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Yi SY, Wei MZ, Zhao L. Targeted immunotherapy to cancer stem cells: A novel strategy of anticancer immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104313. [PMID: 38428702 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major disease that endangers human health. Cancer drug resistance and relapse are the two main causes contributing to cancer treatment failure. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small fraction of tumor cells that are responsible for tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Therefore, CSCs are considered to be the root of cancer recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Novel anticancer strategies need to face this new challenge and explore their efficacy against CSCs. Recently, immunotherapy has made rapid advances in cancer treatment, and its potential against CSCs is also an interesting area of research. Meanwhile, immunotherapy strategies are novel therapeutic modalities with promising results in targeting CSCs. In this review, we summarize the targeting of CSCs by various immunotherapy strategies such as monoclonal antibodies(mAb), tumor vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor-T cells(CAR-T) in pre-clinical and clinical studies. This review provides new insights into the application of these immunotherapeutic approaches to potential anti-tumor therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Yong Yi
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China.
| | - Mei-Zhuo Wei
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China.
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2
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Liu Y, Wang H. Biomarkers and targeted therapy for cancer stem cells. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:56-66. [PMID: 38071088 PMCID: PMC10842814 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cancer cells with capabilities of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity, and play a critical role in driving tumor heterogeneity that evolves insensitivity to therapeutics. For these reasons, extensive efforts have been made to identify and target CSCs to potentially improve the antitumor efficacy of therapeutics. While progress has been made to uncover certain CSC-associated biomarkers, the identification of CSC-specific markers, especially the targetable ones, remains a significant challenge. Here we provide an overview of the unique signaling and metabolic pathways of CSCs, summarize existing CSC biomarkers and CSC-targeted therapies, and discuss strategies to further differentiate CSCs from non-stem cancer cells and healthy cells for the development of enhanced CSC-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL), Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carle College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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3
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Liu H, Yan R, Xiao Z, Huang X, Yao J, Liu J, An G, Ge Y. Targeting DCLK1 attenuates tumor stemness and evokes antitumor immunity in triple-negative breast cancer by inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 signaling. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:43. [PMID: 37069669 PMCID: PMC10108533 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01642-3] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits the poorest outcomes among breast cancer subtypes due to the high heterogeneity and a lasting scarcity of effectual treatments. Targeted therapies based on molecular subtypes of TNBC are critical step toward tailoring treatments to improve clinical outcomes. Gastrointestinal cancer stem cell (CSC) marker DCLK1 was reported to be highly expressed in stem cell-rich subtype of TNBC. Here, we firstly explored the impacts of DCLK1 on tumor cells as well as their immune microenvironment in TNBC and potential therapeutic strategies for TNBC patients with high DCLK1 expression. Our results disclosed that DCLK1 overexpression promoted, while knockout of DCLK1 suppressed the CSC-like traits of TNBC cells and resistance to chemotherapeutics. Besides, DCLK1 supported immune escape by inhibiting intratumoral cytotoxic T cell infiltration in TNBC and hence limited immune checkpoint inhibitors efficacy. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis revealed that IL-6/STAT3 signaling was significantly enriched in high DCLK1-expressing patients, and our results further revealed that DCLK1 enhanced IL-6 expression and STAT3 activation in TNBC cells, which finally gave rise to upregulated CSC traits and suppressed CD8+ T-cell activity. Inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 pathway by IL-6R antagonist, Tocilizumab or STAT3 inhibitor, S31-201 could abolish DCLK1-promoted malignant phenotypes of TNBC cells. Finally, DCLK1 was identified to be specifically and highly expressed in the mesenchymal-like subtype of TNBC and targeting DCLK1 could improve chemotherapy efficacy and activate antitumor immunity. Overall, our study revealed the potential clinical benefits of targeting DCLK1 in TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heshu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Zeru Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Xuying Huang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Jiannan Yao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Guangyu An
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Yang Ge
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China.
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Cao J, Bhatnagar S, Wang J, Qi X, Prabha S, Panyam J. Cancer stem cells and strategies for targeted drug delivery. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:1779-1805. [PMID: 33095384 PMCID: PMC8062588 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-020-00863-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small proportion of cancer cells with high tumorigenic activity, self-renewal ability, and multilineage differentiation potential. Standard anti-tumor therapies including conventional chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and molecularly targeted therapies are not effective against CSCs, and often lead to enrichment of CSCs that can result in tumor relapse. Therefore, it is hypothesized that targeting CSCs is key to increasing the efficacy of cancer therapies. In this review, CSC properties including CSC markers, their role in tumor growth, invasiveness, metastasis, and drug resistance, as well as CSC microenvironment are discussed. Further, CSC-targeted strategies including the use of targeted drug delivery systems are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Shubhmita Bhatnagar
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Jiawei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Xueyong Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Swayam Prabha
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Cancer Research & Molecular Biology and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Jayanth Panyam
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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Abou-Mrad Z, Bou Gharios J, Moubarak MM, Chalhoub A, Moussalem C, Bahmad HF, Abou-Kheir W. Central nervous system tumors and three-dimensional cell biology: Current and future perspectives in modeling. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1112-1126. [PMID: 34567429 PMCID: PMC8422930 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i8.1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a variety of distinct neoplasms that present multiple challenges in terms of treatment and prognosis. Glioblastoma, the most common primary tumor in adults, is associated with poor survival and remains one of the least treatable neoplasms. These tumors are highly heterogenous and complex in their nature. Due to this complexity, traditional cell culturing techniques and methods do not provide an ideal recapitulating model for the study of these tumors’ behavior in vivo. Two-dimensional models lack the spatial arrangement, the heterogeneity in cell types, and the microenvironment that play a large role in tumor cell behavior and response to treatment. Recently, scientists have turned towards three-dimensional culturing methods, namely spheroids and organoids, as they have been shown to recapitulate tumors in a more faithful manner to their in vivo counterparts. Moreover, tumor-on-a-chip systems have lately been employed in CNS tumor modeling and have shown great potential in both studying the pathophysiology and therapeutic testing. In this review, we will discuss the current available literature on in vitro three-dimensional culturing models in CNS tumors, in addition to presenting their advantages and current limitations. We will also elaborate on the future implications of these models and their benefit in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaki Abou-Mrad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Jolie Bou Gharios
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Maya M Moubarak
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Ahmad Chalhoub
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Charbel Moussalem
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, United States
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
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Ahmed I, Rehman SU, Shahmohamadnejad S, Zia MA, Ahmad M, Saeed MM, Akram Z, Iqbal HMN, Liu Q. Therapeutic Attributes of Endocannabinoid System against Neuro-Inflammatory Autoimmune Disorders. Molecules 2021; 26:3389. [PMID: 34205169 PMCID: PMC8199938 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, various sites like cannabinoid receptors (CBR) having a binding affinity with cannabinoids are distributed on the surface of different cell types, where endocannabinoids (ECs) and derivatives of fatty acid can bind. The binding of these substance(s) triggers the activation of specific receptors required for various physiological functions, including pain sensation, memory, and appetite. The ECs and CBR perform multiple functions via the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1); cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), having a key effect in restraining neurotransmitters and the arrangement of cytokines. The role of cannabinoids in the immune system is illustrated because of their immunosuppressive characteristics. These characteristics include inhibition of leucocyte proliferation, T cells apoptosis, and induction of macrophages along with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. The review seeks to discuss the functional relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and anti-tumor characteristics of cannabinoids in various cancers. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for cancer-both in vivo and in vitro clinical trials-has also been highlighted and reported to be effective in mice models in arthritis for the inflammation reduction, neuropathic pain, positive effect in multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes mellitus, and found beneficial for treating in various cancers. In human models, such studies are limited; thereby, further research is indispensable in this field to get a conclusive outcome. Therefore, in autoimmune disorders, therapeutic cannabinoids can serve as promising immunosuppressive and anti-fibrotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishtiaq Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China;
- School of Medical Science, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Saif Ur Rehman
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China;
| | - Shiva Shahmohamadnejad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176-13151, Iran;
| | - Muhammad Anjum Zia
- Enzyme Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (M.A.Z.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Muhammad Ahmad
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (SBBUVAS), Sakrand 67210, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Muzammal Saeed
- Enzyme Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (M.A.Z.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Zain Akram
- School of Medical Science, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, 64849 Monterrey, Mexico;
| | - Qingyou Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China;
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López-Gil JC, Martin-Hijano L, Hermann PC, Sainz B. The CXCL12 Crossroads in Cancer Stem Cells and Their Niche. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030469. [PMID: 33530455 PMCID: PMC7866198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary CXCL12 and its receptors have been extensively studied in cancer, including their influence on cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their niche. This intensive research has led to a better understanding of the crosstalk between CXCL12 and CSCs, which has aided in designing several drugs that are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, a comprehensive review has not been published to date. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on how CXCL12 axes are involved in the regulation and maintenance of CSCs, their presence and influence at different cellular levels within the CSC niche, and the current state-of-the-art of therapeutic approaches aimed to target the CXCL12 crossroads. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of “stem”-like cells within the tumor with unique characteristics that allow them to maintain tumor growth, escape standard anti-tumor therapies and drive subsequent repopulation of the tumor. This is the result of their intrinsic “stem”-like features and the strong driving influence of the CSC niche, a subcompartment within the tumor microenvironment that includes a diverse group of cells focused on maintaining and supporting the CSC. CXCL12 is a chemokine that plays a crucial role in hematopoietic stem cell support and has been extensively reported to be involved in several cancer-related processes. In this review, we will provide the latest evidence about the interactions between CSC niche-derived CXCL12 and its receptors—CXCR4 and CXCR7—present on CSC populations across different tumor entities. The interactions facilitated by CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axes seem to be strongly linked to CSC “stem”-like features, tumor progression, and metastasis promotion. Altogether, this suggests a role for CXCL12 and its receptors in the maintenance of CSCs and the components of their niche. Moreover, we will also provide an update of the therapeutic options being currently tested to disrupt the CXCL12 axes in order to target, directly or indirectly, the CSC subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos López-Gil
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Martin-Hijano
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick C. Hermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: (P.C.H.); (B.S.J.)
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.C.H.); (B.S.J.)
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Kharkar PS. Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Inhibitors in Oncology-A Promise for a Better Therapeutic Outcome: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15279-15307. [PMID: 33325699 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of cancer cells endowed with self-renewal, tumorigenicity, pluripotency, chemoresistance, differentiation, invasive ability, and plasticity, reside in specialized tumor niches and are responsible for tumor maintenance, metastasis, therapy resistance, and tumor relapse. The new-age "hierarchical or CSC" model of tumor heterogeneity is based on the concept of eradicating CSCs to prevent tumor relapse and therapy resistance. Small-molecular entities and biologics acting on various stemness signaling pathways, surface markers, efflux transporters, or components of complex tumor microenvironment are under intense investigation as potential anti-CSC agents. In addition, smart nanotherapeutic tools have proved their utility in achieving CSC targeting. Several CSC inhibitors in clinical development have shown promise, either as mono- or combination therapy, in refractory and difficult-to-treat cancers. Clinical investigations with CSC marker follow-up as a measure of clinical efficacy are needed to turn the "hype" into the "hope" these new-age oncology therapeutics have to offer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant S Kharkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400 019, India
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Kumar H. Approaches for deciphering the molecular basis of disease and its translational benefits. Int Rev Immunol 2019; 38:247-248. [PMID: 31738672 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2019.1689654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Kumar
- Editor in Chief, International Reviews of Immunology & Principal Investigator, Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, India
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