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Zhang J, Liu S, Chen X, Xu X, Xu F. Non-immune cell components in tumor microenvironment influencing lung cancer Immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115336. [PMID: 37591126 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a significant morbidity and mortality rate, endangering human life and health. The introduction of immunotherapies has significantly altered existing cancer treatment strategies and is expected to improve immune responses, objective response rates, and survival rates. However, a better understanding of the complex immunological networks of LC is required to improve immunotherapy efficacy further. Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) are significantly expressed by LC cells, which activate dendritic cells, initiate antigen presentation, and activate lymphocytes to exert antitumor activity. However, as tumor cells combat the immune system, an immunosuppressive microenvironment forms, enabling the enactment of a series of immunological escape mechanisms, including the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells and induction of T cell exhaustion to decrease the antitumor immune response. In addition to the direct effect of LC cells on immune cell function, the secreting various cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, changes in the intratumoral microbiome and the function of cancer-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells contribute to LC cell immune escape. Accordingly, combining various immunotherapies with other therapies can elicit synergistic effects based on the complex immune network, improving immunotherapy efficacy through multi-target action on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Hence, this review provides guidance for understanding the complex immune network in the TME and designing novel and effective immunotherapy strategies for LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtao Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiubao Chen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
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2
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Yang W, Cao J, Cheng H, Chen L, Yu M, Chen Y, Cui X. Nanoformulations targeting immune cells for cancer therapy: mRNA therapeutics. Bioact Mater 2023; 23:438-470. [PMCID: PMC9712057 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The approved worldwide use of two messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) in late 2020 has proven the remarkable success of mRNA therapeutics together with lipid nanoformulation technology in protecting people against coronaviruses during COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented and exciting dual strategy with nanoformulations and mRNA therapeutics in play is believed to be a promising paradigm in targeted cancer immunotherapy in future. Recent advances in nanoformulation technologies play a prominent role in adapting mRNA platform in cancer treatment. In this review, we introduce the biologic principles and advancements of mRNA technology, and chemistry fundamentals of intriguing mRNA delivery nanoformulations. We discuss the latest promising nano-mRNA therapeutics for enhanced cancer immunotherapy by modulation of targeted specific subtypes of immune cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs) at peripheral lymphoid organs for initiating mRNA cancer vaccine-mediated antigen specific immunotherapy, and DCs, natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T cells, or multiple immunosuppressive immune cells at tumor microenvironment (TME) for reversing immune evasion. We highlight the clinical progress of advanced nano-mRNA therapeutics in targeted cancer therapy and provide our perspectives on future directions of this transformative integrated technology toward clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Jianwei Cao
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Liang Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Meihua Yu
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China,Corresponding author
| | - Yu Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China,Corresponding author
| | - Xingang Cui
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China,Corresponding author
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Gu Y, Duan J, Yang N, Yang Y, Zhao X. mRNA vaccines in the prevention and treatment of diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e167. [PMID: 36033422 PMCID: PMC9409637 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines made their successful public debut in the effort against the COVID-19 outbreak starting in late 2019, although the history of mRNA vaccines can be traced back decades. This review provides an overview to discuss the historical course and present situation of mRNA vaccine development in addition to some basic concepts that underly mRNA vaccines. We discuss the general preparation and manufacturing of mRNA vaccines and also discuss the scientific advances in the in vivo delivery system and evaluate popular approaches (i.e., lipid nanoparticle and protamine) in detail. Next, we highlight the clinical value of mRNA vaccines as potent candidates for therapeutic treatment and discuss clinical progress in the treatment of cancer and coronavirus disease 2019. Data suggest that mRNA vaccines, with several prominent advantages, have achieved encouraging results and increasing attention due to tremendous potential in disease management. Finally, we suggest some potential directions worthy of further investigation and optimization. In addition to basic research, studies that help to facilitate storage and transportation will be indispensable for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangzhuo Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University; Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduChina
| | - Jiangyao Duan
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Na Yang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Xing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University; Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduChina
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
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Zeng C, Zhang C, Walker PG, Dong Y. Formulation and Delivery Technologies for mRNA Vaccines. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 440:71-110. [PMID: 32483657 PMCID: PMC8195316 DOI: 10.1007/82_2020_217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have become a versatile technology for the prevention of infectious diseases and the treatment of cancers. In the vaccination process, mRNA formulation and delivery strategies facilitate effective expression and presentation of antigens, and immune stimulation. mRNA vaccines have been delivered in various formats: encapsulation by delivery carriers, such as lipid nanoparticles, polymers, peptides, free mRNA in solution, and ex vivo through dendritic cells. Appropriate delivery materials and formulation methods often boost the vaccine efficacy which is also influenced by the selection of a proper administration route. Co-delivery of multiple mRNAs enables synergistic effects and further enhances immunity in some cases. In this chapter, we overview the recent progress and existing challenges in the formulation and delivery technologies of mRNA vaccines with perspectives for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxi Zeng
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 43210, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chengxiang Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 43210, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Patrick G Walker
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 43210, Columbus, OH, USA. .,The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. .,The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. .,Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 43210, Columbus, OH, USA. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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5
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Ye L, Wang L, Yang J, Hu P, Zhang C, Tong S, Liu Z, Tian D. Identification of Tumor Antigens and Immune Landscape in Glioblastoma for mRNA Vaccine Development. Front Genet 2021; 12:701065. [PMID: 34527020 PMCID: PMC8435740 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.701065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Clinical benefits from standard therapies against glioblastoma (GBM) are limited in part due to the intrinsic radio- and chemo-resistance. As an essential part of tumor immunotherapy for adjunct, therapeutic tumor vaccines have been effective against multiple solid cancers, while their efficacy against GBM remains undefined. Therefore, this study aims to find the possible tumor antigens of GBM and identify the suitable population for cancer vaccination through immunophenotyping. Method: The genomic and responding clinical data of 169 GBM samples and five normal brain samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The mRNA_seq data of 940 normal brain tissue were downloaded from Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx). Potential GBM mRNA antigens were screened out by differential expression, copy number variant (CNV), and mutation analysis. K-M survival and Cox analysis were carried out to investigate the prognostic association of potential tumor antigens. Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) was used to explore the association between the antigens and tumor immune infiltrating cells (TIICs). Immunophenotyping of 169 samples was performed through consensus clustering based on the abundance of 22 kinds of immune cells. The characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in each cluster were explored through single-sample gene set enrichment analysis based on 29 kinds of immune-related hallmarks and pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to cluster the genes related to immune subtypes. Finally, pathway enrichment analyses were performed to annotate the potential function of modules screened through WGCNA. Results: Two potential tumor antigens selected were significantly positively associated with the antigen-presenting immune cells (APCs) in GBM. Furthermore, the expression of antigens was verified at the protein level by Immunohistochemistry. Two robust immune subtypes, immune subtype 1 (IS1) and immune subtype 2 (IS2), representing immune status "immune inhibition" and "immune inflamed", respectively, had distinct clinical outcomes in GBM. Conclusion: ARPC1B and HK3 were potential mRNA antigens for developing GBM mRNA vaccination, and the patients in IS2 were considered the most suitable population for vaccination in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liguo Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ji'an Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi'ao Tong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhennan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Daofeng Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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6
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García-Fernández C, Saz A, Fornaguera C, Borrós S. Cancer immunotherapies revisited: state of the art of conventional treatments and next-generation nanomedicines. Cancer Gene Ther 2021; 28:935-946. [PMID: 33837365 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00333-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, the landscape of cancer treatments has broadened thanks to the clinical application of immunotherapeutics. After decades of failures, cancer immunotherapy represents an exciting alternative for those patients suffering from a wide variety of cancers, especially for those skin cancers, such as the early stages of melanoma. However, those cancers affecting internal organs still face a long way to success, because of the poor biodistribution of immunotherapies. Here, nanomedicine appears as a hopeful strategy to modulate the biodistribution aiming at target organ accumulation. In this way, efficacy will be improved, while reducing the side effects at the same time. In this review, we aim to highlight the most promising cancer immunotherapeutic strategies. From monoclonal antibodies and their traditional use as targeted therapies to their current use as immune checkpoint inhibitors; as well as adoptive cell transfer therapies; oncolytic viruses, and therapeutic cancer vaccination. Then, we aim to discuss the important role of nanomedicine to improve the performance of these immunotherapeutic tools to finally review the already marketed nanomedicine-based cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coral García-Fernández
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Univeritat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Saz
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Univeritat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Fornaguera
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Univeritat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Salvador Borrós
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Univeritat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
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Moradpoor R, Zali H, Gharebaghian A, Akbari ME, Ajdari S, Salimi M. Identification of CCNB2 as A Potential Non-Invasive Breast Cancer Biomarker in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Using The Systems Biology Approach. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:406-413. [PMID: 34455715 PMCID: PMC8405074 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.7053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breast cancer (BC) still remains an imperative clinical issue, despite advances in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment modalities of this malignancy. Hence, progress has been made to identify non-invasive, high sensitive and specific biomarkers. Since immune system affects development of breast cancer, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) -a subpopulation of immune cells- can be considered as a promising tool in the field of BC biomarker research. In the current study, we initially attempted to use concept of the present shared biomarkers in solid tumors and systemic immune profile and then evaluate correlation of these biomarkers to clinical use in cancer research. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, available microarray gene expression datasets of BC as well as the related PBMCs were retrieved and downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, followed by analysis using GEO2R along with affylmGUI, a R-based package, to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Signature genes from 20 types of cancer were also applied to validate DEGs. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was carried out to assess mRNA level of CCNB2 in PBMC of the BC patients and healthy subjects. RESULTS DEGs analysis for the transcription profile of BC cells and PBMCs showed two shared targets, CCNB2 and PGK1. Validation with systems biology using reweighted 20 types of cancer signature genes revealed that CCNB2 is the only common target in BC and its related PBMCs, which was further validated by qRT-PCR implying a significant increase in the level of CCNB2 in the BC patients. CONCLUSION Results of this study demonstrated that PBMCs are affected by BC cells and CCNB2 may be of value as a diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer. However, verification would require future detailed experimental plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Moradpoor
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hakimeh Zali
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Gharebaghian
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Soheila Ajdari
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Salimi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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8
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Ye L, Wang L, Yang J, Hu P, Zhang C, Tong S, Liu Z, Tian D. Identification of tumor antigens and immune subtypes in lower grade gliomas for mRNA vaccine development. J Transl Med 2021; 19:352. [PMID: 34404444 PMCID: PMC8369324 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03014-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an important part of tumor immunotherapy for adjunct, therapeutic tumor vaccines have been effective against multiple solid cancers, while their efficacy against lower grade glioma (LGG) remains undefined. Immunophenotyping of tumors is an essential tool to evaluate the immune function of patients with immunodeficiency or autoimmunity. Therefore, this study aims to find the potential tumor antigen of LGG and identify the suitable population for cancer vaccination based on the immune landscape. METHOD The genomic and clinical data of 529 patients with LGG were obtained from TCGA, the mRNA_seq data of normal brain tissue were downloaded from GTEx. Differential expression gene and mutation analysis were performed to screen out potential antigens, K-M curves were carried out to investigate the correlation between the level of potential antigens and OS and DFS of patients. TIMER dataset was used to explore the correlation between genes and immune infiltrating cells. Immunophenotyping of 529 tumor samples was based on the single-sample gene sets enrichment analysis. Cibersort and Estimate algorithm were used to explore the tumor immune microenvironment characteristics in each immune subtype. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) clustered immune-related genes and screened the hub genes, and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the hub modules related to immune subtype in the WGCNA. RESULTS Selecting for the mutated, up-regulated, prognosis- and immune-related genes, four potential tumor antigens were identified in LGG. They were also significantly positively associated with the antigen-presenting immune cells (APCs). Three robust immune subtypes, IS1, IS2 and IS3, represented immune status "desert", "immune inhibition", and "inflamed" respectively, which might serve as a predictive parameter. Subsequently, clinicopathological features, including the codeletion status of 1p19q, IDH mutation status, tumor mutation burden, tumor stemness, etc., were significantly different among subtypes. CONCLUSION FCGBP, FLNC, TLR7, and CSF2RA were potential antigens for developing cancer vaccination, and the patients in IS3 were considered the most suitable for vaccination in LGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liguo Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Ji'an Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Ping Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Chunyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Shi'ao Tong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Zhennan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Daofeng Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, P.R. China.
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9
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Damakoudi V, Feldner T, Dilji E, Belkin A, Richert C. Hybridization Networks of mRNA and Branched RNA Hybrids. Chembiochem 2021; 22:924-930. [PMID: 33105062 PMCID: PMC7984269 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is emerging as an attractive biopolymer for therapy and vaccination. To become suitable for vaccination, mRNA is usually converted to a biomaterial, using cationic peptides, polymers or lipids. An alternative form of converting mRNA into a material is demonstrated that uses branched oligoribonucleotide hybrids with the ability to hybridize with one or more regions of the mRNA sequence. Two such hybrids with hexamer arms and adamantane tetraol as branching element were prepared by solution-phase synthesis. When a rabies mRNA was treated with the branched hybrids at 1 M NaCl concentration, biomaterials formed that contained both of the nucleic acids. These results show that branched oligoribonucleotides are an alternative to the often toxic reagents commonly used to formulate mRNA for medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Feldner
- Institute of Organic ChemistryUniversity of Stuttgart70569StuttgartGermany
| | - Edina Dilji
- Institute of Organic ChemistryUniversity of Stuttgart70569StuttgartGermany
| | - Andrey Belkin
- Institute of Organic ChemistryUniversity of Stuttgart70569StuttgartGermany
| | - Clemens Richert
- Institute of Organic ChemistryUniversity of Stuttgart70569StuttgartGermany
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10
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Zhou LY, Qin Z, Zhu YH, He ZY, Xu T. Current RNA-based Therapeutics in Clinical Trials. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 19:172-196. [PMID: 31566126 DOI: 10.2174/1566523219666190719100526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Long-term research on various types of RNAs has led to further understanding of diverse mechanisms, which eventually resulted in the rapid development of RNA-based therapeutics as powerful tools in clinical disease treatment. Some of the developing RNA drugs obey the antisense mechanisms including antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, microRNAs, small activating RNAs, and ribozymes. These types of RNAs could be utilized to inhibit/activate gene expression or change splicing to provide functional proteins. In the meantime, some others based on different mechanisms like modified messenger RNAs could replace the dysfunctional endogenous genes to manage some genetic diseases, and aptamers with special three-dimensional structures could bind to specific targets in a high-affinity manner. In addition, the recent most popular CRISPR-Cas technology, consisting of a crucial single guide RNA, could edit DNA directly to generate therapeutic effects. The desired results from recent clinical trials indicated the great potential of RNA-based drugs in the treatment of various diseases, but further studies on improving delivery materials and RNA modifications are required for the novel RNA-based drugs to translate to the clinic. This review focused on the advances and clinical studies of current RNA-based therapeutics, analyzed their challenges and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhou Qin
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yang-Hui Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhi-Yao He
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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11
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Roy S, Sethi TK, Taylor D, Kim YJ, Johnson DB. Breakthrough concepts in immune-oncology: Cancer vaccines at the bedside. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1455-1489. [PMID: 32557857 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5bt0420-585rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical approval of the immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) agents for multiple cancer types has reinvigorated the long-standing work on cancer vaccines. In the pre-ICB era, clinical efforts focused on the Ag, the adjuvants, the formulation, and the mode of delivery. These translational efforts on therapeutic vaccines range from cell-based (e.g., dendritic cells vaccine Sipuleucel-T) to DNA/RNA-based platforms with various formulations (liposome), vectors (Listeria monocytogenes), or modes of delivery (intratumoral, gene gun, etc.). Despite promising preclinical results, cancer vaccine trials without ICB have historically shown little clinical activity. With the anticipation and expansion of combinatorial immunotherapeutic trials with ICB, the cancer vaccine field has entered the personalized medicine arena with recent advances in immunogenic neoantigen-based vaccines. In this article, we review the literature to organize the different cancer vaccines in the clinical space, and we will discuss their advantages, limits, and recent progress to overcome their challenges. Furthermore, we will also discuss recent preclinical advances and clinical strategies to combine vaccines with checkpoint blockade to improve therapeutic outcome and present a translational perspective on future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Roy
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tarsheen K Sethi
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - David Taylor
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Young J Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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12
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Nixon AB, Schalper KA, Jacobs I, Potluri S, Wang IM, Fleener C. Peripheral immune-based biomarkers in cancer immunotherapy: can we realize their predictive potential? J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:325. [PMID: 31775882 PMCID: PMC6880594 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0799-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunologic landscape of the host and tumor play key roles in determining how patients will benefit from immunotherapy, and a better understanding of these factors could help inform how well a tumor responds to treatment. Recent advances in immunotherapy and in our understanding of the immune system have revolutionized the treatment landscape for many advanced cancers. Notably, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has demonstrated durable responses in various malignancies. However, the response to such treatments is variable and currently unpredictable, the availability of predictive biomarkers is limited, and a substantial proportion of patients do not respond to immune checkpoint therapy. Identification and investigation of potential biomarkers that may predict sensitivity to immunotherapy is an area of active research. It is envisaged that a deeper understanding of immunity will aid in harnessing the full potential of immunotherapy, and allow appropriate patients to receive the most appropriate treatments. In addition to the identification of new biomarkers, the platforms and assays required to accurately and reproducibly measure biomarkers play a key role in ensuring consistency of measurement both within and between patients. In this review we discuss the current knowledge in the area of peripheral immune-based biomarkers, drawing information from the results of recent clinical studies of a number of different immunotherapy modalities in the treatment of cancer, including checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and anti-cancer vaccines. We also discuss the various technologies and approaches used in detecting and measuring circulatory biomarkers and the ongoing need for harmonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Nixon
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine/Medical Oncology, 133 Jones Building, Research Drive, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Kurt A Schalper
- Yale School of Medicine, Translational Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Yale Cancer Center, 333 Cedar St. FMP117, New Haven, CT, 06520-8023, USA
| | - Ira Jacobs
- Pfizer Inc, Early Oncology Development and Clinical Research, 219 East 42nd St, New York, NY, 10017-5755, USA
| | - Shobha Potluri
- Pfizer Inc., Computational Biology, 230 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - I-Ming Wang
- Pfizer Inc., 10777 Science Center Dr., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Catherine Fleener
- Pfizer Inc., Translational Oncology, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Present Address: Translational Science at Samumed, LLC, La Jolla, CA, USA
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13
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Sebastian M, Schröder A, Scheel B, Hong HS, Muth A, von Boehmer L, Zippelius A, Mayer F, Reck M, Atanackovic D, Thomas M, Schneller F, Stöhlmacher J, Bernhard H, Gröschel A, Lander T, Probst J, Strack T, Wiegand V, Gnad-Vogt U, Kallen KJ, Hoerr I, von der Muelbe F, Fotin-Mleczek M, Knuth A, Koch SD. A phase I/IIa study of the mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy CV9201 in patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:799-812. [PMID: 30770959 PMCID: PMC11028316 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02315-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CV9201 is an RNActive®-based cancer immunotherapy encoding five non-small cell lung cancer-antigens: New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-1, melanoma antigen family C1/C2, survivin, and trophoblast glycoprotein. In a phase I/IIa dose-escalation trial, 46 patients with locally advanced (n = 7) or metastatic (n = 39) NSCLC and at least stable disease after first-line treatment received five intradermal CV9201 injections (400-1600 µg of mRNA). The primary objective of the trial was to assess safety. Secondary objectives included assessment of antibody and ex vivo T cell responses against the five antigens, and changes in immune cell populations. All CV9201 dose levels were well-tolerated and the recommended dose for phase IIa was 1600 µg. Most AEs were mild-to-moderate injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms. Three (7%) patients had grade 3 related AEs. No related grade 4/5 or related serious AEs occurred. In phase IIa, antigen-specific immune responses against ≥ 1 antigen were detected in 63% of evaluable patients after treatment. The frequency of activated IgD+CD38hi B cells increased > twofold in 18/30 (60%) evaluable patients. 9/29 (31%) evaluable patients in phase IIa had stable disease and 20/29 (69%) had progressive disease. Median progression-free and overall survival were 5.0 months (95% CI 1.8-6.3) and 10.8 months (8.1-16.7) from first administration, respectively. Two- and 3-year survival rates were 26.7% and 20.7%, respectively. CV9201 was well-tolerated and immune responses could be detected after treatment supporting further clinical investigation.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/immunology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/mortality
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/therapy
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Humans
- Immunotherapy/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Injection Site Reaction/etiology
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/mortality
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Staging
- RNA, Messenger/administration & dosage
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/immunology
- RNA, Messenger/therapeutic use
- Survival Analysis
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Sebastian
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
- Medizinische Klinik II, Hämatologie/Onkologie, Rheumatologie, Infektiologie, HIV Klinikum der J.W. Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | | | | | - Henoch S Hong
- CureVac AG, Tübingen, Germany
- Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Lotta von Boehmer
- Klinik für Onkologie, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alfred Zippelius
- Klinik für Onkologie, Universitätsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frank Mayer
- Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Praxis und Tagesklinik, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - Martin Reck
- LungenClinic Grosshansdorf, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Djordje Atanackovic
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael Thomas
- Internistische Onkologie der Thoraxtumoren, Thoraxklinik im Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC-H), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Jan Stöhlmacher
- Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
- Tumorgenetik Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Gröschel
- Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Clemenshospital, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Jochen Probst
- CureVac AG, Tübingen, Germany
- Sandoz GmbH, Langkampfen, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Karl-Josef Kallen
- CureVac AG, Tübingen, Germany
- Kallen Medical Innovation GmbH, Frechen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Alexander Knuth
- Klinik für Onkologie, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research NCCCR, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sven D Koch
- CureVac AG, Tübingen, Germany
- Sandoz Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Clinical Bioanalytics, Oberhaching, Germany
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14
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Papachristofilou A, Hipp MM, Klinkhardt U, Früh M, Sebastian M, Weiss C, Pless M, Cathomas R, Hilbe W, Pall G, Wehler T, Alt J, Bischoff H, Geißler M, Griesinger F, Kallen KJ, Fotin-Mleczek M, Schröder A, Scheel B, Muth A, Seibel T, Stosnach C, Doener F, Hong HS, Koch SD, Gnad-Vogt U, Zippelius A. Phase Ib evaluation of a self-adjuvanted protamine formulated mRNA-based active cancer immunotherapy, BI1361849 (CV9202), combined with local radiation treatment in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:38. [PMID: 30736848 PMCID: PMC6368815 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0520-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical studies demonstrate synergism between cancer immunotherapy and local radiation, enhancing anti-tumor effects and promoting immune responses. BI1361849 (CV9202) is an active cancer immunotherapeutic comprising protamine-formulated, sequence-optimized mRNA encoding six non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-associated antigens (NY-ESO-1, MAGE-C1, MAGE-C2, survivin, 5T4, and MUC-1), intended to induce targeted immune responses. METHODS We describe a phase Ib clinical trial evaluating treatment with BI1361849 combined with local radiation in 26 stage IV NSCLC patients with partial response (PR)/stable disease (SD) after standard first-line therapy. Patients were stratified into three strata (1: non-squamous NSCLC, no epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, PR/SD after ≥4 cycles of platinum- and pemetrexed-based treatment [n = 16]; 2: squamous NSCLC, PR/SD after ≥4 cycles of platinum-based and non-platinum compound treatment [n = 8]; 3: non-squamous NSCLC, EGFR mutation, PR/SD after ≥3 and ≤ 6 months EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment [n = 2]). Patients received intradermal BI1361849, local radiation (4 × 5 Gy), then BI1361849 until disease progression. Strata 1 and 3 also had maintenance pemetrexed or continued EGFR-TKI therapy, respectively. The primary endpoint was evaluation of safety; secondary objectives included assessment of clinical efficacy (every 6 weeks during treatment) and of immune response (on Days 1 [baseline], 19 and 61). RESULTS Study treatment was well tolerated; injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms were the most common BI1361849-related adverse events. Three patients had grade 3 BI1361849-related adverse events (fatigue, pyrexia); there was one grade 3 radiation-related event (dysphagia). In comparison to baseline, immunomonitoring revealed increased BI1361849 antigen-specific immune responses in the majority of patients (84%), whereby antigen-specific antibody levels were increased in 80% and functional T cells in 40% of patients, and involvement of multiple antigen specificities was evident in 52% of patients. One patient had a partial response in combination with pemetrexed maintenance, and 46.2% achieved stable disease as best overall response. Best overall response was SD in 57.7% for target lesions. CONCLUSION The results support further investigation of mRNA-based immunotherapy in NSCLC including combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01915524 .
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Martin Früh
- Hospital of St Gallen, St Gallen and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Miklos Pless
- Cantonal Hospital of Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | | | - Wolfgang Hilbe
- Medical Department, Center for Oncology and Hematology, Wilhelminenspital, Wien, Austria
| | - Georg Pall
- University Hospital Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Wehler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jürgen Alt
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Michael Geißler
- Klinik für Allg Innere Medizin, Onkolologie/ Hämatologie, Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie, Esslingen, Germany
| | - Frank Griesinger
- Department Hematology and Oncology, Pius Hospital University, Oldenburg, Germany
- Department Internal Medicine-Oncology, Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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15
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Scheiblhofer S, Thalhamer J, Weiss R. DNA and mRNA vaccination against allergies. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2018; 29:679-688. [PMID: 30063806 PMCID: PMC6283005 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Allergen-specific immunotherapy, which is performed by subcutaneous injection or sublingual application of allergen extracts, represents an effective treatment against type I allergic diseases. However, due to the long duration and adverse reactions, only a minority of patients decides to undergo this treatment. Alternatively, early prophylactic intervention in young children has been proposed to stop the increase in patient numbers. Plasmid DNA and mRNA vaccines encoding allergens have been shown to induce T helper 1 as well as T regulatory responses, which modulate or counteract allergic T helper 2-biased reactions. With regard to prophylactic immunization, additional safety measurements are required. In contrast to crude extracts, genetic vaccines provide the allergen at high purity. Moreover, by targeting the encoded allergen to subcellular compartments for degradation, release of native allergen can be avoided. Due to inherent safety features, mRNA vaccines could be the candidates of choice for preventive allergy immunizations. The subtle priming of T helper 1 immunity induced by this vaccine type closely resembles responses of non-allergic individuals and-by boosting via natural allergen exposure-could suffice for long-term protection from type I allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josef Thalhamer
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Weiss
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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16
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Correlates of immune and clinical activity of novel cancer vaccines. Semin Immunol 2018; 39:119-136. [PMID: 29709421 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are solely meant to amplify the pool of type 1 cytokine oriented CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that recognize tumor antigen and ultimately foster control and destruction of a growing tumor. They are not designed to deal with all aspects of immune ignorance, exclusion, suppression and escape that are generally in place in patients with cancer and may prevent the T cells to enter the tumor or to exert their effector function. This simple fact prompted for a reappraisal of the many recent trials in which therapeutic cancer vaccines have been examined as monotherapy. In this review, I focus on trials examining therapeutic cancer vaccines at different stages of existing disease. The analysis of vaccine-induced immune responses and clinical activity of therapeutic cancer vaccines revealed four levels of evidence for vaccine efficacy. The lowest levels, reflect the many trials in which the strength of the tumor-reactive T cell response of vaccinated patients is associated with better clinical outcome or change in tumor marker. The highest levels indicate occasional regressions of tumors and metastases after vaccination or reflect a stronger clinical impact of vaccine in a randomized trial. A whole series of trials in which vaccine-induced tumor immunity correlates with the clinical impact of cancer vaccines in premalignant diseases, settings of low tumor burden or tumor regressions in patients with cancer, form an attest to the fact that cancer vaccines work. While the current number of true clinical responders in each cancer trial is too low for firm conclusions on immune correlates of clinical reactivity in cancer, extrapolation of the results from vaccinated patients with pre-cancers suggest a requirement of broad type 1 T cell reactivity.
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17
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Brentville VA, Atabani S, Cook K, Durrant LG. Novel tumour antigens and the development of optimal vaccine design. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2018; 6:31-47. [PMID: 29998219 DOI: 10.1177/2515135518768769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The interplay between tumours and the immune system has long been known to involve complex interactions between tumour cells, immune cells and the tumour microenvironment. The progress of checkpoint inhibitors in the clinic in the last decade has highlighted again the role of the immune system in the fight against cancer. Numerous efforts have been undertaken to develop ways of stimulating the cellular immune response to eradicate tumours. These interventions include the identification of appropriate tumour antigens as targets for therapy. In this review, we summarize progress in selection of target tumour antigen. Targeting self antigens has the problem of thymic deletion of high-affinity T-cell responses leaving a diminished repertoire of low-affinity T cells that fail to kill tumour cells. Thymic regulation appears to be less stringent for differentiation of cancer-testis antigens, as many tumour rejection antigens fall into this category. More recently, targeting neo-epitopes or post-translational modifications such as a phosphorylation or stress-induced citrullination has shown great promise in preclinical studies. Of particular interest is that the responses can be mediated by both CD4 and CD8 T cells. Previous vaccines have targeted CD8 T-cell responses but more recently, the central role of CD4 T cells in orchestrating inflammation within tumours and also differentiating into potent killer cells has been recognized. The design of vaccines to induce such immune responses is discussed herein. Liposomally encoded ribonucleic acid (RNA), targeted deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or long peptides linked to toll-like receptor (TLR) adjuvants are the most promising new vaccine approaches. These exciting new approaches suggest that the 'Holy Grail' of a simple nontoxic cancer vaccine may be on the horizon. A major hurdle in tumour therapy is also to overcome the suppressive tumour environment. We address current progress in combination therapies and suggest that these are likely to show the most promise for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suha Atabani
- Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Katherine Cook
- Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lindy G Durrant
- Scancell Limited, Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
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