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Allen B, Savoy L, Ryabinin P, Bottomly D, Chen R, Goff B, Wang A, McWeeney SK, Zhang H. Upregulation of HOXA3 by isoform-specific Wilms tumour 1 drives chemotherapy resistance in acute myeloid leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:207-219. [PMID: 38867543 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Upregulation of the Wilms' tumour 1 (WT1) gene is common in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and is associated with poor prognosis. WT1 generates 12 primary transcripts through different translation initiation sites and alternative splicing. The short WT1 transcripts express abundantly in primary leukaemia samples. We observed that overexpression of short WT1 transcripts lacking exon 5 with and without the KTS motif (sWT1+/- and sWT1-/-) led to reduced cell growth. However, only sWT1+/- overexpression resulted in decreased CD71 expression, G1 arrest, and cytarabine resistance. Primary AML patient cells with low CD71 expression exhibit resistance to cytarabine, suggesting that CD71 may serve as a potential biomarker for chemotherapy. RNAseq differential expressed gene analysis identified two transcription factors, HOXA3 and GATA2, that are specifically upregulated in sWT1+/- cells, whereas CDKN1A is upregulated in sWT1-/- cells. Overexpression of either HOXA3 or GATA2 reproduced the effects of sWT1+/-, including decreased cell growth, G1 arrest, reduced CD71 expression and cytarabine resistance. HOXA3 expression correlates with chemotherapy response and overall survival in NPM1 mutation-negative leukaemia specimens. Overexpression of HOXA3 leads to drug resistance against a broad spectrum of chemotherapeutic agents. Our results suggest that WT1 regulates cell proliferation and drug sensitivity in an isoform-specific manner.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, CD/biosynthesis
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytarabine/pharmacology
- Cytarabine/therapeutic use
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/drug effects
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Nucleophosmin
- Protein Isoforms
- Receptors, Transferrin
- Up-Regulation
- WT1 Proteins/genetics
- WT1 Proteins/metabolism
- WT1 Proteins/biosynthesis
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Affiliation(s)
- Basil Allen
- Division of Oncological Sciences, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Lindsey Savoy
- Division of Oncological Sciences, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Peter Ryabinin
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Daniel Bottomly
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Reid Chen
- Division of Oncological Sciences, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Bonnie Goff
- Division of Oncological Sciences, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Anthony Wang
- Division of Oncological Sciences, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Shannon K McWeeney
- Division of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Haijiao Zhang
- Division of Oncological Sciences, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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2
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Lo Presti V, Meringa A, Dunnebach E, van Velzen A, Moreira AV, Stam RW, Kotecha RS, Krippner-Heidenreich A, Heidenreich OT, Plantinga M, Cornel A, Sebestyen Z, Kuball J, van Til NP, Nierkens S. Combining CRISPR-Cas9 and TCR exchange to generate a safe and efficient cord blood-derived T cell product for pediatric relapsed AML. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008174. [PMID: 38580329 PMCID: PMC11002379 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008174] [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] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an effective treatment for pediatric patients with high-risk, refractory, or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, a large proportion of transplanted patients eventually die due to relapse. To improve overall survival, we propose a combined strategy based on cord blood (CB)-HCT with the application of AML-specific T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cell therapy derived from the same CB graft. METHODS We produced CB-CD8+ T cells expressing a recombinant TCR (rTCR) against Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) while lacking endogenous TCR (eTCR) expression to avoid mispairing and competition. CRISPR-Cas9 multiplexing was used to target the constant region of the endogenous TCRα (TRAC) and TCRβ (TRBC) chains. Next, an optimized method for lentiviral transduction was used to introduce recombinant WT1-TCR. The cytotoxic and migration capacity of the product was evaluated in coculture assays for both cell lines and primary pediatric AML blasts. RESULTS The gene editing and transduction procedures achieved high efficiency, with up to 95% of cells lacking eTCR and over 70% of T cells expressing rWT1-TCR. WT1-TCR-engineered T cells lacking the expression of their eTCR (eTCR-/- WT1-TCR) showed increased cell surface expression of the rTCR and production of cytotoxic cytokines, such as granzyme A and B, perforin, interferon-γ (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), on antigen recognition when compared with WT1-TCR-engineered T cells still expressing their eTCR (eTCR+/+ WT1-TCR). CRISPR-Cas9 editing did not affect immunophenotypic characteristics or T cell activation and did not induce increased expression of inhibitory molecules. eTCR-/- WT1-TCR CD8+ CB-T cells showed effective migratory and killing capacity in cocultures with neoplastic cell lines and primary AML blasts, but did not show toxicity toward healthy cells. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we show the feasibility of developing a potent CB-derived CD8+ T cell product targeting WT1, providing an option for post-transplant allogeneic immune cell therapy or as an off-the-shelf product, to prevent relapse and improve the clinical outcome of children with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Lo Presti
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Angelo Meringa
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ester Dunnebach
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alice van Velzen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ronald W Stam
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rishi S Kotecha
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | | | - Maud Plantinga
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annelisa Cornel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Niek P van Til
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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3
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Chatzidavid S, Kontandreopoulou CN, Giannakopoulou N, Diamantopoulos PT, Stafylidis C, Kyrtsonis MC, Dimou M, Panayiotidis P, Viniou NA. The Role of Methylation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Its Prognostic and Therapeutic Impacts in the Disease: A Systematic Review. Adv Hematol 2024; 2024:1370364. [PMID: 38435839 PMCID: PMC10907108 DOI: 10.1155/2024/1370364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation has been thoroughly investigated in recent years and has emerged as an important aspect of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) biology. Characteristic aberrant features such as methylation patterns and global DNA hypomethylation were the early findings of the research during the last decades. The investigation in this field led to the identification of a large number of genes where methylation features correlated with important clinical and laboratory parameters. Gene-specific analyses investigated methylation in the gene body enhancer regions as well as promoter regions. The findings included genes and proteins involved in key pathways that play central roles in the pathophysiology of the disease. Τhe application of these findings beyond the theoretical understanding can not only lead to the creation of prognostic and predictive models and scores but also to the design of novel therapeutic agents. The following is a review focusing on the present knowledge about single gene/gene promoter methylation or mRNA expression in CLL cases as well as records of older data that have been published in past papers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevastianos Chatzidavid
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Center, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina-Nefeli Kontandreopoulou
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Panagiotis T. Diamantopoulos
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Stafylidis
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marie-Christine Kyrtsonis
- Hematology Section of the First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dimou
- Hematology Section of the First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Panayiotis Panayiotidis
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nora-Athina Viniou
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Hematology Department, Iatriko Kentro Palaiou Falirou, Athens, Greece
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4
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Morales AE, Gumenick R, Genovese CM, Jang YY, Ouedraogo A, Ibáñez de Garayo M, Pannellini T, Patel S, Bott ME, Alvarez J, Mun SS, Totonchy J, Gautam A, Delgado de la Mora J, Chang S, Wirth D, Horenstein M, Dao T, Scheinberg DA, Rubinstein PG, Semeere A, Martin J, Godfrey CC, Moser CB, Matining RM, Campbell TB, Borok MZ, Krown SE, Cesarman E. Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) antigen is overexpressed in Kaposi Sarcoma and is regulated by KSHV vFLIP. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011881. [PMID: 38190392 PMCID: PMC10898863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In people living with HIV, Kaposi Sarcoma (KS), a vascular neoplasm caused by KS herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8), remains one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Individuals living with HIV, receiving otherwise effective antiretroviral therapy, may present with extensive disease requiring chemotherapy. Hence, new therapeutic approaches are needed. The Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) protein is overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis in several hematologic and solid malignancies and has shown promise as an immunotherapeutic target. We found that WT1 was overexpressed in >90% of a total 333 KS biopsies, as determined by immunohistochemistry and image analysis. Our largest cohort from ACTG, consisting of 294 cases was further analyzed demonstrating higher WT1 expression was associated with more advanced histopathologic subtypes. There was a positive correlation between the proportion of infected cells within KS tissues, assessed by expression of the KSHV-encoded latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA), and WT1 positivity. Areas with high WT1 expression showed sparse T-cell infiltrates, consistent with an immune evasive tumor microenvironment. We show that major oncogenic isoforms of WT1 are overexpressed in primary KS tissue and observed WT1 upregulation upon de novo infection of endothelial cells with KSHV. KSHV latent viral FLICE-inhibitory protein (vFLIP) upregulated total and major isoforms of WT1, but upregulation was not seen after expression of mutant vFLIP that is unable to bind IKKƴ and induce NFκB. siRNA targeting of WT1 in latent KSHV infection resulted in decreased total cell number and pAKT, BCL2 and LANA protein expression. Finally, we show that ESK-1, a T cell receptor-like monoclonal antibody that recognizes WT1 peptides presented on MHC HLA-A0201, demonstrates increased binding to endothelial cells after KSHV infection or induction of vFLIP expression. We propose that oncogenic isoforms of WT1 are upregulated by KSHV to promote tumorigenesis and immunotherapy directed against WT1 may be an approach for KS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana E. Morales
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ruby Gumenick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Caitlyn M. Genovese
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yun Yeong Jang
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ariene Ouedraogo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Maite Ibáñez de Garayo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tania Pannellini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sanjay Patel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Matthew E. Bott
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Julio Alvarez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sung Soo Mun
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Totonchy
- School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Archana Gautam
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jesus Delgado de la Mora
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Chang
- Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Dagmar Wirth
- Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marcelo Horenstein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul G. Rubinstein
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, John H. Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County (Cook County Hospital), Ruth M. Rothstein Core Center, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Aggrey Semeere
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jeffrey Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Catherine C. Godfrey
- Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, Department of State, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Carlee B. Moser
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Roy M. Matining
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Thomas B. Campbell
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Margaret Z. Borok
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Susan E. Krown
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (emerita), New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ethel Cesarman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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5
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Pospiech M, Tamizharasan M, Wei YC, Kumar AMS, Lou M, Milstein J, Alachkar H. Features of the TCR repertoire associate with patients' clinical and molecular characteristics in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1236514. [PMID: 37928542 PMCID: PMC10620936 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1236514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant remains the most effective strategy for patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Leukemia-specific neoantigens presented by the major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) are recognized by the T cell receptors (TCR) triggering the graft-versus-leukemia effect. A unique TCR signature is generated by a complex V(D)J rearrangement process to form TCR capable of binding to the peptide-MHC. The generated TCR repertoire undergoes dynamic changes with disease progression and treatment. Method Here we applied two different computational tools (TRUST4 and MIXCR) to extract the TCR sequences from RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and examine the association between features of the TCR repertoire in adult patients with AML and their clinical and molecular characteristics. Results We found that only ~30% of identified TCR CDR3s were shared by the two computational tools. Yet, patterns of TCR associations with patients' clinical and molecular characteristics based on data obtained from either tool were similar. The numbers of unique TCR clones were highly correlated with patients' white blood cell counts, bone marrow blast percentage, and peripheral blood blast percentage. Multivariable regressions of TCRA and TCRB median normalized number of unique clones with mutational status of AML patients using TRUST4 showed significant association of TCRA or TCRB with WT1 mutations, WBC count, %BM blast, and sex (adjusted in TCRB model). We observed a correlation between TCRA/B number of unique clones and the expression of T cells inhibitory signal genes (TIGIT, LAG3, CTLA-4) and foxp3, but not IL2RA, CD69 and TNFRSF9 suggestive of exhausted T cell phenotypes in AML. Conclusion Benchmarking of computational tools is needed to increase the accuracy of the identified clones. The utilization of RNA-seq data enables identification of highly abundant TCRs and correlating these clones with patients' clinical and molecular characteristics. This study further supports the value of high-resolution TCR-Seq analyses to characterize the TCR repertoire in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Pospiech
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mukund Tamizharasan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yu-Chun Wei
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Advaith Maya Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mimi Lou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Joshua Milstein
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Houda Alachkar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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6
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Rausch J, Ullrich E, Kühn MW. Epigenetic targeting to enhance acute myeloid leukemia-directed immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269012. [PMID: 37809078 PMCID: PMC10556528 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269012] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AML is a malignant disease of hematopoietic progenitor cells with unsatisfactory treatment outcome, especially in patients that are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Immunotherapy, comprising checkpoint inhibition, T-cell engaging antibody constructs, and cellular therapies, has dramatically improved the outcome of patients with solid tumors and lymphatic neoplasms. In AML, these approaches have been far less successful. Discussed reasons are the relatively low mutational burden of AML blasts and the difficulty in defining AML-specific antigens not expressed on hematopoietic progenitor cells. On the other hand, epigenetic dysregulation is an essential driver of leukemogenesis, and non-selective hypomethylating agents (HMAs) are the current backbone of non-intensive treatment. The first clinical trials that evaluated whether HMAs may improve immune checkpoint inhibitors' efficacy showed modest efficacy except for the anti-CD47 antibody that was substantially more efficient against AML when combined with azacitidine. Combining bispecific antibodies or cellular treatments with HMAs is subject to ongoing clinical investigation, and efficacy data are awaited shortly. More selective second-generation inhibitors targeting specific chromatin regulators have demonstrated promising preclinical activity against AML and are currently evaluated in clinical trials. These drugs that commonly cause leukemia cell differentiation potentially sensitize AML to immune-based treatments by co-regulating immune checkpoints, providing a pro-inflammatory environment, and inducing (neo)-antigen expression. Combining selective targeted epigenetic drugs with (cellular) immunotherapy is, therefore, a promising approach to avoid unintended effects and augment efficacy. Future studies will provide detailed information on how these compounds influence specific immune functions that may enable translation into clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Rausch
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Children’s Hospital, Experimental Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCT), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Michael W.M. Kühn
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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7
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Chen M, Fang X, Du R, Meng J, Liu J, Liu M, Yang Y, Wang C. A Nucleus-Targeting WT1 Antagonistic Peptide Encapsulated in Polymeric Nanomicelles Combats Refractory Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2305. [PMID: 37765274 PMCID: PMC10534672 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092305] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is recognized as a classic clonal myeloproliferative disorder. Given the limited treatment options for CML patients in the accelerated phase (AP) and blast phase (BP), there is an evident need to develop new therapeutic strategies. This has the potential to improve outcomes for individuals in the advanced stages of CML. A promising therapeutic target is Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1), which is highly expressed in BP-CML cells and plays a crucial role in CML progression. In this study, a chemically synthesized nucleus-targeting WT1 antagonistic peptide termed WIP2W was identified. The therapeutic implications of both the peptide and its micellar formulation, M-WIP2W, were evaluated in WT1+ BP-CML cell lines and in mice. The findings indicate that WIP2W can bind specifically to the WT1 protein, inducing cell cycle arrest and notable cytotoxicity in WT1+ BP-CML cells. Moreover, subcutaneous injections of M-WIP2W were observed to significantly enhance intra-tumoral accumulation and to effectively inhibit tumor growth. Thus, WIP2W stands out as a potent and selective WT1 inhibitor, and the M-WIP2W nanoformulation appears promising for the therapeutic treatment of refractory CML as well as other WT1-overexpressing malignant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China; (M.C.); (X.F.); (R.D.); (J.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaocui Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China; (M.C.); (X.F.); (R.D.); (J.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rong Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China; (M.C.); (X.F.); (R.D.); (J.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China; (M.C.); (X.F.); (R.D.); (J.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jingyi Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China; (M.C.); (X.F.); (R.D.); (J.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingpeng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China; (M.C.); (X.F.); (R.D.); (J.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanlian Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China; (M.C.); (X.F.); (R.D.); (J.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China; (M.C.); (X.F.); (R.D.); (J.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Rueankham L, Panyajai P, Saiai A, Rungrojsakul M, Tima S, Chiampanichayakul S, Yeerong K, Somwongin S, Chaiyana W, Dejkriengkraikul P, Okonogi S, Katekunlaphan T, Anuchapreeda S. Biological activities of extracts and compounds from Thai Kae-Lae (Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner). BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:191. [PMID: 37296375 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03979-w] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological properties of Kae-Lae (Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner), a traditional medicinal plant used in Ayurvedic recipes in Thailand. To achieve this objective, heartwood samples were collected from 12 sources across Thailand. Fractional extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol) and the dominant compounds (morin, resveratrol, and quercetin) were examined for their abilities on cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antileukaemic activity (Wilms' tumour 1 protein was used as a well-known biomarker for leukaemic cell proliferation). METHODS The study used MTT to assess cytotoxicity in leukaemic cells (K562, EoL-1, and KG-1a). Antioxidant activities were evaluated using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by detecting IL-2, TNF-α, and NO using appropriate detection kits. Wilms' tumour 1 protein expression was measured by Western blotting to determine the anti-leukaemic activity. The inhibition of cell migration was also analyzed to confirm anticancer progression. RESULTS Among the tested extract fraction, ethyl acetate No. 001 displayed strong cytotoxicity specifically in EoL-1 cells, while n-hexane No. 008 demonstrated this effect in three cell lines. Resveratrol, on the other hand, displayed cytotoxicity in all the tested cells. Additionally, the three major compounds, morin, resveratrol, and quercetin, exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, resveratrol demonstrated a noteworthy decreased Wilms' tumour 1 protein expression and a reduction in cell proliferation across all cells. Moreover, ethyl acetate No. 001, morin, and resveratrol effectively inhibited MCF-7 cell migration. None of these compounds showed any impact on red blood cell haemolysis. CONCLUSION Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Kae-Lae has promising chemotherapeutic potential against leukaemic cells, with fractional extracts (ethyl acetate and n-hexane) and resveratrol exhibiting the most potent cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cell migration activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lapamas Rueankham
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Pawaret Panyajai
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Aroonchai Saiai
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Methee Rungrojsakul
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Science, Chandrakasem, Rajabhat University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Singkome Tima
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Center for Research and Development of Natural Products for Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Cancer Research Unit of Associated Medical Sciences (AMS-CRU), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Sawitree Chiampanichayakul
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Center for Research and Development of Natural Products for Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Cancer Research Unit of Associated Medical Sciences (AMS-CRU), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Kankanit Yeerong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Suvimol Somwongin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Wantida Chaiyana
- Center for Research and Development of Natural Products for Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | | | - Siriporn Okonogi
- Center for Research and Development of Natural Products for Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Trinnakorn Katekunlaphan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chandrakasem, Rajabhat University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
| | - Songyot Anuchapreeda
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
- Center for Research and Development of Natural Products for Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
- Cancer Research Unit of Associated Medical Sciences (AMS-CRU), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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9
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Nakagawa N, Hashii Y, Kayama H, Okumura R, Nakajima H, Minagawa H, Morimoto S, Fujiki F, Nakata J, Shirakawa T, Katayama T, Takeda K, Tsuboi A, Ozono K. An oral WT1 protein vaccine composed of WT1-anchored, genetically engineered Bifidobacterium longum allows for intestinal immunity in mice with acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:39-53. [PMID: 35699757 PMCID: PMC9813063 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03214-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is a promising tumor-associated antigen for cancer immunotherapy. We developed an oral protein vaccine platform composed of WT1-anchored, genetically engineered Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) and conducted an in vivo study in mice to examine its anticancer activity. Mice were orally treated with phosphate-buffered saline, wild-type B. longum105-A, B. longum 2012 displaying only galacto-N-biose/lacto-N-biose I-binding protein (GLBP), and WT1 protein- and GLBP-expressing B. longum 420. Tumor size reduced significantly in the B. longum 420 group than in the B. longum 105-A and 2012 groups (P < 0.00 l each), indicating B. longum 420's antitumor activity via WT1-specific immune responses. CD8+ T cells played a major role in the antitumor activity of B. longum 420. The proportion of CD103+CD11b+CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs) increased in the Peyer's patches (PPs) from mice in the B. longum 420 group, indicating the definite activation of DCs. In the PPs, the number and proportion of CD8+ T cells capable of producing interferon-gamma were significantly greater in the B. longum 420 group than in the B. longum 2012 group (P < 0.05 or < 0.01). The production of WT1-specific IgG antibody was significantly higher in the B. longum 420 group than in the 2012 group (P < 0.05). The B. longum 420 group showed the most intense intratumoral infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells primed by activated DCs in the PPs of mice in the B. longum 420 group. Our findings provide insights into a novel, intestinal bacterium-based, cancer immunotherapy through intestinal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuki Nakagawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka Japan
| | - Yoshiko Hashii
- Department Pediatrics, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Hisako Kayama
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka Japan ,WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka Japan ,Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka Japan
| | - Ryu Okumura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka Japan ,WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka Japan
| | - Hiroko Nakajima
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka Japan
| | - Hikaru Minagawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka Japan
| | - Soyoko Morimoto
- Department of Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka Japan
| | - Fumihiro Fujiki
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka Japan
| | - Jun Nakata
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Biomedical Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka Japan
| | - Toshiro Shirakawa
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takane Katayama
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Takeda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka Japan ,WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka Japan
| | - Akihiro Tsuboi
- Department of Cancer Immunotherapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka Japan
| | - Keiichi Ozono
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka Japan
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10
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Pal S, Kaplan JP, Nguyen H, Stopka SA, Savani MR, Regan MS, Nguyen QD, Jones KL, Moreau LA, Peng J, Dipiazza MG, Perciaccante AJ, Zhu X, Hunsel BR, Liu KX, Alexandrescu S, Drissi R, Filbin MG, McBrayer SK, Agar NYR, Chowdhury D, Haas-Kogan DA. A druggable addiction to de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in diffuse midline glioma. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:957-972.e10. [PMID: 35985342 PMCID: PMC9575661 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a uniformly fatal pediatric cancer driven by oncohistones that do not readily lend themselves to drug development. To identify druggable targets for DMG, we conducted a genome-wide CRISPR screen that reveals a DMG selective dependency on the de novo pathway for pyrimidine biosynthesis. This metabolic vulnerability reflects an elevated rate of uridine/uracil degradation that depletes DMG cells of substrates for the alternate salvage pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway. A clinical stage inhibitor of DHODH (rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo pathway) diminishes uridine-5'-phosphate (UMP) pools, generates DNA damage, and induces apoptosis through suppression of replication forks-an "on-target" effect, as shown by uridine rescue. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectroscopy imaging demonstrates that this DHODH inhibitor (BAY2402234) accumulates in the brain at therapeutically relevant concentrations, suppresses de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in vivo, and prolongs survival of mice bearing intracranial DMG xenografts, highlighting BAY2402234 as a promising therapy against DMGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmistha Pal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jakub P Kaplan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Huy Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sylwia A Stopka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Milan R Savani
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Michael S Regan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Quang-De Nguyen
- Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Kristen L Jones
- Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Lisa A Moreau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jingyu Peng
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Marina G Dipiazza
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Andrew J Perciaccante
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Xiaoting Zhu
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bradley R Hunsel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kevin X Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sanda Alexandrescu
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School Boston, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Bader 104, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rachid Drissi
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mariella G Filbin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Samuel K McBrayer
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Nathalie Y R Agar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Dipanjan Chowdhury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daphne A Haas-Kogan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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11
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WT1 Inhibits Human Renal Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Induces G2/M Arrest by Upregulating IL-24 Expression. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:1093945. [PMID: 35915803 PMCID: PMC9338855 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1093945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) is involved in development, tissue homeostasis, and disease. However, the exact roles and the mechanisms of WT1 in renal carcinoma are not well understood. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the ability of WT1 to block proliferation in renal carcinoma cells in vitro. Experimental analysis showed that WT1 overexpression inhibited the proliferation of renal carcinoma A498 cells and promoted arrest at the G2/M checkpoint. RNA-Seq identified differentially expressed genes, including IL-24, related to both the cell proliferation and the cell cycle. WT1 overexpression upregulated IL-24 expression, and IL-24 overexpression induced G2/M arrest. ChIP-Seq identified JUN as a direct target of WT1 in A498 cells, in which positive regulation was shown by RT-qPCR. It has been shown that the transcription factor JUN can regulate IL-24 expression, and therefore, we hypothesize that WT1 might regulate the IL-24 through JUN. Furthermore, analysis based on TCGA datasets showed that the expression of WT1-regulated genes, including TXNIP and GADD45A, was significantly correlated with the stage and histological grade of tumors, with high levels linked to favorable prognoses. Our results demonstrated that the overexpression of WT1 upregulates IL-24, leading to G2/M checkpoint arrest to reduce proliferation. These results indicate that regulation of IL-24 by WT1 inhibits proliferation and may represent a potential target for treating renal carcinoma.
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12
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Lee WC, Chiu CH, Chu TH, Chien YS. WT1: The Hinge Between Anemia Correction and Cancer Development in Chronic Kidney Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:876723. [PMID: 35465313 PMCID: PMC9019781 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.876723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) emerge as promising agents to treat anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) but the major concern is their correlated risk of cancer development and progression. The Wilms’ tumor gene, WT1, is transcriptionally regulated by HIF and is known to play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and invasiveness of certain types of cancers. From the mechanism of action of HIF–PHIs, to cancer hypoxia and the biological significance of WT1, this review will discuss the link between HIF, WT1, anemia correction, and cancer. We aimed to reveal the research gaps and offer a focused strategy to monitor the development and progression of specific types of cancer when using HIF–PHIs to treat anemia in CKD patients. In addition, to facilitate the long-term use of HIF–PHIs in anemic CKD patients, we will discuss the strategy of WT1 inhibition to reduce the development and progression of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chin Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hua Chiu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tian-Huei Chu
- Medical Laboratory, Medical Education and Research Center, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shu Chien
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Yu-Shu Chien,
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13
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Charneau J, Suzuki T, Shimomura M, Fujinami N, Nakatsura T. Peptide-Based Vaccines for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review of Recent Advances. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1035-1054. [PMID: 34513746 PMCID: PMC8424432 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s291558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. After surgery, up to 70% of patients experience relapses. The current first-line therapy for advanced cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comprises sorafenib and lenvatinib administered as single-drug therapies. Regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab are administered as second-line therapies. Recently, it has been reported that using the immune checkpoint inhibitors atezolizumab (anti-PDL1 antibody) and bevacizumab (anti-VEGF antibody) leads to longer overall survival of unresectable cases, when compared with the use of sorafenib. The role of cancer immunity against HCC has attracted the attention of clinicians. In this review, we describe our phase I/II clinical trials of peptide vaccines targeting GPC3 in HCC and discuss the potential of peptide vaccines targeting common cancer antigens that are highly expressed in HCC, such as WT-I, AFP, ROBO1, and FOXM1. Further, we introduce recent cancer vaccines targeting neoantigens, which have attracted attention in recent times, as well as present our preclinical studies, the results of which might aid to initiate a neoantigen vaccine clinical trial, which would be the first of its kind in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Charneau
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa City, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Suzuki
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa City, Japan.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manami Shimomura
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa City, Japan
| | - Norihiro Fujinami
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa City, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nakatsura
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa City, Japan
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14
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Bonte S, de Munter S, Billiet L, Goetgeluk G, Ingels J, Jansen H, Pille M, de Cock L, Weening K, Taghon T, Leclercq G, Vandekerckhove B, Kerre T. In vitro OP9-DL1 co-culture and subsequent maturation in the presence of IL-21 generates tumor antigen-specific T cells with a favorable less-differentiated phenotype and enhanced functionality. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1954800. [PMID: 34367734 PMCID: PMC8312599 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1954800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR)-redirected T cells target intracellular antigens such as Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1), a tumor-associated antigen overexpressed in several malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). For both chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)- and TCR-redirected T cells, several clinical studies indicate that T cell subsets with a less-differentiated phenotype (e.g. stem cell memory T cells, TSCM) survive longer and mediate superior anti-tumor effects in vivo as opposed to more terminally differentiated T cells. Cytokines added during in vitro and ex vivo culture of T cells play an important role in driving the phenotype of T cells for adoptive transfer. Using the OP9-DL1 co-culture system, we have shown previously that we are able to generate in vitro, starting from clinically relevant stem cell sources, T cells with a single tumor antigen (TA)-specific TCR. This method circumvents possible TCR chain mispairing and unwanted toxicities that might occur when introducing a TA-specific TCR in peripheral blood lymphocytes. We now show that we are able to optimize our in vitro culture protocol, by adding IL-21 during maturation, resulting in generation of TA-specific T cells with a less-differentiated phenotype and enhanced in vitro anti-tumor effects. We believe the favorable TSCM-like phenotype of these in vitro generated T cells preludes superior in vivo persistence and anti-tumor efficacy. Therefore, these TA-specific T cells could be of use as a valuable new form of patient-tailored T cell immunotherapy for malignancies for which finding a suitable CAR-T target antigen is challenging, such as AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bonte
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn de Munter
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lore Billiet
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Glenn Goetgeluk
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joline Ingels
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hanne Jansen
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Melissa Pille
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurenz de Cock
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karin Weening
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Taghon
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Georges Leclercq
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tessa Kerre
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Hematology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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15
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DNA Methylation and Intra-Clonal Heterogeneity: The Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Model. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143587. [PMID: 34298798 PMCID: PMC8307727 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a model to investigate the impact of tumor intra-clonal heterogeneity in personalized medicine. Indeed, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) target the BCR-ABL fusion protein, which is considered the major CML driver. TKI use has highlighted the existence of intra-clonal heterogeneity, as indicated by the persistence of a minority subclone for several years despite the presence of the target fusion protein in all cells. Epigenetic modifications could partly explain this heterogeneity. This review summarizes the results of DNA methylation studies in CML. Next-generation sequencing technologies allowed for moving from single-gene to genome-wide analyses showing that methylation abnormalities are much more widespread in CML cells. These data showed that global hypomethylation is associated with hypermethylation of specific sites already at diagnosis in the early phase of CML. The BCR-ABL-independence of some methylation profile alterations and the recent demonstration of the initial intra-clonal DNA methylation heterogeneity suggests that some DNA methylation alterations may be biomarkers of TKI sensitivity/resistance and of disease progression risk. These results also open perspectives for understanding the epigenetic/genetic background of CML predisposition and for developing new therapeutic strategies.
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16
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Daver N, Alotaibi AS, Bücklein V, Subklewe M. T-cell-based immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia: current concepts and future developments. Leukemia 2021; 35:1843-1863. [PMID: 33953290 PMCID: PMC8257483 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01253-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease linked to a broad spectrum of molecular alterations, and as such, long-term disease control requires multiple therapeutic approaches. Driven largely by an improved understanding and targeting of these molecular aberrations, AML treatment has rapidly evolved over the last 3-5 years. The stellar successes of immunotherapies that harness the power of T cells to treat solid tumors and an improved understanding of the immune systems of patients with hematologic malignancies have led to major efforts to develop immunotherapies for the treatment of patients with AML. Several immunotherapies that harness T cells against AML are in various stages of preclinical and clinical development. These include bispecific and dual antigen receptor-targeting antibodies (targeted to CD33, CD123, CLL-1, and others), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, and T-cell immune checkpoint inhibitors (including those targeting PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, and newer targets such as TIM3 and STING). The current and future directions of these T-cell-based immunotherapies in the treatment landscape of AML are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Ahmad S Alotaibi
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Oncology Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Veit Bücklein
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, LMU Gene Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Marion Subklewe
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Laboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, LMU Gene Center, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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17
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Spira A, Hansen AR, Harb WA, Curtis KK, Koga-Yamakawa E, Origuchi M, Li Z, Ertik B, Shaib WL. Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase I Study of DSP-7888 Dosing Emulsion in Patients with Advanced Malignancies. Target Oncol 2021; 16:461-469. [PMID: 33939067 PMCID: PMC8266707 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-021-00813-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is overexpressed in various malignancies. DSP-7888 Dosing Emulsion, also known as ombipepimut-S (United States Adopted Name; International Nonproprietary Name: adegramotide/nelatimotide), is an investigational therapeutic cancer vaccine comprising two synthetic peptides derived from WT1 to promote both cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T-lymphocyte-mediated immune responses against WT1-expressing tumors. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to report the results from a phase I dose-escalation study (NCT02498665) that evaluated DSP-7888, administered either intradermally (ID) or subcutaneously (SC), in patients with recurrent or advanced malignancies associated with overexpression of WT1. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this phase I dose-escalation study, patients with recurrent or advanced malignancies associated with overexpression of WT1 who progressed on, were intolerant to, or not a candidate for standard therapy or who presented with a malignancy that had no definite standard therapy received escalating doses of ID or SC DSP-7888 in a rolling-six study design. DSP-7888 3.5, 10.5, or 17.5 (ID only) mg was administered until disease progression or other discontinuation event. Primary objectives were safety, tolerability, and identification of the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Overall survival (OS) and WT1-specific CTL induction were included as secondary and exploratory objectives, respectively. RESULTS Twenty-four patients received either ID (3.5 mg, n = 4; 10.5 mg, n = 3; 17.5 mg, n = 3) or SC DSP-7888 (3.5 mg, n = 9; 10.5 mg, n = 5). No dose-limiting toxicity was observed. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse event was injection site reactions (ID, 100% [10/10]; SC, 35.7% [5/14]); all were grade 1 or 2. Four patients (ID 17.5 mg, n = 1; SC 3.5 mg, n = 1; SC 10.5 mg, n = 2) had stable disease, 16 had progressive disease, and four were not evaluable. Median (95% confidence interval) OS duration was 180.0 (136.0-494.0) days. Among evaluable patients, WT1-specific CTL induction was observed in 66.7% (6/9) and 41.7% (5/12) of those administered ID and SC DSP-7888, respectively. CONCLUSIONS DSP-7888 Dosing Emulsion was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities, in patients with recurrent or advanced malignancies. Higher WT1-specific CTL induction activity was noted with ID compared with SC administration; because of this, the ID route was selected for further evaluation in the clinical program. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02498665.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Spira
- Virginia Cancer Specialists, 8503 Arlington Blvd., Suite 400, Fairfax, VA, 22031, USA.
- The US Oncology Network, The Woodlands, TX, USA.
| | - Aaron R Hansen
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wael A Harb
- Horizon Oncology Research, LLC, Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Kelly K Curtis
- Medical Management and Scientific Services, Syneos Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Makoto Origuchi
- Clinical Development, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhonggai Li
- Biostatistics, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bella Ertik
- Pharmcovigilance, Former Employee of Boston Biomedical, Inc. (Now Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc.), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Walid L Shaib
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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18
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Almshayakhchi R, Nagarajan D, Vadakekolathu J, Guinn BA, Reeder S, Brentville V, Metheringham R, Pockley AG, Durrant L, McArdle S. A Novel HAGE/WT1-ImmunoBody ® Vaccine Combination Enhances Anti-Tumour Responses When Compared to Either Vaccine Alone. Front Oncol 2021; 11:636977. [PMID: 34262856 PMCID: PMC8273701 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.636977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Many cancers, including myeloid leukaemia express the cancer testis antigen (CTA) DDX43 (HAGE) and/or the oncogene Wilms’ tumour (WT1). Here we demonstrate that HAGE/WT1-ImmunoBody® vaccines derived T-cells can kill ex-vivo human CML cell lines expressing these antigens and significantly delay B16/HHDII+/DR1+/HAGE+/WT1+ tumour growth in the HHDII/DR1 mice and prolonged mouse survival in the prophylactic setting in comparison to non-immunised control mice. We show that immunisation of HHDII/DR1 mice with HAGE- and WT1-ImmunoBody® DNA vaccines in a prime-boost regime in two different flanks induce significant IFN-γ release by splenocytes from treated mice, and a significant level of cytotoxicity against tumour targets expressing HAGE/WT1 in vitro. More importantly, the combined HAGE/WT1 ImmunoBody® vaccine significantly delayed tumour growth in the B16/HHDII+/DR1+/HAGE+/WT1+ tumour model and prolonged mouse survival in the prophylactic setting in comparison to non-immunised control mice. Overall, this work demonstrates that combining both HAGE- and WT1-ImmunoBody® into a single vaccine is better than either vaccine alone. This combination vaccine could be given to patients whose cancer expresses HAGE and WT1 in parallel with existing therapies in order to decrease the chance of disease progression and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukaia Almshayakhchi
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Divya Nagarajan
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jayakumar Vadakekolathu
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara-Ann Guinn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Reeder
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Brentville
- Scancell Ltd, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Metheringham
- Scancell Ltd, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - A Graham Pockley
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lindy Durrant
- Scancell Ltd, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie McArdle
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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19
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Mu H, Zhu X, Jia H, Zhou L, Liu H. Combination Therapies in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia for Potential Treatment-Free Remission: Focus on Leukemia Stem Cells and Immune Modulation. Front Oncol 2021; 11:643382. [PMID: 34055612 PMCID: PMC8155539 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.643382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) has revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), patients are not cured with the current therapy modalities. Also, the more recent goal of CML treatment is to induce successful treatment-free remission (TFR) among patients achieving durable deep molecular response (DMR). Together, it is necessary to develop novel, curative treatment strategies. With advancements in understanding the biology of CML, such as dormant Leukemic Stem Cells (LSCs) and impaired immune modulation, a number of agents are now under investigation. This review updates such agents that target LSCs, and together with TKIs, have the potential to eradicate CML. Moreover, we describe the developing immunotherapy for controlling CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Mu
- Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Jia
- Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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20
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WT1-specific CD8 + cytotoxic T cells with the capacity for antigen-specific expansion accumulate in the bone marrow in MDS. Int J Hematol 2021; 113:723-734. [PMID: 33502734 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-021-03083-0] [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: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is a tumor-associated antigen and immunotherapy target in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Further information is needed on the characteristics of WT1-specific CD8 + T cells to develop immunotherapeutic strategies for MDS. To clarify the frequency, distribution, and phenotype of WT1-specific CD8 + T cells, which occur innately in MDS patients, we analyzed paired peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples from 39 patients with MDS or acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes. The median frequency of WT1 tetramer-binding CD8 + T cells in the CD8 + T cell population was 0.11% in PB and 0.18% in BM. A further tetramer assay combined with mixed lymphocyte peptide culture (MLPC assay) was used to detect functional WT1-specific CD8 + T cells that could respond to the WT1 peptide. Functional WT1-specific CD8 + T cells were detected in BM in 61% of patients, which was significantly higher than in PB (23%, p = 0.001). The frequency of these cells estimated by the MLPC assay was tenfold higher in BM than in PB. The majority of WT1 tetramer-binding CD8 + T cells in BM had a unique phenotype with co-expression of CD39 and CXCR4. These findings will facilitate the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies for MDS.
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21
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Bonte S, De Munter S, Goetgeluk G, Ingels J, Pille M, Billiet L, Taghon T, Leclercq G, Vandekerckhove B, Kerre T. T-cells with a single tumor antigen-specific T-cell receptor can be generated in vitro from clinically relevant stem cell sources. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1727078. [PMID: 32117593 PMCID: PMC7028335 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1727078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells have shown great promise in the treatment of B-cell malignancies. For acute myeloid leukemia (AML), however, the optimal target surface antigen has yet to be discovered. Alternatively, T-cell receptor (TCR)-redirected T-cells target intracellular antigens, marking a broader territory of available target antigens. Currently, adoptive TCR T-cell therapy uses peripheral blood lymphocytes for the introduction of a transgenic TCR. However, this can cause graft-versus-host disease, due to mispairing of introduced and endogenous TCR chains. Therefore, we started from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC), that do not express a TCR yet, isolated from healthy donors, patients in remission after chemotherapy and AML patients at diagnosis. Using the OP9-DL1 in vitro co-culture system and agonist selection, TCR-transduced HSPC develop into mature tumor antigen-specific T-cells with only one TCR. We show here that this approach is feasible with adult HSPC from clinically relevant sources, albeit with slower maturation and lower cell yield compared to cord blood HSPC. Moreover, cryopreservation of HSPC does not have an effect on cell numbers or functionality of the generated T-cells. In conclusion, we show here that it is feasible to generate TA-specific T-cells from HSPC from adult healthy donors and patients and we believe these T-cells could be of use as a very valuable form of patient-tailored T-cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bonte
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn De Munter
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Glenn Goetgeluk
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joline Ingels
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Melissa Pille
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lore Billiet
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Taghon
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Georges Leclercq
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tessa Kerre
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Hematology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Shah NJ, Najibi AJ, Shih TY, Mao AS, Sharda A, Scadden DT, Mooney DJ. A biomaterial-based vaccine eliciting durable tumour-specific responses against acute myeloid leukaemia. Nat Biomed Eng 2020; 4:40-51. [PMID: 31937942 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0503-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a malignancy of haematopoietic origin that has limited therapeutic options. The standard-of-care cytoreductive chemotherapy depletes AML cells to induce remission, but is infrequently curative. An immunosuppressive AML microenvironment in the bone marrow and the paucity of suitable immunotherapy targets limit the induction of effective immune responses. Here, in mouse models of AML, we show that a macroporous-biomaterial vaccine that delivers the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), the Toll-like-receptor-9 agonist cytosine-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotide and one or multiple leukaemia antigens (in the form of a defined peptide antigen, cell lysates or antigens sourced from AML cells recruited in vivo) induces local immune-cell infiltration and activated dendritic cells, evoking a potent anti-AML response. The biomaterial-based vaccine prevented the engraftment of AML cells when administered as a prophylactic and when combined with chemotherapy, and eradicated established AML even in the absence of a defined vaccine antigen. Biomaterial-based AML vaccination can induce potent immune responses, deplete AML cells and prevent disease relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisarg J Shah
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Nanoengineering, Programs in Chemical Engineering and Immunology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alexander J Najibi
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ting-Yu Shih
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Angelo S Mao
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Azeem Sharda
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David T Scadden
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David J Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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23
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Zhong Q, Li BH, Zhu QQ, Zhang ZM, Zou ZH, Jin YH. The Top 100 Highly Cited Original Articles on Immunotherapy for Childhood Leukemia. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1100. [PMID: 31611792 PMCID: PMC6769078 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Childhood leukemia is one of the most common cancers in children. As a potential treatment for leukemia, immunotherapy has become a new research hotspot. This research aimed at exploring the status and trends of current researches on immunotherapy for childhood leukemia through bibliometric analysis. Methods: The Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science core collection database was searched for articles on immunotherapy and childhood leukemia using a computer. Time period for retrieval was from the beginning of the database to June 15, 2019. The top 100 highly cited articles were selected to extract their information on publication year, authors, title, publication journal, number of citations, author’s affiliations, country, and so on. These general information and bibliometric data were collected for analysis. VOSviewer software was used to generate a figure for keywords’ co-occurrence network and a figure for researcher’s coauthorship network that visualized reference and cooperation patterns for different terms in the 100 articles. Results: The number of citations in the top 100 articles ranged from 17 to 471. These articles were published in 52 different publications. The top four journals in terms of the number of our selected articles were Leukemia (11 articles), Blood (10 articles), Bone Marrow Transplantation (6 articles), and Clinical Cancer Research. The most frequently nominated author was T. Klingebiel from Goethe University Frankfurt, and of the top 100 articles, 12 listed his name. These top 100 articles were published after the year 2000. Most of these articles were original (67%). The United States and Germany were the major countries researching immunotherapy for childhood leukemia and made significant contributions to the combat against the disease. Adoptive immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation appeared more frequently in keywords. Conclusions: This study analyzed the top 100 highly cited articles on immunotherapy for childhood leukemia and provided insights into the features and research hotspots of the articles on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and West Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing-Hui Li
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Institute of Evidence-Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qi-Qi Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and West Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Min Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and West Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Zou
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and West Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Hui Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and West Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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24
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Smith CC, Selitsky SR, Chai S, Armistead PM, Vincent BG, Serody JS. Alternative tumour-specific antigens. Nat Rev Cancer 2019; 19:465-478. [PMID: 31278396 PMCID: PMC6874891 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-019-0162-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The study of tumour-specific antigens (TSAs) as targets for antitumour therapies has accelerated within the past decade. The most commonly studied class of TSAs are those derived from non-synonymous single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), or SNV neoantigens. However, to increase the repertoire of available therapeutic TSA targets, 'alternative TSAs', defined here as high-specificity tumour antigens arising from non-SNV genomic sources, have recently been evaluated. Among these alternative TSAs are antigens derived from mutational frameshifts, splice variants, gene fusions, endogenous retroelements and other processes. Unlike the patient-specific nature of SNV neoantigens, some alternative TSAs may have the advantage of being widely shared by multiple tumours, allowing for universal, off-the-shelf therapies. In this Opinion article, we will outline the biology, available computational tools, preclinical and/or clinical studies and relevant cancers for each alternative TSA class, as well as discuss both current challenges preventing the therapeutic application of alternative TSAs and potential solutions to aid in their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christof C Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Marsico Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sara R Selitsky
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Bioinformatics Core, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Marsico Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shengjie Chai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Marsico Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Paul M Armistead
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Benjamin G Vincent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Marsico Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Program in Computational Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Jonathan S Serody
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Marsico Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Program in Computational Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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25
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Zhang Y, Xu L, Chen S, Zha X, Wei W, Li Y. Identification of TCR Vβ11-2- Dβ1- Jβ1-1 T cell clone specific for WT1 peptides using high-throughput TCRβ gene sequencing. Biomark Res 2019; 7:12. [PMID: 31223481 PMCID: PMC6570921 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-019-0163-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously identified a TCR Vβ21 T cell clone which was specific to CML patients, and demonstrated that TCR Vα13/β21 gene-modified CD3+ T cells had specific cytotoxicity for HLA-A11+ K562 cells. However, it remains unclear which antigen is specifically recognized by the TCR Vβ21 T cell clone. In this study, CD3+ T cells from healthy donor peripheral blood were stimulated with the WT1 peptide or mixed BCR-ABL peptides in the presence or absence of IL-2 and IL-7. The distribution of the TCR Vβ repertoire was analyzed after different stimulations. We found that the mixed BCR-ABL peptides induced clonally expanded Vβ7-9-Dβ2-Jβ2-7 T cells while the Wilms Tumor 1 peptide induced clonally expanded Vβ11-2-Dβ1-Jβ1-1 T cells by high-throughput TCRβ sequencing and GeneScan. Interestingly, the sequence and CDR3 motif of Vβ11-2 T cell clone are similar to the TCR Vβ21 (a different TCR V region naming system) T cell clone that we previously found in CML patients. Thus, our findings suggest that the TCR Vβ21 T cell clone found in CML patients might be a T cell clone that specifically recognizes WT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikai Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huang Pu Da Dao Xi, 510632 Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Ling Xu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huang Pu Da Dao Xi, 510632 Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huang Pu Da Dao Xi, 510632 Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianfeng Zha
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Wei Wei
- Guangzhou Municipality Tianhe Nuoya Bio-engineering Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, 510663 China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huang Pu Da Dao Xi, 510632 Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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26
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Hartl M, Schneider R. A Unique Family of Neuronal Signaling Proteins Implicated in Oncogenesis and Tumor Suppression. Front Oncol 2019; 9:289. [PMID: 31058089 PMCID: PMC6478813 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal proteins GAP43 (neuromodulin), MARCKS, and BASP1 are highly expressed in the growth cones of nerve cells where they are involved in signal transmission and cytoskeleton organization. Although their primary structures are unrelated, these signaling proteins share several structural properties like fatty acid modification, and the presence of cationic effector domains. GAP43, MARCKS, and BASP1 bind to cell membrane phospholipids, a process reversibly regulated by protein kinase C-phosphorylation or by binding to the calcium sensor calmodulin (CaM). GAP43, MARCKS, and BASP1 are also expressed in non-neuronal cells, where they may have important functions to manage cytoskeleton architecture, and in case of MARCKS and BASP1 to act as cofactors in transcriptional regulation. During neoplastic cell transformation, the proteins reveal differential expression in normal vs. tumor cells, and display intrinsic tumor promoting or tumor suppressive activities. Whereas GAP43 and MARCKS are oncogenic, tumor suppressive functions have been ascribed to BASP1 and in part to MARCKS depending on the cell type. Like MARCKS, the myristoylated BASP1 protein is localized both in the cytoplasm and in the cell nucleus. Nuclear BASP1 participates in gene regulation converting the Wilms tumor transcription factor WT1 from an oncoprotein into a tumor suppressor. The BASP1 gene is downregulated in many human tumor cell lines particularly in those derived from leukemias, which display elevated levels of WT1 and of the major cancer driver MYC. BASP1 specifically inhibits MYC-induced cell transformation in cultured cells. The tumor suppressive functions of BASP1 and MARCKS could be exploited to expand the spectrum of future innovative therapeutic approaches to inhibit growth and viability of susceptible human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Hartl
- Center of Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Institute of Biochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rainer Schneider
- Center of Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), Institute of Biochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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27
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El Bordiny M, Al-Ghandour A, Abo Elwafa RA, Fayed O. The clinical significance of the alternative Wilms tumor gene overexpression-hypermethylation signature in acute myeloid leukemia. Clin Transl Oncol 2018; 21:864-873. [PMID: 30506133 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-018-1998-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene is overexpressed in numerous cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The alternative WT1 gene (AWT1) is generated from alternative transcription start site in the WT1 first intron and encodes an N-terminal-truncated protein lacking the repressor domain. Although WT1 overexpression is a common feature in AML, the expression levels of the AWT1 and its underlying epigenetic alterations, as well as their clinical relevance in AML remain unknown. METHODS Quantitative assessment of AWT1 gene transcripts was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bisulfite PCR followed by pyrosequencing was done to determine the methylation status of the AWT1 promoter. The bone marrow samples were collected at diagnosis and after completion of induction chemotherapy from 80 newly diagnosed AML patients. Forty non-malignant BM samples were recruited as controls. RESULTS The AWT1 was significantly overexpressed in AML patients. Robust hypermethylation of the AWT1 promoter was found to be a highly specific and sensitive marker for AML (p < 0.001). Significant positive correlations between the AWT1 expression and methylation levels with BM blast counts at both initial diagnosis and after induction therapy were observed (p < 0.001). AWT1 overexpression at the initial diagnosis of AML was found to be an independent negative factor for complete remission response after induction therapy (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION The AWT1 gene overexpression-hypermethylation signature is a characteristic marker that positively correlates with the leukemic burden in AML. AWT1 overexpression at AML diagnosis is an independent negative predictor for CR after induction chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M El Bordiny
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - A Al-Ghandour
- Hematology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - R A Abo Elwafa
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - O Fayed
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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28
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Maupetit-Mehouas S, Court F, Bourgne C, Guerci-Bresler A, Cony-Makhoul P, Johnson H, Etienne G, Rousselot P, Guyotat D, Janel A, Hermet E, Saugues S, Berger J, Arnaud P, Berger MG. DNA methylation profiling reveals a pathological signature that contributes to transcriptional defects of CD34 + CD15 - cells in early chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:814-829. [PMID: 29575763 PMCID: PMC5983208 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high efficiency of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), some patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) will display residual disease that can become resistant to treatment, indicating intraclonal heterogeneity in chronic‐phase CML (CP‐CML). To determine the basis of this heterogeneity, we conducted the first exhaustive characterization of the DNA methylation pattern of sorted CP‐CML CD34+CD15− (immature) and CD34−CD15+ (mature) cells at diagnosis (prior to any treatment) and compared it to that of CD34+CD15− and CD34−CD15+ cells isolated from healthy donors (HD). In both cell types, we identified several hundreds of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) showing DNA methylation changes between CP‐CML and HD samples, with only a subset of them in common between CD34+CD15− and CD34−CD15+ cells. This suggested DNA methylation variability within the same CML clone. We also identified 70 genes that could be aberrantly repressed upon hypermethylation and 171 genes that could be aberrantly expressed upon hypomethylation of some of these DMRs in CP‐CML cells, among which 18 and 81, respectively, were in CP‐CML CD34+CD15− cells only. We then validated the DNA methylation and expression defects of selected candidate genes. Specifically, we identified GAS2, a candidate oncogene, as a new example of gene the hypomethylation of which is associated with robust overexpression in CP‐CML cells. Altogether, we demonstrated that DNA methylation abnormalities exist at early stages of CML and can affect the transcriptional landscape of malignant cells. These observations could lead to the development of combination treatments with epigenetic drugs and TKI for CP‐CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Maupetit-Mehouas
- GReD, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Hématologie Biologique, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - Franck Court
- GReD, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Bourgne
- Hématologie Biologique, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France.,Equipe d'Accueil 7453 CHELTER, Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - Agnès Guerci-Bresler
- Hématologie Clinique, CHRU Nancy, Hôpitaux de Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | | | - Hyacinthe Johnson
- Institut d'Hématologie de Basse Normandie, CHU de Caen, Caen Cedex 9, France
| | - Gabriel Etienne
- Hématologie Clinique, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Philippe Rousselot
- Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, service d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie, Le Chesney, France
| | - Denis Guyotat
- Département d'Hématologie, Institut de Cancérologie Lucien Neuwirth, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Alexandre Janel
- Hématologie Biologique, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France.,Equipe d'Accueil 7453 CHELTER, Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - Eric Hermet
- Hématologie Clinique Adulte, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - Sandrine Saugues
- Hématologie Biologique, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France.,CRB-Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - Juliette Berger
- Hématologie Biologique, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France.,Equipe d'Accueil 7453 CHELTER, Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France.,CRB-Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - Philippe Arnaud
- GReD, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marc G Berger
- Hématologie Biologique, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France.,Equipe d'Accueil 7453 CHELTER, Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France.,CRB-Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
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29
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Robinson TM, Prince GT, Thoburn C, Warlick E, Ferguson A, Kasamon YL, Borrello IM, Hess A, Smith BD. Pilot trial of K562/GM-CSF whole-cell vaccination in MDS patients. Leuk Lymphoma 2018; 59:2801-2811. [PMID: 29616857 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1443449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell malignancies. Currently, approved drugs are given with non-curative intent as the only known cure is allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, which relies on the donor's immune system driving an allogeneic effect. Previous efforts to harness the endogenous immune system have been less successful. We present the results of a pilot study of K562/GM-CSF (GVAX) whole-cell vaccination in MDS patients. The primary objective of safety was met as there were no serious adverse events. One patient had a decrease in transfusion requirements and another demonstrated hematologic improvement suggesting a signal for clinical activity. In vitro correlative studies indicated biological effects on immune cells following vaccination. Although only a pilot study, results are encouraging that an immunotherapeutic approach with a whole-cell vaccine may be feasible in MDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara M Robinson
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Gabrielle T Prince
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Chris Thoburn
- b Department of Pathology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Erica Warlick
- c Department of Medicine , University of Minnesota Medical Center , St. Paul/Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Anna Ferguson
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Yvette L Kasamon
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Ivan M Borrello
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Allan Hess
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - B Douglas Smith
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
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30
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Massimino M, Stella S, Tirrò E, Romano C, Pennisi MS, Puma A, Manzella L, Zanghì A, Stagno F, Di Raimondo F, Vigneri P. Non ABL-directed inhibitors as alternative treatment strategies for chronic myeloid leukemia. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:56. [PMID: 29455672 PMCID: PMC5817805 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0805-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) has significantly improved the outcome of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) patients that, in large part, achieve satisfactory hematological, cytogenetic and molecular remissions. However, approximately 15-20% fail to obtain optimal responses according to the current European Leukemia Network recommendation because of drug intolerance or resistance.Moreover, a plethora of evidence suggests that Leukemic Stem Cells (LSCs) show BCR-ABL1-independent survival. Hence, they are unresponsive to TKIs, leading to disease relapse if pharmacological treatment is discontinued.All together, these biological events generate a subpopulation of CML patients in need of alternative therapeutic strategies to overcome TKI resistance or to eradicate LSCs in order to allow cure of the disease.In this review we update the role of "non ABL-directed inhibitors" targeting signaling pathways downstream of the BCR-ABL1 oncoprotein and describe immunological approaches activating specific T cell responses against CML cells.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Massimino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Tirrò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Romano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Pennisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Adriana Puma
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Zanghì
- Department of Surgical Medical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Fabio Stagno
- Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Raimondo
- Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy.
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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31
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Depreter B, Philippé J, Meul M, Denys B, Vandepoele K, De Moerloose B, Lammens T. Cancer-related mRNA expression analysis using a novel flow cytometry-based assay. CYTOMETRY PART B-CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2017; 94:565-575. [PMID: 28980766 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.21593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-related gene expression data mostly originate from unfractionated bulk samples, leading to "expression averaging" of heterogeneous populations. Multicolor flow cytometry (FCM) may distinguish heterogeneous populations based on the phenotypic characterization of single-cells, but is not applicable for RNA targets. Here, we evaluated the PrimeFlow™ RNA assay, a novel FCM-based assay designed to measure gene expressions, in two cancer entities with high and low RNA target levels. METHODS Neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines were studied for MYCN gene expression by PrimeFlow™ and compared with the gold standard, RT-qPCR. Dilution series of NB cells (0.10-11%) were prepared to evaluate performance in small cell populations. Diagnostic material of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients was used to measure Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) expression in bulk leukemic cells and rare subsets, e.g. leukemic stem cells (LSCs). FCM analysis was performed on a FACSCanto II (BD Biosciences) using Infinicyt™ (Cytognos® ) for data analysis. mRNA expression was reported by normalized mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) values and staining indices. RESULTS MYCN mRNA quantified by PrimeFlow™ significantly correlated with RT-qPCR and remained detectable in small (0.1%) populations. Using PrimeFlowTM , WT1 levels were shown to be significantly higher in AML patient samples with WT1 overexpression, previously defined by RT-qPCR. Moreover, WT1 overexpression was distinguishable between heterogeneous cell populations and remained measurable in rare LSCs. CONCLUSION PrimeFlow™ is a sensitive technique to investigate mRNA expressions, with high concordance to RT-qPCR. High (MYCN) and subtle (WT1) overexpressed mRNA targets can be quantified in heterogeneous and rare subpopulations e.g. LSCs. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Depreter
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Philippé
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Magali Meul
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbara Denys
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karl Vandepoele
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim Lammens
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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32
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Ueda Y, Ogura M, Miyakoshi S, Suzuki T, Heike Y, Tagashira S, Tsuchiya S, Ohyashiki K, Miyazaki Y. Phase 1/2 study of the WT1 peptide cancer vaccine WT4869 in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Cancer Sci 2017; 108:2445-2453. [PMID: 28949050 PMCID: PMC5715294 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
WT4869 is a synthetic peptide vaccine derived from the Wilms’ tumor gene 1 (WT1) protein. This phase 1/2 open‐label study evaluated the safety and efficacy of WT4869, and biomarkers for response, in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. WT4869 (5–1200 μg/dose) was administered intradermally every 2 weeks, according to a 3 + 3 dose‐escalation method in higher‐risk (International Prognostic Scoring System score ≥1.5) or lower‐risk (score <1.5) red blood cell transfusion‐dependent patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Twenty‐six patients were enrolled and treated (median age, 75 years; range, 32 to 89). The most common adverse event was injection site reaction (61.5%). Main grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (30.8%), febrile neutropenia, pneumonia, elevated blood creatine phosphokinase levels and hypoalbuminemia (all 7.7%). Dose‐limiting toxicities occurred in 1 patient in the 50 μg/dose cohort (pyrexia, muscle hemorrhage and hypoalbuminemia) and 1 patient in the 400 μg/dose cohort (pneumonitis); however, the maximum tolerated dose could not be determined from this trial. The overall response rate was 18.2%, the disease control rate was 59.1% and median overall survival was 64.71 weeks (95% confidence interval: 50.29, 142.86) as assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method. Subgroup analysis of azacitidine‐refractory patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (11 patients) showed median overall survival of 55.71 weeks (approximately 13 months). WT1‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte induction was observed in 11 of 25 evaluable patients. WT4869 was well tolerated in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and preliminary data suggest that WT4869 is efficacious. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.jp as JapicCTI‐101374.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Ueda
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Michinori Ogura
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya Daini Red Cross Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shigesaburo Miyakoshi
- Department of Hematology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Suzuki
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Yuji Heike
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Kazuma Ohyashiki
- Department of Hematology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Zauderer MG, Tsao AS, Dao T, Panageas K, Lai WV, Rimner A, Rusch VW, Adusumilli PS, Ginsberg MS, Gomez D, Rice D, Mehran R, Scheinberg DA, Krug LM. A Randomized Phase II Trial of Adjuvant Galinpepimut-S, WT-1 Analogue Peptide Vaccine, After Multimodality Therapy for Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:7483-7489. [PMID: 28972039 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Determine the 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate among patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) receiving the WT1 peptide vaccine galinpepimut-S after multimodality therapy versus those receiving control adjuvants.Experimental Design: This double-blind, controlled, two center phase II trial randomized MPM patients after surgery and another treatment modality to galinpepimut-S with GM-CSF and Montanide or GM-CSF and Montanide alone. An improvement in 1-year PFS from 50% to 70% was the predefined efficacy threshold, and 78 patients total were planned. The study was not powered for comparison between the two arms.Results: Forty-one patients were randomized. Treatment-related adverse events were mild, self-limited, and not clinically significant. On the basis of a stringent prespecified futility analysis (futility = ≥10 of 20 patients on one arm experiencing progression < 1 year), the control arm closed early. The treatment arm was subsequently closed because of the resultant unblinding. The PFS rate at 1 year from beginning study treatment was 33% and 45% in the control and vaccine arms, respectively. Median PFS was 7.4 months versus 10.1 months and median OS was 18.3 months versus 22.8 months in the control and vaccine arms, respectively.Conclusions: The favorable safety profile was confirmed. PFS and OS were greater in those who received vaccine, but the trial was neither designed nor powered for comparison between the arms. On the basis of these promising results, the investigators are planning a larger randomized trial with greater statistical power to define the optimal use and benefit of galinpepimut-S in the treatment of MPM. Clin Cancer Res; 23(24); 7483-9. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie G Zauderer
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
| | - Anne S Tsao
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York
| | - Katherine Panageas
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - W Victoria Lai
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Andreas Rimner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Valerie W Rusch
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Prasad S Adusumilli
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michelle S Ginsberg
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Daniel Gomez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - David Rice
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Reza Mehran
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York.,Deparment of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lee M Krug
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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Safety and persistence of WT1-specific T-cell receptor gene-transduced lymphocytes in patients with AML and MDS. Blood 2017; 130:1985-1994. [PMID: 28860210 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-06-791202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is constantly expressed in leukemic cells of acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). A T-cell receptor (TCR) that specifically reacts with WT1 peptide in the context of HLA-A*24:02 has been identified. We conducted a first-in-human trial of TCR-gene transduced T-cell (TCR-T-cell) transfer in patients with refractory acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) and high-risk MDS to investigate the safety and cell kinetics of the T cells. The WT1-specific TCR-gene was transduced to T cells using a retroviral vector encoding small interfering RNAs for endogenous TCR genes. The T cells were transferred twice with a 4-week interval in a dose-escalating design. After the second transfer, sequential WT1 peptide vaccines were given. Eight patients, divided into 2 dose cohorts, received cell transfer. No adverse events of normal tissue were seen. The TCR-T cells were detected in peripheral blood for 8 weeks at levels proportional to the dose administered, and in 5 patients, they persisted throughout the study period. The persisting cells maintained ex vivo peptide-specific immune reactivity. Two patients showed transient decreases in blast counts in bone marrow, which was associated with recovery of hematopoiesis. Four of 5 patients who had persistent T cells at the end of the study survived more than 12 months. These results suggest WT1-specific TCR-T cells manipulated by ex vivo culture of polyclonal peripheral lymphocytes survived in vivo and retained the capacity to mount an immune reaction to WT1. This trial was registered at www.umin.ac.jp as #UMIN000011519.
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Abstract
Historically, immune-based therapies have played a leading role in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, with the efficacy of stem cell transplantation largely attributable to donor immunity against malignant cells. As new and more targeted immunotherapies have developed, their role in the treatment of hematologic malignancies is evolving and expanding. Herein, we discuss approaches for antigen discovery and review known and novel tumor antigens in hematologic malignancies. We further explore the role of established and investigational immunotherapies in hematologic malignancies, with a focus on personalization of treatment modalities such as cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapy. Finally, we identify areas of active investigation and development. Immunotherapy is at an exciting crossroads for the treatment of hematologic malignancies, with further investigation aimed at producing effective, targeted immune therapies that maximize antitumor effects while minimizing toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Braun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Hermosilla VE, Hepp MI, Escobar D, Farkas C, Riffo EN, Castro AF, Pincheira R. Developmental SALL2 transcription factor: a new player in cancer. Carcinogenesis 2017; 38:680-690. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgx036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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CML patients with deep molecular responses to TKI have restored immune effectors and decreased PD-1 and immune suppressors. Blood 2017; 129:1166-1176. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-10-745992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Key Points
Increased immune suppressors and PD-1 abrogates effector responses in CML patients at diagnosis. Enhanced net effector immune responses and decreased PD-1 and immune suppressors may promote sustained deep molecular response in CML.
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Zhou G, Cao Y, Dong W, Lin Y, Wang Q, Wu W, Hua X, Ling Y, Xie X, Hu S, Cen J, Gu W. The clinical characteristics and prognostic significance of AID, miR-181b, and miR-155 expression in adult patients with de novo B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2017; 58:1-9. [PMID: 28140712 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2017.1283028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate clinical characteristics and prognostic significance of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) gene, miR-181b and miR-155 expression in de novo adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patients. Results showed that AID and miR-155 expression were higher in B-ALL patients than healthy controls, while miR-181b expression was lower in B-ALL patients. In addition, Ph+ B-ALLs had higher AID expression than Ph- B-ALLs, and its high expression was associated with BCR-ABL. Moreover, B-ALL patients with AIDhigh or miR-181blow expression had a shorter overall survival (OS). AIDhigh with miR-181blow, AIDhigh with miR-155low, miR-181blow, miR-155low, AIDhigh with miR-181blow and miR-155low expression were associated with shorter OS. Combination of the three molecules are more accurate predictors for unfavorable OS compared with univariate group. Therefore, AID, miR-181b and miR-155 provide clinical prognosis of adult de novo B-ALL patients and may refine their molecular risk classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangquan Zhou
- a Department of Hematology , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou , Changzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
| | - Yang Cao
- a Department of Hematology , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou , Changzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
| | - Weimin Dong
- a Department of Hematology , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou , Changzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
| | - Yan Lin
- a Department of Hematology , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou , Changzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- b Laboratory of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou , Changzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
| | - Wei Wu
- a Department of Hematology , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou , Changzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
| | - Xiaoying Hua
- a Department of Hematology , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou , Changzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
| | - Yun Ling
- a Department of Hematology , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou , Changzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
| | - Xiaobao Xie
- a Department of Hematology , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou , Changzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- c Department of Hematology , Children's Hospital of Suzhou University , Suzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
| | - Jiannong Cen
- d Laboratory of Leukemia, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University , Suzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
| | - Weiying Gu
- a Department of Hematology , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou , Changzhou , Jiangsu Province , PR China
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Cruz CRY, Bollard CM. Adoptive Immunotherapy For Leukemia With Ex vivo Expanded T Cells. Curr Drug Targets 2017; 18:271-280. [PMID: 26648070 PMCID: PMC5016253 DOI: 10.2174/1389450117666160209143529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel T cell therapies to target leukemia has facilitated the translation of this approach for hematologic malignancies. Different methods of manufacturing leukemia-specific T cells have evolved, along with additional measures to increase the safety of this therapy. This is an overview of expanded T cell therapeutics with a focus on how the manufacturing strategies have been refined, and where the research is heading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Russell Y. Cruz
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy (CETI), Children’s National Health System, USA
| | - Catherine M. Bollard
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy (CETI), Children’s National Health System, USA
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Cesaro E, Sodaro G, Montano G, Grosso M, Lupo A, Costanzo P. The Complex Role of the ZNF224 Transcription Factor in Cancer. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2016; 107:191-222. [PMID: 28215224 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
ZNF224 is a member of the Kruppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs) family. It was originally identified as a transcriptional repressor involved in gene-specific silencing through the recruitment of the corepressor KAP1, chromatin-modifying activities, and the arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 on the promoter of its target genes. Recent findings indicate that ZNF224 can behave both as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene in different human cancers. The transcriptional regulatory properties of ZNF224 in these systems appear to be complex and influenced by specific sets of interactors. ZNF224 can also act as a transcription cofactor for other DNA-binding proteins. A role for ZNF224 in transcriptional activation has also emerged. Here, we review the state of the literature supporting both roles of ZNF224 in cancer. We also examine the functional activity of ZNF224 as a transcription factor and the influence of protein partners on its dual behavior. Increasing information on the mechanism through which ZNF224 can operate could lead to the identification of agents capable of modulating ZNF224 function, thus potentially paving the way to new therapeutic strategies for treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cesaro
- University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - G Sodaro
- University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - G Montano
- BioMedical Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - M Grosso
- University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A Lupo
- University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - P Costanzo
- University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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Nagasaki J, Aoyama Y, Hino M, Ido K, Ichihara H, Manabe M, Ohta T, Mugitani A. Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1) mRNA Expression Level at Diagnosis Is a Significant Prognostic Marker in Elderly Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Acta Haematol 2016; 137:32-39. [PMID: 27866185 DOI: 10.1159/000452732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS A high expression of Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) mRNA occurs in most cases of acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Although there are many reports suggesting that acute myeloid leukemia patients with high expression levels of WT1 mRNA have a relatively poor long-term survival, there are few reports addressing the relationship between WT1 levels and prognosis in MDS. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 42 elderly patients with MDS whose WT1 levels at diagnosis were available, and we assessed the relationships between WT1 levels in peripheral blood and preexisting prognostic factors such as World Health Organization prognostic scores and Revised International Prognostic Scoring System risk categories, bone marrow blast percentages, and chromosomal abnormalities linked to a poor prognosis. We also evaluated the relationship between WT1 levels and prognosis. RESULTS WT1 levels were significantly different between high- and low-risk MDS patients (p < 0.05). There was a trend towards a significant difference between those with and those without poor prognostic chromosomal rearrangements (p = 0.051). Moreover, the overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly worse in elderly patients with higher levels of WT1 (p = 0.00039 and p = 0.00077, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The WT1 mRNA expression level at diagnosis may be a significant independent prognostic marker for elderly patients with MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joji Nagasaki
- Department of Hematology, Seichokai Fuchu Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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Cui H, Lan X, Lu S, Zhang F, Zhang W. Bioinformatic prediction and functional characterization of human KIAA0100 gene. J Pharm Anal 2016; 7:10-18. [PMID: 29404013 PMCID: PMC5686863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that human KIAA0100 gene was a novel acute monocytic leukemia-associated antigen (MLAA) gene. But the functional characterization of human KIAA0100 gene has remained unknown to date. Here, firstly, bioinformatic prediction of human KIAA0100 gene was carried out using online softwares; Secondly, Human KIAA0100 gene expression was downregulated by the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) 9 system in U937 cells. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were next evaluated in KIAA0100-knockdown U937 cells. The bioinformatic prediction showed that human KIAA0100 gene was located on 17q11.2, and human KIAA0100 protein was located in the secretory pathway. Besides, human KIAA0100 protein contained a signalpeptide, a transmembrane region, three types of secondary structures (alpha helix, extended strand, and random coil) , and four domains from mitochondrial protein 27 (FMP27). The observation on functional characterization of human KIAA0100 gene revealed that its downregulation inhibited cell proliferation, and promoted cell apoptosis in U937 cells. To summarize, these results suggest human KIAA0100 gene possibly comes within mitochondrial genome; moreover, it is a novel anti-apoptotic factor related to carcinogenesis or progression in acute monocytic leukemia, and may be a potential target for immunotherapy against acute monocytic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Cui
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Affiliated No. 2 Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, The West Five Road, 157#, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Xi Lan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, The Yanta West Road, 76#, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Shemin Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, The Yanta West Road, 76#, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Fujun Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, The Yanta West Road, 76#, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Wanggang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Affiliated No. 2 Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, The West Five Road, 157#, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
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43
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Rezai O, Khodadadi A, Heike Y, Mostafai A, Gerdabi ND, Rashno M, Abdoli Z. Assessment of Relationship between Wilms' Tumor Gene (WT1) Expression in Peripheral Blood of Acute Leukemia Patients and Serum IL-12 and C3 Levels. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2016; 16:7303-7. [PMID: 26514528 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.16.7303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukemia is a common cancer among children and adolescents. Wilms' tumor gene (WT1) is highly expressed in patients with acute leukemia. It is found as a tumor associated antigen (TAA) in various types of hematopoietic malignancies and can be employed as a useful marker for targeted immunotherapy and monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD). In this regard, WT1 is a transcription factor that promotes gene activation or repression depending on cellular and promoter context. The purpose of this study was assessment of WT1 gene expression in patients with acute leukemia, measurement of IL-12 and C3 levels in serum and evaluation of the relationship between them. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the expression of WT1 mRNA using real-time quantitative RT-PCR and serum levels of IL-12 and C3 using ELISA and nephelometry in peripheral blood of 12 newly diagnosed patients with acute leukemia and 12 controls. RESULTS The results of our study showed that the average wT1 gene expression in patients was 7.7 times higher than in healthy controls (P <0.05). In addition, IL-12 (P = 0.003) and C3 (P <0.0001) were significantly decreased in the test group compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS WT1 expression levels are significantly higher in patients compared with control subjects whereas serum levels of interleukin-12 and C3 are significantly lower in patients. Wt1 expression levels in patients are inversely related with serum levels of IL-12 and C3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omran Rezai
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran E-mail :
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Xiang L, Zhou J, Gu W, Wang R, Wei J, Qiu G, Cen J, Xie X, Chen Z. Changes in expression of WT1 during induced differentiation of the acute myeloid leukemia cell lines by treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and all- trans retinoic acid. Oncol Lett 2016; 11:1521-1526. [PMID: 26893773 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.4052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine; DAC) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in vitro. The methylation status of the WT1 promoter was analyzed using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). The expression level of WT1 was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The effect of DAC and ATRA on cell differentiation was evaluated by flow cytometry. The WT1 gene was methylated in U937 cells, but unmethylated in SHI-1 and K562 cells; the U937 cells did not express the WT1 gene, but the SHI-1 and K562 cells highly expressed the WT1 gene. DAC and ATRA, alone or in combination, exhibited no effect on the expression level of WT1 in the U937 cells and on the differentiation of the K562 cells. The combined treatment of DAC and ATRA markedly decreased the WT1 expression levels of the SHI-1 and K562 cells, and induced the differentiation of the SHI-1 and U937 cells. In the SHI-1 cells, WT1 expression changed inversely to the dynamic changes of cluster of differentiation 11b-positive rates. In conclusion, the combined treatment of DAC and ATRA has clinical therapeutic potential in acute monocytic leukemia patients with high WT1 expression and a poor response to standard induction chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Xiang
- Department of Hematology, The Center Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jiahe Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Center Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Weiying Gu
- Department of Hematology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Rong Wang
- Laboratory of China and United States Cooperation, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jiang Wei
- Comprehensive Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Guoqiang Qiu
- Hematology Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jiannong Cen
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobao Xie
- Department of Hematology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Zixing Chen
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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Downregulation of the WT1 gene expression via TMPyP4 stabilization of promoter G-quadruplexes in leukemia cells. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:9967-77. [PMID: 26815508 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-4881-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The WT1 gene is an important oncogene, and its overexpression is considered as an effective target for anticancer therapy. Regulation of its gene transcription is one way for WT1-targeting drug design. Recently, in silico analysis of some oncogene promoters like WT1 showed some guanine-rich regions with the ability to form G-quadruplex structures. Ligands like 5,10,15,20-tetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)-porphine (TMPyP4) have predominant effect on G-quadruplex stabilization. The aim of this study was to understand the effect of TMPyP4 on WT1 gene transcription via stabilization of promoter G-quadruplexes. We examined the formation of new G-quadruplex motifs in WT1 promoter in the presence of TMPyP4. In order to understand the nature of its interaction with WT1 promoter quadruplexes, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), circular dichroism (CD), polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) stop assays, and quantitative RT-PCR were performed. According to the results, the WT1 promoter can form stable intramolecular parallel G-quadruplexes. In addition, after 48 and 96 h of incubation, 100 μM TMPyP4 reduced the WT1 transcription to 9 and 0.4 %, respectively, compare to control. We report that ligand-mediated stabilization of G-quadruplexes within the WT1 promoter can silence WT1 expression. This study might offer the basis for the reasonable design and improvement of new porphyrin derivatives as effective anti-leukemia agents for cancer therapy.
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Wang H, Li G, Zhang J, Gao F, Li W, Qin Y, Chen ZJ. Novel WT1 Missense Mutations in Han Chinese Women with Premature Ovarian Failure. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13983. [PMID: 26358501 PMCID: PMC4566091 DOI: 10.1038/srep13983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a heterogeneous disease. Though dozens of candidate genes have been identified for the genetic etiology of POF, it is largely unexplained in majority of patients. Recently, Wt1+/R394W mice was found to present POF-like phenotype, which indicates that WT1 might be a plausible candidate gene for non-syndromic POF. The coding region of WT1 gene was screened in 384 patients with POF and 6 novel variations were identified, including two missense mutations (p. Pro126Ser in exon1 and p. Arg370His in exon7) and four intronic variants (c.647-27C > T, c.647-13G > C, c.647-13G > A in intron1 and c.950 + 14T > C in intron 4). In vitro experiments showed that both mutant p. Pro126Ser and p. Arg370His repressed the expression of Amh and Cdh1, and induced the expression of Fshr and Cyp19 in mRNA level (P < 0.05). The expression changes of AMH, FSHR, CYP19 and CDH1 were confirmed by western blot. These genes (AMH, FSHR, CYP19 and CDH1) are required for granular cells (GCs) proliferation, differentiation and oocyte-GCs interaction. The novel mutant p. P126S and p. R370H in the WT1 gene potentially impaired GCs differentiation and oocyte-GCs interaction, which might result in loss of follicles prematurely. Therefore, WT1 is a plausible causal gene for POF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Beijing, China.,Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Weiping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, The Key laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Pan F, Weeks O, Yang FC, Xu M. The TET2 interactors and their links to hematological malignancies. IUBMB Life 2015; 67:438-45. [PMID: 26099018 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation (TET) family proteins are dioxygenases that oxidize 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-formylcytosine, and 5-carboxylcytosine in DNA, early steps of active DNA demethylation. TET2, the second member of TET protein family, is frequently mutated in patients with hematological malignancies, leading to aberrant DNA methylation profiling and decreased 5hmC levels. Located in the nucleus and acting as a DNA-modifying enzyme, TET2 is thought to exert its function via TET2-containing protein complexes. Identifying the interactome network of TET2 likely holds the key to uncover the mechanisms by which TET2 exerts its function in cells. Here, we review recent literature on TET2 interactors and discuss their possible roles in TET2 loss-mediated dysregulation of hematopoiesis and pathogenesis of hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Pan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ophelia Weeks
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Feng-Chun Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mingjiang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Ochi T, Nakatsugawa M, Chamoto K, Tanaka S, Yamashita Y, Guo T, Fujiwara H, Yasukawa M, Butler MO, Hirano N. Optimization of T-cell Reactivity by Exploiting TCR Chain Centricity for the Purpose of Safe and Effective Antitumor TCR Gene Therapy. Cancer Immunol Res 2015; 3:1070-81. [PMID: 25943533 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-14-0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells redirected by a high-affinity antitumor T-cell receptor (TCR) is a promising treatment modality for cancer patients. Safety and efficacy depend on the selection of a TCR that induces minimal toxicity and elicits sufficient antitumor reactivity. Many, if not all, TCRs possess cross-reactivity to unrelated MHC molecules in addition to reactivity to target self-MHC/peptide complexes. Some TCRs display chain centricity, in which recognition of MHC/peptide complexes is dominated by one of the TCR hemi-chains. In this study, we comprehensively studied how TCR chain centricity affects reactivity to target self-MHC/peptide complexes and alloreactivity using the TCR, clone TAK1, which is specific for human leukocyte antigen-A*24:02/Wilms tumor 1(235-243) (A24/WT1(235)) and cross-reactive with B*57:01 (B57). The TAK1β, but not the TAK1α, hemi-chain possessed chain centricity. When paired with multiple clonotypic TCRα counter-chains encoding TRAV12-2, 20, 36, or 38-2, the de novo TAK1β-containing TCRs showed enhanced, weakened, or absent reactivity to A24/WT1(235) and/or to B57. T cells reconstituted with these TCRα genes along with TAK1β possessed a very broad range (>3 log orders) of functional and structural avidities. These results suggest that TCR chain centricity can be exploited to enhance desired antitumor TCR reactivity and eliminate unwanted TCR cross-reactivity. TCR reactivity to target MHC/peptide complexes and cross-reactivity to unrelated MHC molecules are not inextricably linked and are separable at the TCR sequence level. However, it is still mandatory to carefully monitor for possible harmful toxicities caused by adoptive transfer of T cells redirected by thymically unselected TCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Ochi
- Immune Therapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Munehide Nakatsugawa
- Immune Therapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kenji Chamoto
- Immune Therapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shinya Tanaka
- Immune Therapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Takara Bio, Inc., Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamashita
- Immune Therapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tingxi Guo
- Immune Therapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology and Infectious Disease, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masaki Yasukawa
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology and Infectious Disease, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Marcus O Butler
- Immune Therapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naoto Hirano
- Immune Therapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Imprinted genes in myeloid lineage commitment in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Leukemia 2015; 29:1233-42. [PMID: 25703588 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is characterized by the parent-of-origin monoallelic expression of several diploid genes because of epigenetic regulation. Imprinted genes (IGs) are key factors in development, supporting the ability of a genotype to produce phenotypes in response to environmental stimuli. IGs are highly expressed during prenatal stages but are downregulated after birth. They also affect aspects of life other than growth such as cognition, behavior, adaption to novel environments, social dominance and memory consolidation. Deregulated genomic imprinting leads to developmental disorders and is associated with solid and blood cancer as well. Several data have been published highlighting the involvement of IGs in as early as the very small embryonic-like stem cells stage and further during myeloid lineage commitment in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Therefore, we have assembled the current knowledge on the topic, based mainly on recent findings, trying not to focus on a particular cluster but rather to have a global view of several different IGs in hematopoiesis.
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Snauwaert S, Vandekerckhove B, Kerre T. Can immunotherapy specifically target acute myeloid leukemic stem cells? Oncoimmunology 2014; 2:e22943. [PMID: 23526057 PMCID: PMC3601163 DOI: 10.4161/onci.22943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence supports the role of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in the high relapse rate of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. The clinical relevance of LSCs, which were originally characterized in xenograft models, has recently been confirmed by the finding that stem cell-like gene expression signatures can predict the clinical outcome of AML patients. The targeted elimination of LSCs might hence constitute an efficient therapeutic approach to AML. Here, we review immunotherapeutic strategies that target LSC-associated antigens, including T cell-mediated and monoclonal antibody-based regimens. Attention is given to the issue of antigen specificity because this is relevant to the therapeutic window and determines the superiority of LSC-targeting immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Snauwaert
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent, Belgium
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