, regulatory T- and B-cells and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The goal of these approaches is to alter the TME, thereby making breast tumors more responsive to immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize key developments in our understanding of antitumor immunity in breast cancer, as well as emerging therapeutic modalities that may leverage that understanding to overcome immunologic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E. Gatti-Mays
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Justin M. Balko
- Department of Medicine and Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Sofia R. Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Harry D. Bear
- Division of Surgical Oncology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Sangeetha Prabhakaran
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico; University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Jami Fukui
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI USA
| | | | - Rita Nanda
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - James L. Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Kevin Kalinsky
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Houssein Abdul Sater
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Joseph A. Sparano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - David Cescon
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - David B. Page
- Providence Cancer Institute, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Portland, OR USA
| | | | - Sylvia Adams
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Mittendorf
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, Boston, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mussai F, Wheat R, Sarrou E, Booth S, Stavrou V, Fultang L, Perry T, Kearns P, Cheng P, Keeshan K, Craddock C, De Santo C. Targeting the arginine metabolic brake enhances immunotherapy for leukaemia. Int J Cancer 2019; 145:2201-2208. [PMID: 30485425 PMCID: PMC6767531 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches which aim to target Acute Myeloid Leukaemia through enhancement of patients' immune responses have demonstrated limited efficacy to date, despite encouraging preclinical data. Examination of AML patients treated with azacitidine (AZA) and vorinostat (VOR) in a Phase II trial, demonstrated an increase in the expression of Cancer-Testis Antigens (MAGE, RAGE, LAGE, SSX2 and TRAG3) on blasts and that these can be recognised by circulating antigen-specific T cells. Although the T cells have the potential to be activated by these unmasked antigens, the low arginine microenvironment created by AML blast Arginase II activity acts a metabolic brake leading to T cell exhaustion. T cells exhibit impaired proliferation, reduced IFN-γ release and PD-1 up-regulation in response to antigen stimulation under low arginine conditions. Inhibition of arginine metabolism enhanced the proliferation and cytotoxicity of anti-NY-ESO T cells against AZA/VOR treated AML blasts, and can boost anti-CD33 Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T cell cytotoxicity. Therefore, measurement of plasma arginine concentrations in combination with therapeutic targeting of arginase activity in AML blasts could be a key adjunct to immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francis Mussai
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Rachel Wheat
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Evgenia Sarrou
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, College of Medicine, Veterinary Life SciencesInstitute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Sarah Booth
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Victoria Stavrou
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Livingstone Fultang
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Tracey Perry
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Pamela Kearns
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Paul Cheng
- Bio‐cancer Treatment International LtdHong Kong
| | - Karen Keeshan
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, College of Medicine, Veterinary Life SciencesInstitute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Charles Craddock
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Carmela De Santo
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Page DB, Bear H, Prabhakaran S, Gatti-Mays ME, Thomas A, Cobain E, McArthur H, Balko JM, Gameiro SR, Nanda R, Gulley JL, Kalinsky K, White J, Litton J, Chmura SJ, Polley MY, Vincent B, Cescon DW, Disis ML, Sparano JA, Mittendorf EA, Adams S. Two may be better than one: PD-1/PD-L1 blockade combination approaches in metastatic breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2019; 5:34. [PMID: 31602395 PMCID: PMC6783471 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-019-0130-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies blocking programmed death 1 (anti-PD-1) or its ligand (anti-PD-L1) are associated with modest response rates as monotherapy in metastatic breast cancer, but are generally well tolerated and capable of generating dramatic and durable benefit in a minority of patients. Anti-PD-1/L1 antibodies are also safe when administered in combination with a variety of systemic therapies (chemotherapy, targeted therapies), as well as with radiotherapy. We summarize preclinical, translational, and preliminary clinical data in support of combination approaches with anti-PD-1/L1 in metastatic breast cancer, focusing on potential mechanisms of synergy, and considerations for clinical practice and future investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David B. Page
- Providence Cancer Institute; Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Portland, OR USA
| | - Harry Bear
- Division of Surgical Oncology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Sangeetha Prabhakaran
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgery, University of New Mexico; University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | | | - Alexandra Thomas
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC USA
| | | | | | - Justin M. Balko
- Department of Medicine and Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Sofia R. Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Rita Nanda
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - James L. Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | | | - Julia White
- Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH USA
| | | | | | | | | | - David W. Cescon
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | | | - Joseph A. Sparano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Mittendorf
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sylvia Adams
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ruan H, Hu Q, Wen D, Chen Q, Chen G, Lu Y, Wang J, Cheng H, Lu W, Gu Z. A Dual-Bioresponsive Drug-Delivery Depot for Combination of Epigenetic Modulation and Immune Checkpoint Blockade. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1806957. [PMID: 30856290 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201806957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Patients with advanced melanoma that is of low tumor-associated antigen (TAA) expression often respond poorly to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy. Epigenetic modulators, such as hypomethylation agents (HMAs), can enhance the antitumor immune response by inducing TAA expression. Here, a dual bioresponsive gel depot that can respond to the acidic pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) for codelivery of anti-PD1 antibody (aPD1) and Zebularine (Zeb), an HMA, is engineered. aPD1 is first loaded into pH-sensitive calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3 NPs), which are then encapsulated in the ROS-responsive hydrogel together with Zeb (Zeb-aPD1-NPs-Gel). It is demonstrated that this combination therapy increases the immunogenicity of cancer cells, and also plays roles in reversing immunosuppressive TME, which contributes to inhibiting the tumor growth and prolonging the survival time of B16F10-melanoma-bearing mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huitong Ruan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
- California NanoSystems Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Di Wen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Yifei Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Jinqiang Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Weiyue Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhen Gu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhou J, Shen Q, Lin H, Hu L, Li G, Zhang X. Decitabine shows potent anti-myeloma activity by depleting monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the myeloma microenvironment. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 145:329-336. [PMID: 30426212 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2790-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable. The MM microenvironment supports MM cells' survival and immune escape. Because myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is important in the MM microenvironment, and demethylating agent decitabine (DAC) can deplete MDSCs in vitro and in vivo, we hypothesized that DAC treatment could inhibit MM by depleting MDSCs in the MM microenvironment. METHODS In this study, we used the mouse IL6 secreting, myeloma cell line MPC11 as a model. MDSCs were sorted using magnetic beads and cultured. A transwell coculture assay was used to mimic the microenvironment in vitro. And MPC11-bearing mice model was used to observe the efficacy of DAC treatment in vivo. RESULTS In vitro coculture assay indicated that MPC11 cells showed significantly lower proliferation rate, less IL6 production and more apoptosis when they were cocultured with bone marrow cells without MDSCs (nonMDSCs) or DAC-treated bone marrow cells (DAC BMs) than with MDSCs or PBS-treated bone marrow cells (CTR BM). Supplementation with M-MDSCs rescued the inhibitory effect of DAC BMs, while additional NOHA supplementation further antagonized the rescue effect of M-MDSCs. In MPC11-bearing mice, the combined treatment of DAC with anti-Gr1 antibody showed synergistic effect on inhibiting tumor growth and promoting T cell infiltration in the tumor tissue. M-MDSC reinfusion also antagonized the efficacy of DAC treatment. CONCLUSIONS DAC treatment can inhibit myeloma cell proliferation and induce enhanced autologous T cell immune response by depleting M-MDSCs in the MM microenvironment. We believe that DAC treatment could improve the prognosis of MM in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihao Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, 1017 Dongmen North Road, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, 1017 Dongmen North Road, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiqing Lin
- Department of Hematology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, 1017 Dongmen North Road, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Hu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, 1017 Dongmen North Road, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqiang Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, 1017 Dongmen North Road, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyou Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, 1017 Dongmen North Road, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Garcia-Gomez A, Rodríguez-Ubreva J, Ballestar E. Epigenetic interplay between immune, stromal and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment. Clin Immunol 2018; 196:64-71. [PMID: 29501540 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidences highlight the critical role of the tumor microenvironment as mediator of tumor progression and immunosuppression in several types of cancer. The reciprocal interplay between neoplastic and non-tumoral host cells is mediated by direct cell-to-cell contact, soluble factors and exosomes that result in differential gene expression patterns that are driven by epigenetic mechanisms. In this regard, extensive literature has described the abnormalities in the DNA methylation status and histone modification profiles in tumor cells. However, little is known about the mechanisms of epigenetic dysregulation that participate as a consequence of the intricate crosstalk among the cells within the tumor niche. This review summarizes the current knowledge on epigenetic changes that result from the interactions between myeloid, stromal and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment and its functional impact in both tumorigenesis and tumor progression. We also discuss potential niche-specific epigenetic biomarkers to improve the prognosis and clinical treatment of cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Garcia-Gomez
- Chromatin and Disease Group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Programme (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Ubreva
- Chromatin and Disease Group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Programme (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteban Ballestar
- Chromatin and Disease Group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Programme (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Manjili MH. A Theoretical Basis for the Efficacy of Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunogenic Tumor Dormancy: The Adaptation Model of Immunity. Adv Cancer Res 2018; 137:17-36. [PMID: 29405975 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In the past decades, a variety of strategies have been explored to cure cancer by means of immunotherapy, which is less toxic compared with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and could establish memory for long-lasting protection against tumor recurrence. These endeavors have been successful in offering therapeutic antibodies, vaccines, or cellular immunotherapies, which resulted in prolonging survival of some cancer patients; however, complete cures have not been consistently achieved. The conception, design, and implementation of these promising immunotherapeutic strategies have been influenced by two schools of thought in immunology, which include the "self-nonself" (SNS) model and the "danger" model. Further progress in cancer immunotherapy to achieve consistent cancer cures requires an evolution in our understanding of how the immune system works. The purpose of this review is to revisit premises and limitations of the SNS and danger models based on the outcomes of cancer immunotherapies by suggesting that both models are two sides of the same coin describing how the immune response is induced against cancer. However, neither explains how the immune response succeeds or fails in eliminating the tumor. To this end, the adaptation model has been proposed to explain efficacy of the immune response for achieving cancer cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masoud H Manjili
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bai J, Gao Z, Li X, Dong L, Han W, Nie J. Regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Oncotarget 2017; 8:110693-110707. [PMID: 29299180 PMCID: PMC5746415 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockades, such as inhibitors against programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), have received extensive attention in the past decade because of their dramatic clinical outcomes in advanced malignancies. However, both primary and acquired resistance becomes one of the major obstacles, which greatly limits the long-lasting effects and wide application of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy. PD-1/PD-L1 both regulates and is regulated by cellular signaling pathways and epigenetic modification, thus inhibiting the proliferation and effector function of T and B cells. The lack of tumor antigens and effective antigen presentation, aberrant activation of oncogenic pathways, mutations in IFN-γ signaling, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment such as regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, M2 macrophages, and immunoinhibitory cytokines can lead to resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. In this review, we describe PD-1 related signaling pathways, essential factors contributing to the resistance of PD-1 blockade, and discuss strategies to increase the efficacy of immunotherapy. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility of combined epigenetic therapy with PD-1 blockade as a potential promising approach for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Bai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Bio-Therapeutic, School of Life Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhitao Gao
- Department of Molecular Biology and Bio-Therapeutic, School of Life Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Molecular Biology and Bio-Therapeutic, School of Life Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Liang Dong
- Department of Molecular Biology and Bio-Therapeutic, School of Life Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Molecular Biology and Bio-Therapeutic, School of Life Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jing Nie
- Department of Molecular Biology and Bio-Therapeutic, School of Life Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Benson Z, Manjili SH, Habibi M, Guruli G, Toor AA, Payne KK, Manjili MH. Conditioning neoadjuvant therapies for improved immunotherapy of cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 145:12-17. [PMID: 28803721 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in the treatment of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by combining conventional therapies with anti-PD1/PD-L1 immunotherapies, have renewed interests in immunotherapy of cancer. The emerging concept of conventional cancer therapies combined with immunotherapy differs from the classical concept in that it is not simply taking advantage of their additive anti-tumor effects, but it is to use certain therapeutic regimens to condition the tumor microenvironment for optimal response to immunotherapy. To this end, low dose immunogenic chemotherapies, epigenetic modulators and inhibitors of cell cycle progression are potential candidates for rendering tumors highly responsive to immunotherapy. Next generation immunotherapeutics are therefore predicted to be highly effective against cancer, when they are used following appropriate immune modulatory compounds or targeted delivery of tumor cell cycle inhibitors using nanotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Benson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Saeed H Manjili
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering, USA
| | - Mehran Habibi
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Georgi Guruli
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, USA; Massey Cancer Center, USA
| | - Amir A Toor
- Massey Cancer Center, USA; Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Kyle K Payne
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Masoud H Manjili
- Massey Cancer Center, USA; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epigenetic changes resulting from aberrant methylation patterns are a recurrent observation in hematologic malignancies. Hypomethylating agents have a well-established role in the management of patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia. In addition to the direct effects of hypomethylating agents on cancer cells, there are several lines of evidence indicating a role for immune-mediated anti-tumor benefits from hypomethylating therapy. Areas covered: We reviewed the clinical and basic science literature for the effects of hypomethylating agents, including the most commonly utilized therapeutics azacitidine and decitabine, on immune cell subsets. We summarized the effects of hypomethylating agents on the frequency and function of natural killer cells, T cells, and dendritic cells. In particular, we highlight the effects of hypomethylating agents on expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors, leukemia-associated antigens, and endogenous retroviral elements. Expert commentary: In vitro and ex vivo studies indicate mixed effects on the function of natural killer, dendritic cells and T cells following treatment with hypomethylating agents. Clinical correlates of immune function have suggested that hypomethylating agents have immunomodulatory functions with the potential to synergize with immune checkpoint therapy for the treatment of hematologic malignancy, and has become an active area of clinical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Lindblad
- a Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute , National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Meghali Goswami
- a Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute , National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- a Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute , National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Karolyn A Oetjen
- a Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute , National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gallagher SJ, Shklovskaya E, Hersey P. Epigenetic modulation in cancer immunotherapy. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2017; 35:48-56. [PMID: 28609681 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The success of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy has been widely heralded. However many cancer patients do not respond to immune checkpoint therapy and some relapse due to acquired tumor resistance. Epigenetic targeting may be beneficial in cancer immunotherapy by reversing immune avoidance and escape mechanisms employed by cancer cells, as well as by modulating immune cell differentiation and function. In this manuscript we review recent findings suggesting how epigenetics may be used to improve cancer immunotherapy. We focus on the inhibitors of the CTLA4 and PD1 immune checkpoints and epigenetic modifiers of histone acetylation and methylation and DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J Gallagher
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Crow's Nest 2065, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Elena Shklovskaya
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Crow's Nest 2065, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Hersey
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Crow's Nest 2065, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rodríguez-Ubreva J, Garcia-Gomez A, Ballestar E. Epigenetic mechanisms of myeloid differentiation in the tumor microenvironment. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2017; 35:20-29. [PMID: 28551408 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid cells are extremely plastic as they respond and terminally differentiate into a plethora of functional types, in the blood or tissues, in response to a variety of growth factors, cytokines and pathogenic molecules. This plasticity is also manifested by the subversion of normal differentiation into the aberrant generation of a variety of tolerogenic myeloid cells in the tumoral microenvironment, where a variety of factors are released. Epigenetic mechanisms are in great part responsible for the plasticity of myeloid cells both under physiological and tumoral conditions. The development of compounds that inhibit epigenetic enzymes provides novel therapeutic opportunities to intercept the crosstalk between cancer cells and host myeloid cells. Here, we summarize our current knowledge on the myeloid cell types generated in the cancer environment, the factors and epigenetic enzymes participating in these processes and propose a number of potential targets for future pharmacological use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rodríguez-Ubreva
- Chromatin and Disease Group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Programme (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Garcia-Gomez
- Chromatin and Disease Group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Programme (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteban Ballestar
- Chromatin and Disease Group, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Programme (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Dunn J, Rao S. Epigenetics and immunotherapy: The current state of play. Mol Immunol 2017; 87:227-239. [PMID: 28511092 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells employ a number of mechanisms to escape immunosurveillance and facilitate tumour progression. The recent explosion of interest in immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint blockade, is a result of discoveries about the fundamental ligand-receptor interactions that occur between immune and cancer cells within the tumour microenvironment. Distinct ligands expressed by cancer cells engage with cell surface receptors on immune cells, triggering inhibitory pathways (such as PD-1/PD-L1) that render immune cells immunologically tolerant. Importantly, recent studies on the role of epigenetics in immune evasion have exposed a key role for epigenetic modulators in augmenting the tumour microenvironment and restoring immune recognition and immunogenicity. Epigenetic drugs such as DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors can reverse immune suppression via several mechanisms such as enhancing expression of tumour-associated antigens, components of the antigen processing and presenting machinery pathways, immune checkpoint inhibitors, chemokines, and other immune-related genes. These discoveries have established a highly promising basis for studies using combined epigenetic and immunotherapeutic agents as anti-cancer therapies. In this review, we discuss the exciting role of epigenetic immunomodulation in tumour immune escape, emphasising its significance in priming and sensitising the host immune system to immunotherapies through mechanisms such as the activation of the viral defence pathway. With this background in mind, we highlight the promise of combined epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy, focusing on immune checkpoint blockade, to improve outcomes for patients with many different cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Dunn
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Education, Science, Technology and Mathematics, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Sudha Rao
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Education, Science, Technology and Mathematics, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhou J, Yao Y, Shen Q, Li G, Hu L, Zhang X. Demethylating agent decitabine disrupts tumor-induced immune tolerance by depleting myeloid-derived suppressor cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2017; 143:1371-1380. [PMID: 28321548 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-017-2394-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The immunoregulatory effect of demethylating agent decitabine (DAC) has been recognized recently. However, little is known about its impact on immune tolerance. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of DAC on the immune tolerance induced by tumor cells. METHODS The effects of DAC on immune cells in vivo were measured by flow cytometry. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were sorted using magnetic beads and cultured in vitro. The mixed lymphocyte reaction was used to determine the immunoregulatory effect of DAC in vitro. An adoptive transfusion mouse model was established to evaluate the effect in vivo. RESULTS We found that DAC treatment significantly depleted MDSCs in vivo by inducing MDSCs apoptosis. When given at a low dose, the immune effector cells were less affected by the treatment, except for MDSCs. The mixed lymphocyte reaction in vitro showed that T-cell responses were enhanced when MDSCs were depleted. Supplementation of MDSCs would attenuate this T-cell activation effect. Using an adoptive transfusion mouse model, we further demonstrated in vivo that DAC treatment could induce autologous anti-tumor immune response by depleting MDSCs. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to illustrate DAC's immunoregulatory effect on immune tolerance. The disruption of immune tolerance is due to MDSCs depletion that induces an autologous immune response in vivo. By depleting MDSCs, DAC treatment removes one of the obstacles affecting anti-tumor immune activation and warrants further experimental and clinical studies to explore its potential utility in combination with various anti-tumor immunotherapies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihao Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, 1017 Dongmen North Road, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushi Yao
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Qi Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, 1017 Dongmen North Road, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqiang Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, 1017 Dongmen North Road, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Hu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, 1017 Dongmen North Road, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyou Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, 1017 Dongmen North Road, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|