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Guo X, Yang Y, Qian Z, Chang M, Zhao Y, Ma W, Wang Y, Xing B. Immune landscape and progress in immunotherapy for pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. Cancer Lett 2024; 592:216908. [PMID: 38677640 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216908] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (pitNETs) are the second most common primary brain tumors. Despite their prevalence, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and its clinical implications remain largely unexplored. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on the immune landscape and advancements in targeted immunotherapy for pitNETs. Macrophages and T cells are principal immune infiltrates within the TIME. Different subtypes of pitNETs display distinct immune patterns, influencing tumor progressive behaviors. PD-L1, the most extensively studied immune checkpoint, is prominently expressed in hormonal pitNETs and correlates with tumor growth and invasion. Cytokines and chemokines including interleukins, CCLs, and CXCLs have complex correlations with tumor subtypes and immune cell infiltration. Crosstalk between macrophages and pitNET cells highlights bidirectional regulatory roles, suggesting potential macrophage-targeted strategies. Recent preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 therapy in a mouse model of corticotroph pitNET. Moreover, anti-PD-1 and/or anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy has been applied globally in 28 cases of refractory pitNETs, showing more favorable responses in pituitary carcinomas than aggressive pitNETs. In conclusion, the TIME of pitNETs represents a promising avenue for targeted immunotherapy and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, China Pituitary Disease Registry Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yiying Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, China Pituitary Disease Registry Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Eight-Year Program of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihong Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, China Pituitary Disease Registry Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengqi Chang
- Medical Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanli Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, China Pituitary Disease Registry Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, China Pituitary Disease Registry Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, China Pituitary Disease Registry Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Bing Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, China Pituitary Disease Registry Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Lu C, Yang Y, Zhang M, Li J, Song H, Zhao H, Mou Y, Li Y, Song X. Establishment of an in situ model to explore the tumor immune microenvironment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2024; 46:1310-1321. [PMID: 38436502 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27707] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Establish an in situ model for investigating HNSCC, focusing on tumor growth, metastasis, and the immune microenvironment. METHODS Generated a monoclonal SCCVII-ZsGreen cell line through lentiviral transfection. Selected monoclonal lines with growth rates similar to the original SCCVII for in vivo tumorigenesis. Monitored tumor development and metastasis through fluorescence in vivo imaging. Employed immunohistochemistry to assess immune cell distribution in the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS SCCVII-ZsGreen exhibited comparable proliferation and in vivo tumorigenicity to SCCVII. In situ tumor formation on day 10, with cervical metastasis in C57BL/6 mice by day 16. No significant fluorescence signals in organs like liver and lungs, while SCCVII-ZsGreen presence confirmed in cervical lymph node metastases. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD4+ T, CD8+ T, B, and dendritic cells distribution, with minimal macrophages. CONCLUSION Our model is a valuable tool for studying HNSCC occurrence, metastasis, and immune microenvironment. It allows dynamic observation of tumor development, aids preclinical drug experiments, and facilitates exploration of the tumor immune contexture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congxian Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yuteng Yang
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- The 2nd Medical College of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Mingjun Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jiaxuan Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Song
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- The 2nd Medical College of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Hongfei Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yakui Mou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xicheng Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Haugh A, Daud AI. Therapeutic Strategies in BRAF V600 Wild-Type Cutaneous Melanoma. Am J Clin Dermatol 2024; 25:407-419. [PMID: 38329690 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00841-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
There have been many recent advances in melanoma therapy. While 50% of melanomas have a BRAF mutation and are a target for BRAF inhibitors, the remaining 50% are BRAF wild-type. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) and lymphocyte activated gene-3 (Lag-3) are all approved for the treatment of patients with advanced BRAF wild-type melanoma; however, treatment of this patient population following initial immune checkpoint blockade is a current therapeutic challenge given the lack of other efficacious options. Here, we briefly review available US FDA-approved therapies for BRAF wild-type melanoma and focus on developing treatment avenues for this heterogeneous group of patients. We review the basics of genomic features of both BRAF mutant and BRAF wild-type melanoma as well as efforts underway to develop new targeted therapies involving the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway for patients with BRAF wild-type tumors. We then focus on novel immunotherapies, including developing checkpoint inhibitors and agonists, cytokine therapies, oncolytic viruses and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, all of which represent potential therapeutic avenues for patients with BRAF wild-type melanoma who progress on currently approved immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Haugh
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 6809, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adil I Daud
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 6809, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Guo W, Jia L, Xie L, Kiang JG, Wang Y, Sun F, Lin Z, Wang E, Zhang Y, Huang P, Sun T, Zhang X, Bian Z, Tang T, Guo J, Ferrone S, Wang X. Turning anecdotal irradiation-induced anticancer immune responses into reproducible in situ cancer vaccines via disulfiram/copper-mediated enhanced immunogenic cell death of breast cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:298. [PMID: 38678042 PMCID: PMC11055882 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06644-3] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Irradiation (IR) induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumors, but it rarely leads to the abscopal effect (AE); even combining IR with immune checkpoint inhibitors has shown only anecdotal success in inducing AEs. In this study, we aimed to enhance the IR-induced immune response and generate reproducible AEs using the anti-alcoholism drug, disulfiram (DSF), complexed with copper (DSF/Cu) to induce tumor ICD. We measured ICD in vitro and in vivo. In mouse tumor models, DSF/Cu was injected intratumorally followed by localized tumor IR, creating an in situ cancer vaccine. We determined the anticancer response by primary tumor rejection and assessed systemic immune responses by tumor rechallenge and the occurrence of AEs relative to spontaneous lung metastasis. In addition, we analyzed immune cell subsets and quantified proinflammatory and immunosuppressive chemokines/cytokines in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and blood of the vaccinated mice. Immune cell depletion was investigated for its effects on the vaccine-induced anticancer response. The results showed that DSF/Cu and IR induced more potent ICD under hypoxia than normoxia in vitro. Low-dose intratumoral (i.t.) injection of DSF/Cu and IR(12Gy) demonstrated strong anti-primary and -rechallenged tumor effects and robust AEs in mouse models. These vaccinations also increased CD8+ and CD4+ cell numbers while decreasing Tregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the 4T1 model, and increased CD8+, dendritic cells (DC), and decreased Treg cell numbers in the MCa-M3C model. Depleting both CD8+ and CD4+ cells abolished the vaccine's anticancer response. Moreover, vaccinated tumor-bearing mice exhibited increased TNFα levels and reduced levels of immunosuppressive chemokines/cytokines. In conclusion, our novel approach generated an anticancer immune response that results in a lack of or low tumor incidence post-rechallenge and robust AEs, i.e., absence of or decreased spontaneous lung metastasis in tumor-bearing mice. This approach is readily translatable to clinical settings and may increase IR-induced AEs in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Jia
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ling Xie
- Division of Pathology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Juliann G Kiang
- Radiation Combined Injury Program, AFRRI USU F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fengfei Sun
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zunwen Lin
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Enwen Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yida Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peigen Huang
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ting Sun
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Tiejun Tang
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Soldano Ferrone
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Li B, Wang Q, Luo Y, Wang S, Pan S, Zhao W, Ye Z, Wu X. Peripheral Soluble Immune Checkpoint-Related Proteins Were Associated with Survival and Treatment Efficacy of Osteosarcoma Patients, a Cohort Study. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1628. [PMID: 38730580 PMCID: PMC11083464 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091628] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune checkpoint blockade remains obscure in osteosarcoma (OS). We aim to explore the clinical significance of soluble immune checkpoint (ICK)-related proteins in OS. METHODS We profiled 14 soluble ICK-related proteins (BTLA, GITR, HVEM, IDO, LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, TIM-3, CD28, CD80, CD137, CD27, and CTLA-4) in the plasma of 76 OS patients and matched controls. We evaluated the associations between the biomarkers and the risk of OS using unconditional multivariate logistic regression. The multivariate Cox model was utilized to develop the prediction model of OS. Immune subtypes were established from the identified biomarkers. Transcriptional data from GEO were analyzed to elucidate potential mechanisms. RESULTS We found that sTIM3, sCD137, sIDO, and sCTLA4 were significantly correlated with OS risk (all p < 0.05). sBTLA, sPDL2, and sCD27 were significantly associated with the risk of lung metastasis, whereas sBTLA and sTIM3 were associated with the risk of disease progression. We also established an immune subtype based on sBTLA, sPD1, sTIM3, and sPDL2. Patients in the sICK-type2 subtype had significantly decreased progression-free survival (PFS) and lung metastasis-free survival (LMFS) than those in the sICK-type1 subtype (log-rank p = 2.8 × 10-2, 1.7 × 10-2, respectively). Interestingly, we found that the trend of LMFS and PFS in the subtypes of corresponding ICK genes' expression was opposite to the results in the blood (log-rank p = 2.6 × 10-4, 9.5 × 10-4, respectively). CONCLUSION Four soluble ICK-related proteins were associated with the survival of OS patients. Soluble ICK-related proteins could be promising biomarkers for the outcomes and immunotherapy of OS patients, though more research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binghao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China; (B.L.); (Z.Y.)
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Qinchuan Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
- Center for Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Big Data, The Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.L.); (S.W.); (S.P.); (W.Z.)
- The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yihong Luo
- Center for Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Big Data, The Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.L.); (S.W.); (S.P.); (W.Z.)
- The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Sicong Wang
- Center for Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Big Data, The Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.L.); (S.W.); (S.P.); (W.Z.)
- The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Sai Pan
- Center for Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Big Data, The Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.L.); (S.W.); (S.P.); (W.Z.)
- The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenting Zhao
- Center for Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Big Data, The Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.L.); (S.W.); (S.P.); (W.Z.)
- The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhaoming Ye
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China; (B.L.); (Z.Y.)
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Xifeng Wu
- Center for Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Big Data, The Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.L.); (S.W.); (S.P.); (W.Z.)
- The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Tamalunas A, Aydogdu C, Unterrainer LM, Schott M, Rodler S, Ledderose S, Schulz GB, Stief CG, Casuscelli J. The Vanishing Clinical Value of PD-L1 Status as a Predictive Biomarker in the First-Line Treatment of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1536. [PMID: 38672618 PMCID: PMC11049370 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study endeavors to elucidate the clinical implications of PD-L1 positivity in individuals afflicted with advanced urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). METHODS Patients with advanced UCB were prospectively enrolled following a radical cystectomy (RC) performed within January 2017 to December 2022 at our tertiary referral center. The clinical outcome, defined as the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) on systemic treatment, was analyzed using an χ2-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, the Kaplan-Meier method, and a log-rank test. RESULTS A total of 648 patients were included following an RC performed within January 2017 to December 2022. Their PD-L1 status was analyzed with the primary PD-L1-specific antibody (clone SP263, Ventana) and defined both by the CPS and IC-score in 282 patients (43.5%) with a high risk (pT3-pT4 and/or lymph node involvement) or metastatic UCB. While the median PFS was significantly prolonged 5-fold in PD-L1+ patients, we found no difference in OS, regardless of PD-L1 status, or treatment regimen. CONCLUSIONS While PD-L1 positivity indicates prolonged PFS, the presence of PD-L1 does not influence OS rates, suggesting its limited usefulness as a prognostic biomarker in bladder cancer. However, the positive correlation between an PD-L1 status and a sustained response to ICI treatments indicates its potential role as a predictive biomarker. Further research is required to understand how the predictive value of PD-L1 positivity may extend to the use of ICIs in combination with antibody-drug conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Tamalunas
- Department of Urology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (C.A.); (M.S.); (S.R.); (G.B.S.); (C.G.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Can Aydogdu
- Department of Urology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (C.A.); (M.S.); (S.R.); (G.B.S.); (C.G.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Lena M. Unterrainer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Melanie Schott
- Department of Urology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (C.A.); (M.S.); (S.R.); (G.B.S.); (C.G.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Severin Rodler
- Department of Urology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (C.A.); (M.S.); (S.R.); (G.B.S.); (C.G.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Stephan Ledderose
- Department of Pathology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerald B. Schulz
- Department of Urology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (C.A.); (M.S.); (S.R.); (G.B.S.); (C.G.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Christian G. Stief
- Department of Urology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (C.A.); (M.S.); (S.R.); (G.B.S.); (C.G.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Jozefina Casuscelli
- Department of Urology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (C.A.); (M.S.); (S.R.); (G.B.S.); (C.G.S.); (J.C.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC Munich LMU), LMU University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Zhang Y, Xiao T, Wen M, Shen L, Du L, Wei S, Wu B, Yu Y, Wang S, OuYang B. Deciphering Cholesterol's Role in PD-L2 Stability: A Distinct Regulatory Mechanism From PD-L1. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168500. [PMID: 38401626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Programmed cell death 1 ligand 2 (PD-L2), a member of the B7 immune checkpoint protein family, emerges as a crucial player in immune modulation. Despite its functional overlap with programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) in binding to the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) on T cells, PD-L2 exhibits a divergent expression pattern and a higher affinity for PD-1. However, the regulatory mechanisms of PD-L2 remain under-explored. Here, our investigations illustrate the pivotal role of cholesterol in modulating PD-L2 stability. Using advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and biochemical analyses, we demonstrate a direct and specific binding between cholesterol and PD-L2, mediated by an F-xxx-V-xx-LR motif in its transmembrane domain, distinct from that in PD-L1. This interaction stabilizes PD-L2 and prevents its downstream degradation. Disruption of this binding motif compromises PD-L2's cellular stability, underscoring its potential significance in cancer biology. These findings not only deepen our understanding of PD-L2 regulation in the context of tumors, but also open avenues for potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Taoran Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maorong Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lijuan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lingyu Du
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Shukun Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin Wu
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, ZhangJiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yang Yu
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, ZhangJiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shuqing Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road No.22, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Bo OuYang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Rodríguez-Zhurbenko N, Hernández AM. The role of B-1 cells in cancer progression and anti-tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1363176. [PMID: 38629061 PMCID: PMC11019000 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1363176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, in addition to the well-established role of T cells in controlling or promoting tumor growth, a new wave of research has demonstrated the active involvement of B cells in tumor immunity. B-cell subsets with distinct phenotypes and functions play various roles in tumor progression. Plasma cells and activated B cells have been linked to improved clinical outcomes in several types of cancer, whereas regulatory B cells have been associated with disease progression. However, we are only beginning to understand the role of a particular innate subset of B cells, referred to as B-1 cells, in cancer. Here, we summarize the characteristics of B-1 cells and review their ability to infiltrate tumors. We also describe the potential mechanisms through which B-1 cells suppress anti-tumor immune responses and promote tumor progression. Additionally, we highlight recent studies on the protective anti-tumor function of B-1 cells in both mouse models and humans. Understanding the functions of B-1 cells in tumor immunity could pave the way for designing more effective cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nely Rodríguez-Zhurbenko
- Immunobiology Department, Immunology and Immunotherapy Division, Center of Molecular Immunology, Habana, Cuba
| | - Ana M. Hernández
- Applied Genetics Group, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Habana, Habana, Cuba
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Yang Y, Yan X, Bai X, Yang J, Song J. Programmed cell death-ligand 2: new insights in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1359532. [PMID: 38605944 PMCID: PMC11006960 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1359532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, with the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 axis therapy demonstrating significant clinical efficacy across various tumor types. However, it should be noted that this therapy is not universally effective for all PD-L1-positive patients, highlighting the need to expedite research on the second ligand of PD-1, known as Programmed Cell Death Receptor Ligand 2 (PD-L2). As an immune checkpoint molecule, PD-L2 was reported to be associated with patient's prognosis and plays a pivotal role in cancer cell immune escape. An in-depth understanding of the regulatory process of PD-L2 expression may stratify patients to benefit from anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Our review focuses on exploring PD-L2 expression in different tumors, its correlation with prognosis, regulatory factors, and the interplay between PD-L2 and tumor treatment, which may provide a notable avenue in developing immune combination therapy and improving the clinical efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukang Yang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xia Yan
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xueqi Bai
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiayang Yang
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianbo Song
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Al-Danakh A, Safi M, Jian Y, Yang L, Zhu X, Chen Q, Yang K, Wang S, Zhang J, Yang D. Aging-related biomarker discovery in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer patients. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1348189. [PMID: 38590525 PMCID: PMC11000233 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Older patients with cancer, particularly those over 75 years of age, often experience poorer clinical outcomes compared to younger patients. This can be attributed to age-related comorbidities, weakened immune function, and reduced tolerance to treatment-related adverse effects. In the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) era, age has emerged as an influential factor impacting the discovery of predictive biomarkers for ICI treatment. These age-linked changes in the immune system can influence the composition and functionality of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) that play a crucial role in the cancer response. Older patients may have lower levels of TIICs infiltration due to age-related immune senescence particularly T cell function, which can limit the effectivity of cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, age-related immune dysregulation increases the exhaustion of immune cells, characterized by the dysregulation of ICI-related biomarkers and a dampened response to ICI. Our review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to the impact of age on ICI-related biomarkers and ICI response. Understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the development of treatment approaches tailored to elderly individuals with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al-Danakh
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Mohammed Safi
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yuli Jian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Glycobiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinqing Zhu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qiwei Chen
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Kangkang Yang
- Institute for Genome Engineered Animal Models of Human Diseases, National Center of Genetically Engineered Animal Models for International Research, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shujing Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Glycobiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Deyong Yang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Department of Surgery, Healinghands Clinic, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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11
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Herger N, Heggli I, Mengis T, Devan J, Arpesella L, Brunner F, Distler O, Dudli S. Impacts of priming on distinct immunosuppressive mechanisms of mesenchymal stromal cells under translationally relevant conditions. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:65. [PMID: 38443999 PMCID: PMC10916130 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03677-5] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The multimodal properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), particularly their ability to modulate immune responses is of high interest in translational research. Pro-inflammatory, hypoxic, and 3D culture priming are promising and often used strategies to improve the immunosuppressive potency of MSCs, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Therefore, the aims of this study were (i) to compare the effects of pro-inflammatory, hypoxic, and 3D culture priming on the in vitro immunosuppressive potential of MSCs, (ii) to assess if immunosuppressive priming effects are temporally preserved under standard and translationally relevant culture conditions, and (iii) to investigate if the three priming strategies engage the same immunosuppressive mechanisms. METHODS Functional in vitro T cell suppressive potency measurements were conducted to assess the impact of pro-inflammatory, hypoxic, and 3D culture priming on the immunosuppressive potential of human bone marrow-derived MSCs. Primed MSCs were either cultured under standard cell culture conditions or translationally relevant culture conditions, and their transcriptomic adaptations were monitored over time. Next-generation sequencing was performed to assess if different priming strategies activate distinct immunosuppressive mechanisms. RESULTS (i) Pro-inflammatory, hypoxic, and 3D culture priming induced profound transcriptomic changes in MSCs resulting in a significantly enhanced T cell suppressive potential of pro-inflammatory and 3D culture primed MSCs. (ii) Priming effects rapidly faded under standard cell culture conditions but were partially preserved under translationally relevant conditions. Interestingly, continuous 3D culture priming of MSCs maintained the immunosuppressive potency of MSCs. (iii) Next-generation sequencing revealed that priming strategy-specific differentially expressed genes are involved in the T cell suppressive capacity of MSCs, indicating that different priming strategies engage distinct immunosuppressive mechanisms. CONCLUSION Priming can be a useful approach to improve the immunosuppressive potency of MSCs. However, future studies involving primed MSCs should carefully consider the significant impact of translationally relevant conditions on the preservation of priming effects. Continuous 3D culture could act as a functionalized formulation, supporting the administration of MSC spheroids for a sustainably improved immunosuppressive potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Herger
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Balgrist Campus, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Irina Heggli
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Balgrist Campus, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tamara Mengis
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Balgrist Campus, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Devan
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Balgrist Campus, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Arpesella
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Balgrist Campus, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Florian Brunner
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Balgrist Campus, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Distler
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Dudli
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Balgrist Campus, Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Zhang Z, Song B, Wei H, Liu Y, Zhang W, Yang Y, Sun B. NDRG1 overcomes resistance to immunotherapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through inhibiting ATG9A-dependent degradation of MHC-1. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 73:101040. [PMID: 38228036 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101040] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly disease that is resistant to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies. Emerging evidence suggests that NDRG1 may be an important target for the development of new therapies for PDAC. Herein, we investigated the novel roles of NDRG1 and Combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) in the treatment of PDAC ICB resistance. METHODS Enrichment of MHC class I was detected by RNA sequence and verified by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting in NDRG1-knockdown human pancreatic cancer cell lines. The protein degradation mode was found by stimulation with various inhibitors, and the autophagy degradation pathway was found by immunoprecipitation and immunolocalization. The roles of NDRG1 and MHC-I in immunotherapy were investigated by orthotopic solid tumors, histology, immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS Here, we identified a previously undescribed role of NDRG1 in activating major histocompatibility complex class 1 (MHC-1) expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells through lysosomal-autophagy-dependent degradation. In mouse models of PDAC, either tumor cell overexpression or pharmacologic activation of NDRG1 leads to MHC-1 upregulation in tumor cells, which in turn promotes the infiltration and activity of CD8 + T cells, enhances anti-tumor immunity, and overcomes resistance to ICB therapy. Moreover, combination therapy of CA-4 and ICB overcomes the drug resistance of pancreatic cancer to ICB therapy. In PDAC patients, NDRG1 expression correlates with high MHC-1 expression and better survival. CONCLUSION Our results reveal NDRG1 in PDAC cancer cells as a tumor suppressor and suggest that pharmaceutically targeting NDRG1 is a promising way to overcome pancreatic cancer resistance to immunotherapy and provides a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bojiao Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Haowei Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuhong Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Wang X, Tokarew NJA, Borgelt N, Siemer R, Melo CC, Langer C, Kasampalidis I, Ogusuku IEY, Cathomen T, Gessner I, Dose C, Fauerbach JA, Richter A, Evaristo C. Artificial Targets: a versatile cell-free platform to characterize CAR T cell function in vitro. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1254162. [PMID: 38433827 PMCID: PMC10906080 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1254162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have tremendous potential and proven clinical efficacy against a number of malignancies. Research and development are emerging to deepen the knowledge of CAR T cell efficacy and extend the therapeutic potential of this novel therapy. To this end, functional characterization of CAR T cells plays a central role in consecutive phases across fundamental research and therapeutic development, with increasing needs for standardization. The functional characterization of CAR T cells is typically achieved by assessing critical effector functions, following co-culture with cell lines expressing the target antigen. However, the use of target cell lines poses several limitations, including alterations in cell fitness, metabolic state or genetic drift due to handling and culturing of the cells, which would increase variabilities and could lead to inconsistent results. Moreover, the use of target cell lines can be work and time intensive, and introduce significant background due to the allogenic responses of T cells. To overcome these limitations, we developed a synthetic bead-based platform ("Artificial Targets") to characterize CAR T cell function in vitro. These synthetic microparticles could specifically induce CAR T cell activation, as measured by CD69 and CD137 (4-1BB) upregulation. In addition, engagement with Artificial Targets resulted in induction of multiple effector functions of CAR T cells mimicking the response triggered by target cell lines including cytotoxic activity, as assessed by exposure of CD107a (LAMP-1), expression and secretion of cytokines, as well as cell proliferation. Importantly, in contrast to target cells, stimulation with Artificial Targets showed limited unspecific CAR T cell proliferation. Finally, Artificial Targets demonstrated flexibility to engage multiple costimulatory molecules that can synergistically enhance the CAR T cell function and represented a powerful tool for modulating CAR T cell responses. Collectively, our results show that Artificial Targets can specifically activate CAR T cells for essential effector functions that could significantly advance standardization of functional assessment of CAR T cells, from early development to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Wang
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicholas J. A. Tokarew
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Nadine Borgelt
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Ramona Siemer
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Cristiane Casonato Melo
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian Langer
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Ioannis Kasampalidis
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Isabella E. Y. Ogusuku
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabel Gessner
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Christian Dose
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Jonathan A. Fauerbach
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Anne Richter
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - César Evaristo
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
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14
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Meci A, Goyal N, Slonimsky G. Mechanisms of Resistance and Therapeutic Perspectives in Immunotherapy for Advanced Head and Neck Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:703. [PMID: 38398094 PMCID: PMC10887076 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is emerging as an effective treatment for advanced head and neck cancers and interest in this treatment modality has led to rapid expansion of this research. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab, monoclonal antibodies directed against the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor, are US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- and European Medical Agency (EMA)-approved immunotherapies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Resistance to immunotherapy is common, with about 60% of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC not responding to immunotherapy and only 20-30% of patients without disease progression in the long term. Overcoming resistance to immunotherapy is therefore essential for augmenting the effectiveness of immunotherapy in HNSCC. This review details the innate and adaptive mechanisms by which head and neck cancers can become resistant to immunotherapeutic agents, biomarkers that can be used for immunotherapy patient selection, as well as other factors of the tumor microenvironment correlated with therapeutic response and prognosis. Numerous combinations and novel immunotherapies are currently being trialed, based on better understood immune evasion mechanisms. These potential treatments hold the promise of overcoming resistance to immunotherapy in head and neck cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Meci
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Neerav Goyal
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Guy Slonimsky
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
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15
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Mestiri S, El-Ella DMA, Fernandes Q, Bedhiafi T, Almoghrabi S, Akbar S, Inchakalody V, Assami L, Anwar S, Uddin S, Gul ARZ, Al-Muftah M, Merhi M, Raza A, Dermime S. The dynamic role of immune checkpoint molecules in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of head and neck cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116095. [PMID: 38183744 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116095] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer type, accounting for approximately 277,597 deaths worldwide. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) agents targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) as a treatment regimen for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Studies have reported the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors as targeted therapeutic regimens that unleash the immune response against HNSCC tumors. However, the overall response rates to immunotherapy vary between 14-32% in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, with clinical response and treatment success being unpredictable. Keeping this perspective in mind, it is imperative to understand the role of T cells, natural killer cells, and antigen-presenting cells in modulating the immune response to immunotherapy. In lieu of this, these immune molecules could serve as prognostic and predictive biomarkers to facilitate longitudinal monitoring and understanding of treatment dynamics. These immune biomarkers could pave the path for personalized monitoring and management of HNSCC. In this review, we aim to provide updated immunological insight on the mechanism of action, expression, and the clinical application of immune cells' stimulatory and inhibitory molecules as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in HNC. The review is focused mainly on CD27 and CD137 (members of the TNF-receptor superfamily), natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (TNFRSF4 or OX40), S100 proteins, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA). It also highlights the importance of T, natural killer, and antigen-presenting cells as robust biomarker tools for understanding immune checkpoint inhibitor-based treatment dynamics. Though a comprehensive review, all aspects of the immune molecules could not be covered as they were beyond the scope of the review; Further review articles can cover other aspects to bridge the knowledge gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarra Mestiri
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dina Moustafa Abo El-Ella
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Queenie Fernandes
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Takwa Bedhiafi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salam Almoghrabi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shayista Akbar
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laila Assami
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shaheena Anwar
- Department of Biosciences, Salim Habib University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdul Rehman Zar Gul
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mariam Al-Muftah
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Centre, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Afsheen Raza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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Schoenfeld K, Harwardt J, Kolmar H. Better safe than sorry: dual targeting antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. Biol Chem 2024; 0:hsz-2023-0329. [PMID: 38297991 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Antibody-based therapies are revolutionizing cancer treatment and experience a steady increase from preclinical and clinical pipelines to market share. While the clinical success of monoclonal antibodies is frequently limited by low response rates, treatment resistance and various other factors, multispecific antibodies open up new prospects by addressing tumor complexity as well as immune response actuation potently improving safety and efficacy. Novel antibody approaches involve simultaneous binding of two antigens on one cell implying increased specificity and reduced tumor escape for dual tumor-associated antigen targeting and enhanced and durable cytotoxic effects for dual immune cell-related antigen targeting. This article reviews antibody and cell-based therapeutics for oncology with intrinsic dual targeting of either tumor cells or immune cells. As revealed in various preclinical studies and clinical trials, dual targeting molecules are promising candidates constituting the next generation of antibody drugs for fighting cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Schoenfeld
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julia Harwardt
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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17
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Geng Q, Jiao P. Anti-PD-L1-Based Bispecific Antibodies Targeting Co-Inhibitory and Co-Stimulatory Molecules for Cancer Immunotherapy. Molecules 2024; 29:454. [PMID: 38257366 PMCID: PMC10819708 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020454] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting PD-L1 via monospecific antibodies has shown durable clinical benefits and long-term remissions where patients exhibit no clinical cancer signs for many years after treatment. However, the durable clinical benefits and long-term remissions by anti-PD-L1 monotherapy have been limited to a small fraction of patients with certain cancer types. Targeting PD-L1 via bispecific antibodies (referred to as anti-PD-L1-based bsAbs) which can simultaneously bind to both co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory molecules may increase the durable antitumor responses in patients who would not benefit from PD-L1 monotherapy. A growing number of anti-PD-L1-based bsAbs have been developed to fight against this deadly disease. This review summarizes recent advances of anti-PD-L1-based bsAbs for cancer immunotherapy in patents and literatures, and discusses their anti-tumor efficacies in vitro and in vivo. Over 50 anti-PD-L1-based bsAbs targeting both co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory molecules have been investigated in biological testing or in clinical trials since 2017. At least eleven proteins, such as CTLA-4, LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L2, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD28, CD27, OX40, CD137, and ICOS, are involved in these investigations. Twenty-two anti-PD-L1-based bsAbs are being evaluated to treat various advanced cancers in clinical trials, wherein the indications include NSCLC, SNSCLC, SCLC, PDA, MBNHL, SCCHN, UC, EC, TNBC, CC, and some other malignancies. The released data from clinical trials indicated that most of the anti-PD-L1-based bsAbs were well-tolerated and showed promising antitumor efficacy in patients with advanced solid tumors. However, since the approved and investigational bsAbs have shown much more significant adverse reactions compared to PD-L1 monospecific antibodies, anti-PD-L1-based bsAbs may be further optimized via molecular structure modification to avoid or reduce these adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaohong Geng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu Normal University, Jinan 250200, China
| | - Peifu Jiao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu Normal University, Jinan 250200, China
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18
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Ljunggren M, Zhou X, Theorell-Haglöw J, Janson C, Franklin KA, Emilsson Ö, Lindberg E. Sleep Apnea Indices Associated with Markers of Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease: A Proteomic Study in the MUSTACHE Cohort. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2024; 21:165-169. [PMID: 37788298 PMCID: PMC10867909 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202305-472rl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
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19
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Peng Q, Tao J, Xu Y, Shen Y, Wang Y, Jiao Y, Mao Y, Zhu Y, Liu Y, Tian Y. Lipid metabolism-associated genes serve as potential predictive biomarkers in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy in rectal cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101828. [PMID: 38000147 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of lipid metabolism-associated genes (LMAGs) in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and immunotherapy for rectal cancer. METHODS Differential LMAGs were characterized and functional enrichment analysis was performed. Multiple machine learning algorithms were combined to explore candidate LMAGs. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate the predicting accuracy of candidate LMAGs. The expression patterns, prognostic value, genetic alterations, and immune cell infiltration of the top-ranked LMAGs were investigated. RESULTS We identified 45 LMAGs that were differentially expressed in tumor samples of nCRT responders and non-responders. These LMAGs were closely associated with lipid metabolism-related biological processes and pathways. ROC analysis revealed that the SREBF2 gene, an important transcription factor in regulating lipid metabolism, was the highest predictor of nCRT in rectal cancer. SREBF2 was highly expressed in rectal cancer tissues and high expression of SREBF2 was associated with favorable prognosis. Multivariate analysis showed that SREBF2 was an independent prognostic factor, and we integrated it with other clinical factors to establish an effective prognostic nomogram. SREBF2 also played a synergistic role with its co-expressed genes in the prognostic process of rectal cancer. Furthermore, SREBF2 was demonstrated to be closely associated with multiple immune infiltrating cells, and immunotherapy-related genes and may be used to predict the response to immunotherapy. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that LMAGs may serve as promising biomarkers in nCRT combined with immunotherapy for rectal cancer. However, large-scale clinical trials and biological experiments are necessary to demonstrate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiliang Peng
- Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Institute of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jialong Tao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Institute of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Re-Stem Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Yiheng Mao
- Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Institute of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yaqun Zhu
- Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Institute of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Yulong Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Institute of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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20
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA. EMT-induced immune evasion: connecting the dots from mechanisms to therapy. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4265-4287. [PMID: 37966552 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01229-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic program crucial for organismal development and tissue regeneration. Unfortunately, this program is often hijacked by epithelial tumors to facilitate metastasis. Beyond its role in cancer spread, EMT increases cancer cell survival by activating stem cell programs and bypassing apoptotic programs. Importantly, the capacity of EMT to enforce tumor progression by altering the tumor cell phenotype without triggering immune responses opens the intriguing possibility of a mechanistic link between EMT-driven cancers and immune evasion. Indeed, EMT has been acknowledged as a of driver immune evasion, but the mechanisms are still evolving. Here, we review recent insights into the influence of EMT on tumor immune evasion. Specifically, we focus on the mechanistic roles of EMT in immune escape as the basis that may provide a platform for innovative therapeutic approaches in advanced tumors. We summarize promising therapeutic approaches currently in clinical trials and trending preclinical studies aimed at reinvigorating the tumor microenvironment to create immune-permissive conditions that facilitates immune-mediated tumor clearance. We anticipate that this will assist researchers and pharmaceutical companies in understanding how EMT compromises the immune response, potentially paving the way for effective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
| | - Kamoru A Adedokun
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
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21
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Wang L, Yu X, Li H, Wang C. A novel immune-related prognostic model with surgical status to predict tumor immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Biochem Biophys Rep 2023; 36:101557. [PMID: 37868302 PMCID: PMC10585349 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101557] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) affect tumorigenesis and tumor development in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We constructed a novel predictive model for HNSCC based on immune-related genes (IRGs) from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal. After identifying the IRGs, a predictive model involving 13 IRGs with high stratification value of overall survival (OS) was constructed by multiple support vector machine recursive feature elimination and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. We explored the relationship between the risk score (RS) and clinical characteristics. The nomogram showed high concordance and good agreement in OS. Four TICs affected the OS and were in agreement with the abundance analysis of the RS levels. Furthermore, the low-risk HNSCC group showed higher expression of PD-1, CTLA4, and TIGIT, while the high-risk group showed higher expression of EGFR. The high-risk HNSCC showed high sensitivity to eight drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Wang
- Department of Radiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, PR China
| | - Xianchao Yu
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611731, PR China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, 621000, PR China
| | - Chenglong Wang
- Department of Radiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, PR China
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22
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Jain R, Hadjigeorgiou A, Harkos C, Mishra A, Morad G, Johnson S, Ajami N, Wargo J, Munn L, Stylianopoulos T. Dissecting the Impact of the Gut Microbiome on Cancer Immunotherapy. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3647386. [PMID: 38076985 PMCID: PMC10705708 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3647386/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome has emerged as a key regulator of response to cancer immunotherapy. However, there is a gap in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which the microbiome influences immunotherapy. To this end, we developed a mathematical model based on i) gut microbiome data derived from preclinical studies on melanomas after fecal microbiota transplant, ii) mechanistic modeling of antitumor immune response, and iii) robust association analysis of murine and human microbiome profiles with model-predicted immune profiles. Using our model, we could distill the complexity of these murine and human studies on microbiome modulation in terms of just two model parameters: the activation and killing rate constants of immune cells. We further investigated associations between specific bacterial taxonomies and antitumor immunity and immunotherapy efficacy. This model can guide the design of studies to refine and validate mechanistic links between the microbiome and immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Jain
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | | | | | | | - Golnaz Morad
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | | | - Nadim Ajami
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | | | - Lance Munn
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
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23
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Hao LY, Lerrer S, Song R, Goeckeritz M, Hu X, Mor A. Exclusion of PD-1 from the immune synapse: a novel strategy to modulate T cell function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.16.566907. [PMID: 38014028 PMCID: PMC10680742 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.16.566907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Targeting immune checkpoint receptors on T cells is a common cancer treatment strategy. Frequently, this is accomplished through antibodies targeting the ligand of inhibitory co-receptors. Blocking the immune checkpoint PD-1 binding to its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 prevents downstream signaling and enhances anti-tumor T cell responses. This approach improved cancer patients' outcome. However, only one-third of the patients respond to these treatments. To better understand the mechanism of anti-PD-1 antibodies, we explored the location of PD-1 within the immune synapse. Surprisingly, we discovered that anti-PD-1 antibodies, besides blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, also removed PD-1 from the synapse. We demonstrated a correlation between removing PD-1 from the synapse by anti-PD-1 antibodies and the extent of T cell activation. Interestingly, a short version of the anti-PD-1 antibody, F(ab') 2 , failed to remove PD-1 from the synapse and activate T cells. Using syngeneic tumor model, we showed a superior anti-tumor effect to anti-PD-1 antibody over the shorter version of the antibody. Our data indicates that anti-PD-1 antibodies activate T cells by removing PD-1 away from the synapse and changing the location of PD-1 or other immune receptors within immune synapse could serve as an alternative, efficient approach to treat cancer.
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24
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Chou CY, Li ZQ, Huang HC, Hung CH, Weng SL, Tzou SC. Development of an Albumin-Masked mutPD-1Ig as a Tumor Lesion-Selective Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:40911-40920. [PMID: 37929112 PMCID: PMC10621011 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The antitumor effects elicited by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer treatments. However, severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs) resulting from these treatments have restricted the application of ICIs. To overcome the adverse events, we developed a tumor lesion-selective pro-PD-1Ig that is activated by proteases overexpressed in tumors. We genetically linked albumin to the N-terminus of a modified PD-1Ig (termed mutPD-1Ig hereafter) via an MMP substrate sequence to form Alb-hinge-mutPD-1Ig. We demonstrate that the binding activity of nondigested Alb-hinge-mutPD-1Ig is approximately 11-folds lower than mutPD-1Ig. However, digestion by type IV collagenase restored the binding activity of Alb-hinge-mutPD-1Ig to a level comparable to that of native mutPD-1Ig. In order to enhance the masking efficiency of Alb-mutPD-1Ig, we simulated the effects of diverse MMP substrate linkers for connecting albumin and PD-1 at various starting positions by bioinformatics tools. Our validation experiments indicate Alb-hinge-mutPD-1Ig displayed the best masking efficiency among all simulated constructs. Our study suggests that albumin may be best applicable to mask a target protein whose binding motif is centralized and in the proximity of the N-terminus of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yu Chou
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 75 Bo-Ai Street, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan, Republic Of China
| | - Zhi-Qin Li
- Department
of Biological Science and Technology, National
Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan, Republic Of China
| | - Hsiao-Chen Huang
- Department
of Biological Science and Technology, National
Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan, Republic Of China
| | - Chung-Heng Hung
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 75 Bo-Ai Street, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan, Republic Of China
| | - Shun-Long Weng
- Department
of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City 207, Taiwan, Republic
Of China
- MacKay
Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and
Management, Taipei City 100-116, Taiwan, Republic Of China
- Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu MacKay
Memorial Hospital, 690
Section 2, Guan-Fu Road, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan, Republic Of China
| | - Shey-Cherng Tzou
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 75 Bo-Ai Street, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan, Republic Of China
- Department
of Biological Science and Technology, National
Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan, Republic Of China
- Drug Development
and Value Creation Research Center, and Department of Biomedical Science
and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical
University, Kaohsiung 800-852, Taiwan, Republic Of China
- Center
for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan, Republic
Of China
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25
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Huang J, Gong C, Zhou A. Modulation of gut microbiota: a novel approach to enhancing the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231204854. [PMID: 37841750 PMCID: PMC10571694 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231204854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have greatly improved the prognosis of some cancer patients, the majority still fail to respond adequately, and the available biomarkers cannot reliably predict drug efficacy. The gut microbiota has received widespread attention among the various intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to drug resistance. As an essential regulator of physiological function, the impact of gut microbiota on host immunity and response to cancer therapy is increasingly recognized. Several studies have demonstrated significant differences in gut microbiota between responders and nonresponders. The gut microbiota associated with better clinical outcomes is called 'favorable gut microbiota'. Significantly, interventions can alter the gut microbiota. By shifting the gut microbiota to the 'favorable' one through various modifications, preclinical and clinical studies have yielded more pronounced responses and better clinical outcomes when combined with ICIs treatment, providing novel approaches to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. These findings may be attributed to the effects of gut microbiota and its metabolites on the immune microenvironment and the systemic immune system, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be discovered. In this review, we summarize the clinical evidence that the gut microbiota is strongly associated with the outcomes of ICI treatment and describe the gut microbiota characteristics associated with better clinical outcomes. We then expand on the current prevalent modalities of gut microbiota regulation, provide a comprehensive overview of preclinical and clinical research advances in improving the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of ICIs by modulating gut microbiota, and suggest fundamental questions we need to address and potential directions for future research expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglong Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Caifeng Gong
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Aiping Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100020, China
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26
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Donini C, Galvagno F, Rotolo R, Massa A, Merlini A, Scagliotti GV, Novello S, Bironzo P, Leuci V, Sangiolo D. PD-1 receptor outside the main paradigm: tumour-intrinsic role and clinical implications for checkpoint blockade. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1409-1416. [PMID: 37474722 PMCID: PMC10628145 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02363-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Blocking the inhibitory receptor PD-1 on antitumour T lymphocytes is the main rationale underlying the clinical successes of cancer immunotherapies with checkpoint inhibitor (CI) antibodies (Abs). Besides this main paradigm, there is recent evidence of unconventional and "ectopic" signalling pathways of PD-1, found to be expressed not only by lymphocytes but also by peculiar subsets of cancer cells. Several groups reported on the tumour-intrinsic role of PD-1 in multiple settings, including melanoma, hepatocellular, thyroid, lung, pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Its functional activity appears intriguing but is not yet conclusively clarified. The initial studies are, in fact, supporting either a pro-tumourigenic role involved in chemoresistance and disease relapse or, oppositely, tumour-suppressive functions. The implications connected to the therapeutic administration of PD-1 blocking Abs are, of course, potentially relevant, respectively inferring an anti-tumour activity contrasting PD-1+ tumourigenic cells or a pro-tumoural effect by tackling PD-1 tumour suppressive signalling. The progressive exploration and consideration of this new paradigm of tumour-intrinsic PD-1 signalling may improve the interpretation of the observed clinical effects by anti-PD-1 Abs, likely resulting from multiple cumulative activities, and might provide important bases for dedicated clinical studies that take into account such composite roles of PD-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Donini
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Galvagno
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - R Rotolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A Massa
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A Merlini
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G V Scagliotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - S Novello
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - P Bironzo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - V Leuci
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - D Sangiolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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27
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Kummola L, Salomaa T, Ortutay Z, Savan R, Young HA, Junttila IS. IL-4, IL-13 and IFN-γ -induced genes in highly purified human neutrophils. Cytokine 2023; 164:156159. [PMID: 36809715 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156159] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are related cytokines with well-known specific roles in type 2 immune response. However, their effects on neutrophils are not completely understood. For this, we studied human primary neutrophil responses to IL-4 and IL-13. Neutrophils are dose-dependently responsive to both IL-4 and IL-13 as indicated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) phosphorylation upon stimulation, with IL-4 being more potent inducer of STAT6. IL-4-, IL-13- and Interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated gene expression in highly purified human neutrophils induced both overlapping and unique gene expression in highly purified human neutrophils. IL-4 and IL-13 specifically regulate several immune-related genes, including IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), while type1 immune response-related IFN-γ induced gene expression related for example, to intracellular infections. In analysis of neutrophil metabolic responses, oxygen independent glycolysis was specifically regulated by IL-4, but not by IL-13 or IFN-γ, suggesting specific role for type I IL-4 receptor in this process. Our results provide a comprehensive analysis of IL-4, IL-13 and IFN-γ -induced gene expression in neutrophils while also addressing cytokine-mediated metabolic changes in neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kummola
- Biodiversity Interventions for Well-being, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Tanja Salomaa
- Cytokine Biology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland; Fimlab Laboratories, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Ram Savan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 98195 Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Howard A Young
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 21702 Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Ilkka S Junttila
- Cytokine Biology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland; Fimlab Laboratories, 33520 Tampere, Finland; Northern Finland Laboratory Centre (NordLab), 90220 Oulu, Finland; Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, 90570 Oulu, Finland.
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