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Bikorimana JP, El-Hachem N, Abusarah J, Gonçalves MP, Farah R, Mandl GA, Talbot S, Beaudoin S, Stanga D, Plouffe S, Rafei M. Local delivery of accutox ® synergises with immune-checkpoint inhibitors at disrupting tumor growth. J Transl Med 2024; 22:532. [PMID: 38831284 PMCID: PMC11149357 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05340-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Accum® platform was initially designed to accumulate biomedicines in target cells by inducing endosomal-to-cytosol escape. Interestingly however, the use of unconjugated Accum® was observed to trigger cell death in a variety of cancer cell lines; a property further exploited in the development of Accum®-based anti-cancer therapies. Despite the impressive pro-killing abilities of the parent molecule, some cancer cell lines exhibited resistance. This prompted us to test additional Accum® variants, which led to the identification of the AccuTOX® molecule. METHODS A series of flow-cytometry and cell-based assays were used to assess the pro-killing properties of AccuTOX® along with its ability to trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), endosomal breaks and antigen presentation. RNA-seq was also conducted to pinpoint the most prominent processes modulated by AccuTOX® treatment in EL4 T-cell lymphoma. Finally, the therapeutic potency of intratumorally-injected AccuTOX® was evaluated in three different murine solid tumor models (EL4, E0771 and B16) both as a monotherapy or in combination with three immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). RESULTS In total, 7 Accum® variants were screened for their ability to induce complete cell death in 3 murine (EL4, B16 and E0771) and 3 human (MBA-MD-468, A549, and H460) cancer cell lines of different origins. The selected compound (hereafter refereed to as AccuTOX®) displayed an improved killing efficiency (~ 5.5 fold compared to the parental Accum®), while retaining its ability to trigger immunogenic cell death, ROS production, and endosomal breaks. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed that low dose AccuTOX® enhances H2-Kb cell surface expression as well as antigen presentation in cancer cells. The net outcome culminates in impaired T-cell lymphoma, breast cancer and melanoma growth in vivo especially when combined with anti-CD47, anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 depending on the animal model. CONCLUSIONS AccuTOX® exhibits enhanced cancer killing properties, retains all the innate characteristics displayed by the parental Accum® molecule, and synergizes with various ICI in controlling tumor growth. These observations will certainly pave the path to continue the clinical development of this lead compound against multiple solid tumor indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Pierre Bikorimana
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Nehme El-Hachem
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Division, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- AI Branch, Bio2Cure Inc, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jamilah Abusarah
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Roudy Farah
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Gabrielle A Mandl
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sebastien Talbot
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Beaudoin
- Research and Development unit, Defence Therapeutics Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daniela Stanga
- Research and Development unit, Defence Therapeutics Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sebastien Plouffe
- Research and Development unit, Defence Therapeutics Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Moutih Rafei
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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Chavanton A, Mialhe F, Abrey J, Baeza Garcia A, Garrido C. LAG-3 : recent developments in combinational therapies in cancer. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 38702996 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of anticancer immune responses and in particular the action of immune checkpoint inhibitors that overcome T cell inhibition has revolutionized metastatic patients' care. Unfortunately, many patients are resistant to these innovative immunotherapies. Over the last decade, several immune checkpoint inhibitors, currently available in the clinic, have been developed, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or anti-CTLA-4. More recently, other immune checkpoints have been characterized, among them lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3). LAG-3 has been the subject of numerous therapeutic studies and may be involved in cancer-associated immune resistance phenomena. This review summarizes the latest knowledge on LAG-3 as an immunotherapeutic target, particularly in combination with standard or innovative therapies. Indeed, many studies are looking at combining LAG-3 inhibitors with chemotherapeutic, immunotherapeutic, radiotherapeutic treatments, or adoptive cell therapies to potentiate their antitumor effects and/or to overcome patients' resistance. We will particularly focus on the association therapies that are currently in phase III clinical trials and innovative combinations in preclinical phase. These new discoveries highlight the possibility of developing other types of therapeutic combinations currently unavailable in the clinic, which could broaden the therapeutic spectrum of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Chavanton
- INSERM, UMR 1231, Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer », Dijon, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Flavie Mialhe
- INSERM, UMR 1231, Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer », Dijon, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Jimena Abrey
- INSERM, UMR 1231, Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer », Dijon, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Alvaro Baeza Garcia
- INSERM, UMR 1231, Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer », Dijon, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Carmen Garrido
- INSERM, UMR 1231, Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer », Dijon, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
- Center for Cancer Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France
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Bikorimana J, Abusarah J, Gonçalves M, Farah R, Saad W, Talbot S, Stanga D, Beaudoin S, Plouffe S, Rafei M. An engineered Accum-E7 protein-based vaccine with dual anti-cervical cancer activity. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1102-1113. [PMID: 38287511 PMCID: PMC11007051 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Worldwide prevalence of cervical cancer decreased significantly with the use of human papilloma virus (HPV)-targeted prophylactic vaccines. However, these multivalent antiviral vaccines are inert against established tumors, which leave patients with surgical ablative options possibly resulting in long-term reproductive complications and morbidity. In an attempt to bypass this unmet medical need, we designed a new E7 protein-based vaccine formulation using Accum™, a technology platform designed to promote endosome-to-cytosol escape as a means to enhance protein accumulation in target cells. Prophylactic vaccination of immunocompetent mice using the Accum-E7 vaccine (aE7) leads to complete protection from cervical cancer despite multiple challenges conducted with ascending C3.43 cellular doses (0.5-, 1.0-, and 2.0 × 106 cells). Moreover, the humoral response induced by aE7 was higher in magnitude compared with naked E7 protein vaccination and displayed potent inhibitory effects on C3.43 proliferation in vitro. When administered therapeutically to animals with pre-established C3.43 or Tal3 tumors, the vaccine-induced response synergized with multiple immune checkpoint blockers (anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA4, and anti-CD47) to effectively control tumor growth. Mechanistically, the observed therapeutic effect requires cross-presenting dendritic cells as well as CD8 T cells predominantly, with a non-negligible role played by both CD4+ and CD19+ lymphocytes. good laboratory practice (GLP) studies revealed that aE7 is immunogenic and well tolerated by immunocompetent mice with no observed adverse effects despite the use of a fourfold exceeding dose. In a nutshell, aE7 represents an ideal vaccine candidate for further clinical development as it uses a single engineered protein capable of exhibiting both prophylactic and therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean‐Pierre Bikorimana
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and ImmunologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Jamilah Abusarah
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Marina Gonçalves
- Department of Molecular BiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Roudy Farah
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and ImmunologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Wael Saad
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Sebastien Talbot
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular SciencesQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
| | - Daniela Stanga
- Defence Therapeutics Inc.VancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Simon Beaudoin
- Defence Therapeutics Inc.VancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | - Moutih Rafei
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and ImmunologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
- Department of Molecular BiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
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Gonçalves MP, Farah R, Bikorimana JP, Abusarah J, EL-Hachem N, Saad W, Talbot S, Stanga D, Beaudoin S, Plouffe S, Rafei M. A1-reprogrammed mesenchymal stromal cells prime potent antitumoral responses. iScience 2024; 27:109248. [PMID: 38433914 PMCID: PMC10907831 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109248] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been modified via genetic or pharmacological engineering into potent antigen-presenting cells-like capable of priming responding CD8 T cells. In this study, our screening of a variant library of Accum molecule revealed a molecule (A1) capable of eliciting antigen cross-presentation properties in MSCs. A1-reprogrammed MSCs (ARM) exhibited improved soluble antigen uptake and processing. Our comprehensive analysis, encompassing cross-presentation assays and molecular profiling, among other cellular investigations, elucidated A1's impact on endosomal escape, reactive oxygen species production, and cytokine secretion. By evaluating ARM-based cellular vaccine in mouse models of lymphoma and melanoma, we observe significant therapeutic potency, particularly in allogeneic setting and in combination with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor. Overall, this study introduces a strong target for developing an antigen-adaptable vaccination platform, capable of synergizing with immune checkpoint blockers to trigger tumor regression, supporting further investigation of ARMs as an effective and versatile anti-cancer vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roudy Farah
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Bikorimana
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jamilah Abusarah
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nehme EL-Hachem
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Division, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wael Saad
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sebastien Talbot
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Daniela Stanga
- Defence Therapeutics Inc., Research and Development branch, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Beaudoin
- Defence Therapeutics Inc., Research and Development branch, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sebastien Plouffe
- Defence Therapeutics Inc., Research and Development branch, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Moutih Rafei
- Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Bikorimana J, El‐Hachem N, Moreau M, Lawson C, Tai L, Gonçalves M, Abusarah J, Beaudoin S, Stanga D, Plouffe S, Rafei M. Intratumoral administration of unconjugated Accum™ impairs the growth of pre-established solid lymphoma tumors. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:4499-4510. [PMID: 37776054 PMCID: PMC10728015 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Accum™ technology was initially designed to enhance the bioaccumulation of a given molecule in target cells. It does so by triggering endosomal membrane damages allowing endocytosed products to enter the cytosol, escaping the harsh environmental cues of the endosomal lumen. In an attempt to minimize manufacturing hurdles associated with Accum™ conjugation, we tested whether free Accum™ admixed with antigens could lead to outcomes similar to those obtained with conjugated products. Surprisingly, unconjugated Accum™ was found to promote cell death in vitro, an observation further confirmed on various murine tumor cell lines (EL4, CT-26, B16, and 4 T1). At the molecular level, unconjugated Accum™ triggers the production of reactive oxygen species and elicits immunogenic cell death while retaining its innate ability to cause endosomal damages. When administered as a monotherapy to animals with pre-established EL4 T-cell lymphoma, Accum™ controlled tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner, and its therapeutic effect relies on CD4 and CD8 T cells. Although unconjugated Accum™ synergizes with various immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-CTLA4, anti-PD-1, or anti-CD47) at controlling tumor growth, its therapeutic potency could not be further enhanced when combined with all three tested immune checkpoint inhibitors at once due to its dependency on a specific dosing regimen. In sum, we report in this study an unprecedented new function for unconjugated Accum™ as a novel anticancer molecule. These results could pave the path for a new line of investigation aimed at exploring the pro-killing properties of additional Accum™ variants as a mean to develop second-generation anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean‐Pierre Bikorimana
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and ImmunologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Nehme El‐Hachem
- Pediatric Hematology‐Oncology DivisionCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte‐Justine Research CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Mathilde Moreau
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversité de SherbrookeSherbrookeQuebecCanada
| | - Christine Lawson
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversité de SherbrookeSherbrookeQuebecCanada
| | - Lee‐Hwa Tai
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversité de SherbrookeSherbrookeQuebecCanada
| | - Marina Gonçalves
- Department of Molecular BiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Jamilah Abusarah
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversité de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Simon Beaudoin
- Research and Development unitDefence Therapeutics Inc.MontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Daniela Stanga
- Research and Development unitDefence Therapeutics Inc.MontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Sebastien Plouffe
- Research and Development unitDefence Therapeutics Inc.MontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Moutih Rafei
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and ImmunologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
- Department of Molecular BiologyUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversité de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
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Santharam MA, Shukla A, Levesque D, Kufer TA, Boisvert FM, Ramanathan S, Ilangumaran S. NLRC5-CIITA Fusion Protein as an Effective Inducer of MHC-I Expression and Antitumor Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087206. [PMID: 37108368 PMCID: PMC10138588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive tumors evade cytotoxic T lymphocytes by suppressing MHC class-I (MHC-I) expression that also compromises tumor responsiveness to immunotherapy. MHC-I defects strongly correlate to defective expression of NLRC5, the transcriptional activator of MHC-I and antigen processing genes. In poorly immunogenic B16 melanoma cells, restoring NLRC5 expression induces MHC-I and elicits antitumor immunity, raising the possibility of using NLRC5 for tumor immunotherapy. As the clinical application of NLRC5 is constrained by its large size, we examined whether a smaller NLRC5-CIITA fusion protein, dubbed NLRC5-superactivator (NLRC5-SA) as it retains the ability to induce MHC-I, could be used for tumor growth control. We show that stable NLRC5-SA expression in mouse and human cancer cells upregulates MHC-I expression. B16 melanoma and EL4 lymphoma tumors expressing NLRC5-SA are controlled as efficiently as those expressing full-length NLRC5 (NLRC5-FL). Comparison of MHC-I-associated peptides (MAPs) eluted from EL4 cells expressing NLRC5-FL or NLRC5-SA and analyzed by mass spectrometry revealed that both NLRC5 constructs expanded the MAP repertoire, which showed considerable overlap but also included a substantial proportion of distinct peptides. Thus, we propose that NLRC5-SA, with its ability to increase tumor immunogenicity and promote tumor growth control, could overcome the limitations of NLRC5-FL for translational immunotherapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madanraj Appiya Santharam
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Akhil Shukla
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Dominique Levesque
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Thomas A Kufer
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - François-Michel Boisvert
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- CRCHUS, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- CRCHUS, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- CRCHUS, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
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Han HT, Jin WL, Li X. Mesenchymal stem cells-based therapy in liver diseases. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:23. [PMID: 35895169 PMCID: PMC9326420 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple immune cells and their products in the liver together form a complex and unique immune microenvironment, and preclinical models have demonstrated the importance of imbalances in the hepatic immune microenvironment in liver inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases. Various immunotherapies have been attempted to modulate the hepatic immune microenvironment for the purpose of treating liver diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a comprehensive and plastic immunomodulatory capacity. On the one hand, they have been tried for the treatment of inflammatory liver diseases because of their excellent immunosuppressive capacity; On the other hand, MSCs have immune-enhancing properties in immunocompromised settings and can be modified into cellular carriers for targeted transport of immune enhancers by genetic modification, physical and chemical loading, and thus they are also used in the treatment of immunocompromised liver diseases such as chronic viral infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the immunological basis and recent strategies of MSCs for the treatment of the aforementioned liver diseases. Specifically, we update the immune microenvironment of the liver and summarize the distinct mechanisms of immune microenvironment imbalance in inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases, and how MSCs can fully exploit their immunotherapeutic role in liver diseases with both immune imbalance patterns.
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Gao W, Pan J, Pan J. Antitumor Activities of Interleukin-12 in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225592. [PMID: 36428682 PMCID: PMC9688694 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most common and serious malignant tumor among skin cancers. Although more and more studies have revolutionized the systematic treatment of advanced melanoma in recent years, access to innovative drugs for melanoma is still greatly restricted in many countries. IL-12 produced mainly by antigen-presenting cells regulates the immune response and affects the differentiation of T cells in the process of antigen presentation. However, the dose-limited toxicity of IL-12 limits its clinical application. The present review summarizes the basic biological functions and toxicity of IL-12 in the treatment of melanoma and discusses the clinical application of IL-12, especially the combination of IL-12 with immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines and other therapeutic drugs. We also summarize several promising technological approaches such as carriers that have been developed to improve the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of IL-12 or IL-12 encoding plasmid application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Institute of Cancer, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jianping Pan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou 310015, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0571-88285702
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Paganelli A, Rossi E, Magnoni C. The dark side of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in cutaneous oncology: roles, expectations, and potential pitfalls. Stem Cells Dev 2022; 31:593-603. [PMID: 36066334 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2022.0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) have well-established regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. For such reasons, ADSCs are currently under investigation for their use in the setting of both regenerative medicine and autoimmune diseases. As per dermatological disorders, MSC-based strategies represent potential therapeutic tools not only for chronic ulcers and wound healing, but also for immune-mediated dermatoses. However, a growing body of research has been focusing on the role of MSCs in human cancers, due to the potential oncological risk of using MSC-based strategies linked to their anti-apoptotic, pro-angiogenic and immunosuppressive properties. In the dermatological setting, ADSCs have shown not only to promote melanoma growth and invasiveness, but also to induce drug-resistance. On the other hand, genetically modified ADSCs have been demonstrated to efficiently target therapies at tumor sites, due to their migratory properties and their peculiar tropism for cancer microenvironment. The present review briefly summarizes the findings published so far on the use of ADSCs in the dermato-oncological setting, with the majority of data being available for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Paganelli
- Universita degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Dermatology, Modena, Italy, 41124;
| | - Elena Rossi
- Universita degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Dermatology, Modena, Italy;
| | - Cristina Magnoni
- Universita degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Dermatology, Modena, Italy;
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Sellars MC, Wu CJ, Fritsch EF. Cancer vaccines: Building a bridge over troubled waters. Cell 2022; 185:2770-2788. [PMID: 35835100 PMCID: PMC9555301 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines aim to direct the immune system to eradicate cancer cells. Here we review the essential immunologic concepts underpinning natural immunity and highlight the multiple unique challenges faced by vaccines targeting cancer. Recent technological advances in mass spectrometry, neoantigen prediction, genetically and pharmacologically engineered mouse models, and single-cell omics have revealed new biology, which can help to bridge this divide. We particularly focus on translationally relevant aspects, such as antigen selection and delivery and the monitoring of human post-vaccination responses, and encourage more aggressive exploration of novel approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- MacLean C Sellars
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Edward F Fritsch
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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LSD1 Inhibition Enhances the Immunogenicity of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells by Eliciting a dsRNA Stress Response. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111816. [PMID: 35681511 PMCID: PMC9180800 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are commonly known for their immune-suppressive abilities. However, our group provided evidence that it is possible to convert MSCs into potent antigen presenting cells (APCs) using either genetic engineering or pharmacological means. Given the capacity of UM171a to trigger APC-like function in MSCs, and the recent finding that this drug may modulate the epigenome by inhibiting the lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), we explored whether the direct pharmacological inhibition of LSD1 could instill APC-like functions in MSCs akin to UM171a. The treatment of MSCs with the LSD1 inhibitor tranylcypromine (TC) elicits a double-stranded (ds)RNA stress response along with its associated responsive elements, including pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), Type-I interferon (IFN), and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). The net outcome culminates in the enhanced expression of H2-Kb, and an increased stability of the cell surface peptide: MHCI complexes. As a result, TC-treated MSCs stimulate CD8 T-cell activation efficiently, and elicit potent anti-tumoral responses against the EG.7 T-cell lymphoma in the context of prophylactic vaccination. Altogether, our findings reveal a new pharmacological protocol whereby targeting LSD1 in MSCs elicits APC-like capabilities that could be easily exploited in the design of future MSC-based anti-cancer vaccines.
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Bikorimana JP, Abusarah J, Salame N, El-Hachem N, Shammaa R, Rafei M. Humoral Immunity to Allogeneic Immunoproteasome-Expressing Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Requires Efferocytosis by Endogenous Phagocytes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040596. [PMID: 35203247 PMCID: PMC8869887 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The extensive use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) over the last decade has revolutionized modern medicine. From the delivery of pharmacological proteins to regenerative medicine and immune modulation, these cells have proven to be highly pleiotropic and responsive to their surrounding environment. Nevertheless, their role in promoting inflammation has been fairly limited by the questionable use of interferon-gamma, as this approach has also been proven to enhance the cells' immune-suppressive abilities. Alternatively, we have previously shown that de novo expression of the immunoproteasome (IPr) complex instills potent antigen cross-presentation capabilities in MSCs. Interestingly, these cells were found to express the major histocompatibility class (MHC) II protein, which prompted us to investigate their ability to stimulate humoral immunity. Using a series of in vivo studies, we found that administration of allogeneic ovalbumin (OVA)-pulsed MSC-IPr cells elicits a moderate antibody titer, which was further enhanced by the combined use of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The generated antibodies were functional as they blocked CD4 T-cell activation following their co-culture with OVA-pulsed MSC-IPr and mitigated E.G7 tumor growth in vivo. The therapeutic potency of MSC-IPr was, however, dependent on efferocytosis, as phagocyte depletion prior to vaccination abrogated MSC-IPr-induced humoral responses while promoting their survival in the host. In contrast, antibody-mediated neutralization of CD47, a potent "do not eat me signal", enhanced antibody titer levels. These observations highlight the major role played by myeloid cells in supporting antibody production by MSC-IPr and suggest that the immune outcome is dictated by a net balance between efferocytosis-stimulating and -inhibiting signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Bikorimana
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada;
| | - Jamilah Abusarah
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; (J.A.); (N.E.-H.)
| | - Natasha Salame
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada;
| | - Nehme El-Hachem
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; (J.A.); (N.E.-H.)
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Division, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Riam Shammaa
- Canadian Centers for Regenerative Therapy, Toronto, ON M5R 1A8, Canada;
- IntelliStem Technologies Inc., Toronto, ON M5R 3N5, Canada
| | - Moutih Rafei
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada;
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; (J.A.); (N.E.-H.)
- Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence:
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