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Singh S, Fang J, Jin H, Van de Velde LA, Wu Q, Cortes A, Morton CL, Woolard MA, Quarni W, Steele JA, Connelly JP, He L, Thorne R, Turner G, Confer T, Johnson M, Caufield WV, Freeman BB, Lockey T, Pruett-Miller SM, Wang R, Davidoff AM, Thomas PG, Yang J. RBM39 degrader invigorates natural killer cells to eradicate neuroblastoma despite cancer cell plasticity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.21.586157. [PMID: 38585889 PMCID: PMC10996557 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.21.586157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The cellular plasticity of neuroblastoma is defined by a mixture of two major cell states, adrenergic (ADRN) and mesenchymal (MES), which may contribute to therapy resistance. However, how neuroblastoma cells switch cellular states during therapy remains largely unknown and how to eradicate neuroblastoma regardless of their cell states is a clinical challenge. To better understand the lineage switch of neuroblastoma in chemoresistance, we comprehensively defined the transcriptomic and epigenetic map of ADRN and MES types of neuroblastomas using human and murine models treated with indisulam, a selective RBM39 degrader. We showed that cancer cells not only undergo a bidirectional switch between ADRN and MES states, but also acquire additional cellular states, reminiscent of the developmental pliancy of neural crest cells. The lineage alterations are coupled with epigenetic reprogramming and dependency switch of lineage-specific transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers and targetable kinases. Through targeting RNA splicing, indisulam induces an inflammatory tumor microenvironment and enhances anticancer activity of natural killer cells. The combination of indisulam with anti-GD2 immunotherapy results in a durable, complete response in high-risk transgenic neuroblastoma models, providing an innovative, rational therapeutic approach to eradicate tumor cells regardless of their potential to switch cell states.
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2
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Stip MC, Teeuwen L, Dierselhuis MP, Leusen JHW, Krijgsman D. Targeting the myeloid microenvironment in neuroblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:337. [PMID: 38087370 PMCID: PMC10716967 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02913-9] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells (granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages) play an important role in neuroblastoma. By inducing a complex immunosuppressive network, myeloid cells pose a challenge for the adaptive immune system to eliminate tumor cells, especially in high-risk neuroblastoma. This review first summarizes the pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions of myeloid cells, including granulocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) during the development and progression of neuroblastoma. Secondly, we discuss how myeloid cells are engaged in the current treatment regimen and explore novel strategies to target these cells in neuroblastoma. These strategies include: (1) engaging myeloid cells as effector cells, (2) ablating myeloid cells or blocking the recruitment of myeloid cells to the tumor microenvironment and (3) reprogramming myeloid cells. Here we describe that despite their immunosuppressive traits, tumor-associated myeloid cells can still be engaged as effector cells, which is clear in anti-GD2 immunotherapy. However, their full potential is not yet reached, and myeloid cell engagement can be enhanced, for example by targeting the CD47/SIRPα axis. Though depletion of myeloid cells or blocking myeloid cell infiltration has been proven effective, this strategy also depletes possible effector cells for immunotherapy from the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, reprogramming of suppressive myeloid cells might be the optimal strategy, which reverses immunosuppressive traits, preserves myeloid cells as effectors of immunotherapy, and subsequently reactivates tumor-infiltrating T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein C Stip
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Loes Teeuwen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jeanette H W Leusen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle Krijgsman
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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3
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Jacob M, Wiedemann S, Brücher D, Pieper NM, Birkhold M, Särchen V, Jeroch J, Demes MC, Gretser S, Braun Y, Gradhand E, Rothweiler F, Michaelis M, Cinatl J, Vogler M. Increased MCL1 dependency leads to new applications of BH3-mimetics in drug-resistant neuroblastoma. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1667-1678. [PMID: 37723317 PMCID: PMC10646009 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma is a paediatric cancer that is characterised by poor prognosis for chemoresistant disease, highlighting the need for better treatment options. Here, we asked whether BH3-mimetics inhibiting BCL2 proteins may eliminate chemoresistant neuroblastoma cells. METHODS We utilised cisplatin-adapted neuroblastoma cell lines as well as patient tissues before and after relapse to study alterations of BCL2 proteins upon chemoresistance. RESULTS In a direct comparison of cisplatin-resistant cells we identified a prominent loss of sensitivity to BCL2/BCL-XL inhibitors that is associated with an increase in MCL1 dependency and high expression of MCL1 in patient tumour tissues. Screening of FDA-approved anti-cancer drugs in chemoresistant cells identified therapeutics that may be beneficial in combination with the clinically tested BH3-mimetic ABT263, but no synergistic drug interactions with the selective MCL1 inhibitor S63845. Further exploration of potential treatment options for chemoresistant neuroblastoma identified immunotherapy based on NK cells as highly promising, since NK cells are able to efficiently kill both parental and chemoresistant cells. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight that the application of BH3-mimetics may differ between first line treatment and relapsed disease. Combination of NK cell-based immunotherapy with BH3-mimetics may further increase killing of chemoresistant neuroblastoma, outlining a new treatment strategy for relapsed neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Jacob
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sara Wiedemann
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniela Brücher
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nadja M Pieper
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Moni Birkhold
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vinzenz Särchen
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jan Jeroch
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Melanie C Demes
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen Gretser
- Department of Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Yannick Braun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elise Gradhand
- Department of Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Florian Rothweiler
- Institute for Medical Virology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Dr. Petra Joh-Forschungshaus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Michaelis
- Dr. Petra Joh-Forschungshaus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institute for Medical Virology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Dr. Petra Joh-Forschungshaus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Meike Vogler
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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4
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Gao J, Fosbrook C, Gibson J, Underwood TJ, Gray JC, Walters ZS. Review: Targeting EZH2 in neuroblastoma. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 119:102600. [PMID: 37467626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the commonest extra-cranial pediatric tumors, and accounts for over 15% of all childhood cancer mortality. Risk stratification for children with neuroblastoma is based on age, stage, histology, and tumor cytogenetics. The majority of patients are considered to have high-risk neuroblastoma, for which the long-term survival is less than 50%. Current treatments combine surgical resection, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, radiotherapy, anti-GD2 based immunotherapy as well as the differentiating agent isotretinoin. Despite the intensive multimodal therapies applied, there are high relapse rates, and recurrent disease is often resistant to further therapy. Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), a catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), is a histone methyltransferase that represses transcription through trimethylation of lysine residue K27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3). It is responsible for epigenetic repression of transcription, making EZH2 an essential regulator for cell differentiation. Overexpression of EZH2 has been shown to promote tumorigenesis, cancer cell proliferation and prevent tumor cells from differentiating in a number of cancers. Therefore, research has been ongoing for the past decade, developing treatments that target EZH2 in neuroblastoma. This review summarises the role of EZH2 in neuroblastoma and evaluates the latest research findings on the therapeutic potential of targeting EZH2 in the treatment of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Gao
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Claire Fosbrook
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jane Gibson
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Timothy J Underwood
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Juliet C Gray
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Zoë S Walters
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
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5
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Zhang Y, Luo F, Dong K. Soluble NKG2D ligands impair CD8 + T cell antitumor function dependent of NKG2D downregulation in neuroblastoma. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:297. [PMID: 37274476 PMCID: PMC10236264 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapy has achieved remarkable beneficial clinical outcomes. Tumor-derived NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) allow tumors to escape immunologic surveillance. However, the mechanism underlying NKG2DL-mediated immune escape in neuroblastoma (NB) remains incompletely understood. In the present study, first soluble NKG2DL, soluble major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I-related chain A and soluble UL-16 binding proteins expression levels were determined in both the serum from patients with NB and in NB cell line culture supernatants. NB cell-derived sNKG2DL was initially cleaved by ADAM10 and ADAM17. Furthermore, sNKG2DL expression levels were positively correlated with the immunosuppressive microenvironment and poor prognosis. Tumor-derived sNKG2DL induced degradation of NKG2D on CD8+ T cells and impaired CD8+ T cell proliferation, IFN-γ production, and CD107a translocation. More importantly, blockage of sNKG2DL increased the antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells. Thus, the results showed that NB-induced immunosuppression was achieved through tumor-derived sMICA and sULBP-2, and blockage of the tumor-derived sNKG2DLs with sNKG2DL neutralizing antibodies was a novel strategy to recover T-cell function and enhance antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, P.R. China
| | - Feifei Luo
- Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Kuiran Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, P.R. China
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Valind A, Verhoeven BM, Enoksson J, Karlsson J, Christensson G, Mañas A, Aaltonen K, Jansson C, Bexell D, Baryawno N, Gisselsson D, Hagerling C. Macrophage infiltration promotes regrowth in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma after chemotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2184130. [PMID: 36875552 PMCID: PMC9980604 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2184130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite aggressive treatment, the 5-year event-free survival rate for children with high-risk neuroblastoma is <50%. While most high-risk neuroblastoma patients initially respond to treatment, often with complete clinical remission, many eventually relapse with therapy-resistant tumors. Novel therapeutic alternatives that prevent the recurrence of therapy-resistant tumors are urgently needed. To understand the adaptation of neuroblastoma under therapy, we analyzed the transcriptomic landscape in 46 clinical tumor samples collected before (PRE) or after (POST) treatment from 22 neuroblastoma patients. RNA sequencing revealed that many of the top-upregulated biological processes in POST MYCN amplified (MNA+) tumors compared to PRE MNA+ tumors were immune-related, and there was a significant increase in numerous genes associated with macrophages. The infiltration of macrophages was corroborated by immunohistochemistry and spatial digital protein profiling. Moreover, POST MNA+ tumor cells were more immunogenic compared to PRE MNA+ tumor cells. To find support for the macrophage-induced outgrowth of certain subpopulations of immunogenic tumor cells following treatment, we examined the genetic landscape in multiple clinical PRE and POST tumor samples from nine neuroblastoma patients revealing a significant correlation between an increased amount of copy number aberrations (CNA) and macrophage infiltration in POST MNA+ tumor samples. Using an in vivo neuroblastoma patient-derived xenograft (PDX) chemotherapy model, we further show that inhibition of macrophage recruitment with anti-CSF1R treatment prevents the regrowth of MNA+ tumors following chemotherapy. Taken together, our work supports a therapeutic strategy for fighting the relapse of MNA+ neuroblastoma by targeting the immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Valind
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pediatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bronte Manouk Verhoeven
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Healthy, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Enoksson
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jenny Karlsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gustav Christensson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden
| | - Adriana Mañas
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Aaltonen
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Caroline Jansson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Bexell
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ninib Baryawno
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Healthy, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Gisselsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Catharina Hagerling
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Sweden Karolinska Institute, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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7
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Pęczek P, Gajda M, Rutkowski K, Fudalej M, Deptała A, Badowska-Kozakiewicz AM. Cancer-associated inflammation: pathophysiology and clinical significance. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 149:2657-2672. [PMID: 36260158 PMCID: PMC9579684 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04399-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Cancer cells, despite stemming from the own cells of their host, usually elicit an immune response. This response usually enables elimination of cancer at its earliest stages. However, some tumors develop mechanisms of escaping immune destruction and even profiting from tumor-derived inflammation. Methods We summarized the roles of different immune cell populations in various processes associated with cancer progression and possible methods of reshaping tumor-associated inflammation to increase the efficacy of cancer therapy. Results Changes in various signaling pathways result in attraction of immunosuppressive, pro-tumorigenic cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and neutrophils, while at the same time suppressing the activity of lymphocytes, which have the potential of destroying cancer cells. These changes promote tumor progression by increasing angiogenesis and growth, accelerating metastasis, and impairing drug delivery to the tumor site. Conclusion Due to its multi-faceted role in cancer, tumor-associated inflammation can serve as a valuable therapy target. By increasing it, whether through decreasing overall immunosuppression with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy or through more specific methods, such as cancer vaccines, oncolytic viruses, or chimeric antigen receptor T cells, cancer-derived immunosuppression can be overcome, resulting in immune system destroying cancer cells. Even changes occurring in the microbiota can influence the shape of antitumor response, which could provide new attractive diagnostic or therapeutic methods. Interestingly, also decreasing the distorted tumor-associated inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Pęczek
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Students' Scientific Organization of Cancer Cell Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Gajda
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Students' Scientific Organization of Cancer Cell Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kacper Rutkowski
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Students' Scientific Organization of Cancer Cell Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Fudalej
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Medical University of Warsaw, Erazma Ciołka 27, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Oncology and Haematology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Deptała
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Medical University of Warsaw, Erazma Ciołka 27, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Oncology and Haematology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Sengupta S, Das S, Crespo AC, Cornel AM, Patel AG, Mahadevan NR, Campisi M, Ali AK, Sharma B, Rowe JH, Huang H, Debruyne DN, Cerda ED, Krajewska M, Dries R, Chen M, Zhang S, Soriano L, Cohen MA, Versteeg R, Jaenisch R, Spranger S, Romee R, Miller BC, Barbie DA, Nierkens S, Dyer MA, Lieberman J, George RE. Mesenchymal and adrenergic cell lineage states in neuroblastoma possess distinct immunogenic phenotypes. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:1228-1246. [PMID: 36138189 PMCID: PMC10171398 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00427-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Apart from the anti-GD2 antibody, immunotherapy for neuroblastoma has had limited success due to immune evasion mechanisms, coupled with an incomplete understanding of predictors of response. Here, from bulk and single-cell transcriptomic analyses, we identify a subset of neuroblastomas enriched for transcripts associated with immune activation and inhibition and show that these are predominantly characterized by gene expression signatures of the mesenchymal lineage state. By contrast, tumors expressing adrenergic lineage signatures are less immunogenic. The inherent presence or induction of the mesenchymal state through transcriptional reprogramming or therapy resistance is accompanied by innate and adaptive immune gene activation through epigenetic remodeling. Mesenchymal lineage cells promote T cell infiltration by secreting inflammatory cytokines, are efficiently targeted by cytotoxic T and natural killer cells and respond to immune checkpoint blockade. Together, we demonstrate that distinct immunogenic phenotypes define the divergent lineage states of neuroblastoma and highlight the immunogenic potential of the mesenchymal lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyaki Sengupta
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sanjukta Das
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela C Crespo
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Annelisa M Cornel
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anand G Patel
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Navin R Mahadevan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marco Campisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alaa K Ali
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bandana Sharma
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jared H Rowe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David N Debruyne
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Esther D Cerda
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Malgorzata Krajewska
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruben Dries
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Minyue Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shupei Zhang
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Luigi Soriano
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Malkiel A Cohen
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rogier Versteeg
- Department of Oncogenomics, University Medical Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stefani Spranger
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian C Miller
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Evergrande Center for Immunological Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Judy Lieberman
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rani E George
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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9
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Focaccetti C, Benvenuto M, Pighi C, Vitelli A, Napolitano F, Cotugno N, Fruci D, Palma P, Rossi P, Bei R, Cifaldi L. DNAM-1-chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells, combined with Nutlin-3a, more effectively fight neuroblastoma cells in vitro: a proof-of-concept study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886319. [PMID: 35967339 PMCID: PMC9367496 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of engineered NK cells, one of clinical approaches to fight cancer, is gaining great interest in the last decade. However, the development of new strategies is needed to improve clinical efficacy and safety of NK cell-based immunotherapy. NK cell-mediated recognition and lysis of tumor cells are strictly dependent on the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors NKG2D and DNAM-1 on tumor cells. Of note, the PVR/CD155 and Nectin-2/CD112 ligands for DNAM-1 are expressed primarily on solid tumor cells and poorly expressed in normal tissue cells. Here, we generated human NK cells expressing either the full length DNAM-1 receptor or three different DNAM-1-based chimeric receptor that provide the expression of DNAM-1 fused to a costimulatory molecule such as 2B4 and CD3ζ chain. Upon transfection into primary human NK cells isolated from healthy donors, we evaluated the surface expression of DNAM-1 and, as a functional readout, we assessed the extent of degranulation, cytotoxicity and the production of IFNγ and TNFα in response to human leukemic K562 cell line. In addition, we explored the effect of Nutlin-3a, a MDM2-targeting drug able of restoring p53 functions and known to have an immunomodulatory effect, on the degranulation of DNAM-1-engineered NK cells in response to human neuroblastoma (NB) LA-N-5 and SMS-KCNR cell lines. By comparing NK cells transfected with four different plasmid vectors and through blocking experiments, DNAM-1-CD3ζ-engineered NK cells showed the strongest response. Furthermore, both LA-N-5 and SMS-KCNR cells pretreated with Nutlin-3a were significantly more susceptible to DNAM-1-engineered NK cells than NK cells transfected with the empty vector. Our results provide a proof-of-concept suggesting that the combined use of DNAM-1-chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells and Nutlin-3a may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of solid tumors, such as NB, carrying dysfunctional p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Pighi
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicola Cotugno
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Palma
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Loredana Cifaldi,
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10
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Co-dependencies in the tumor immune microenvironment. Oncogene 2022; 41:3821-3829. [PMID: 35817840 PMCID: PMC9893036 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02406-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Activated oncogenes and disrupted tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) not only endow aspiring cancer cells with new biological capabilities but also influence the composition and function of host cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). These non-cancer host cells can in turn provide cancer cells with growth support and protection from the anti-tumor immune response. In this ecosystem, geospatially heterogenous "subTME" adds to the complexity of the "global" TME which bestows tumors with increased tumorigenic ability and resistance to therapy. This review highlights how specific genetic alterations in cancer cells establish various symbiotic co-dependencies with surrounding host cells and details the cooperative role of the host cells in tumor biology. These essential interactions expand the repertoire of targets for the development of precision cancer treatments.
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11
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McNerney KO, Karageorgos S, Ferry GM, Wolpaw AJ, Burudpakdee C, Khurana P, Toland CN, Vemu R, Vu A, Hogarty MD, Bassiri H. TH-MYCN tumors, but not tumor-derived cell lines, are adrenergic lineage, GD2+, and responsive to anti-GD2 antibody therapy. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2075204. [PMID: 35646475 PMCID: PMC9132414 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2075204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a commonly lethal solid tumor of childhood and intensive chemoradiotherapy treatment cures ~50% of children with high-risk disease. The addition of immunotherapy using dinutuximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the GD2 disialoganglioside expressed on neuroblasts, improves survival when incorporated into front-line therapy and shows robust activity in regressing relapsed disease when combined with chemotherapy. Still, many children succumb to neuroblastoma progression despite receiving dinutuximab-based immunotherapy, and efforts to counteract the immune suppressive signals responsible are warranted. Animal models of human cancers provide useful platforms to study immunotherapies. TH-MYCN transgenic mice are immunocompetent and develop neuroblastomas at autochthonous sites due to enforced MYCN expression in developing neural crest tissues. However, GD2-directed immunotherapy in this model has been underutilized due to the prevailing notion that TH-MYCN neuroblasts express insufficient GD2 to be targeted. We demonstrate that neuroblasts in TH-MYCN-driven tumors express GD2 at levels comparable to human neuroblastomas but rapidly lose GD2 expression when explanted ex vivo to establish tumor cell lines. This occurs in association with a transition from an adrenergic to mesenchymal differentiation state. Importantly, not only is GD2 expression retained on tumors in situ, treatment with a murine anti-GD2 antibody, 14G2a, markedly extends survival in such mice, including durable complete responses. Tumors in 14G2a-treated mice have fewer macrophage and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in their tumor microenvironment. Our findings support the utility of this model to inform immunotherapy approaches for neuroblastoma and potential opportunities to investigate drivers of adrenergic to mesenchymal fate decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- KO McNerney
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Karageorgos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - GM Ferry
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - AJ Wolpaw
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
| | - C Burudpakdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - P Khurana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - CN Toland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R Vemu
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Vu
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - MD Hogarty
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - H Bassiri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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12
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Brandetti E, Focaccetti C, Pezzolo A, Ognibene M, Folgiero V, Cotugno N, Benvenuto M, Palma P, Manzari V, Rossi P, Fruci D, Bei R, Cifaldi L. Enhancement of Neuroblastoma NK-Cell-Mediated Lysis through NF-kB p65 Subunit-Induced Expression of FAS and PVR, the Loss of Which Is Associated with Poor Patient Outcome. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174368. [PMID: 34503178 PMCID: PMC8430542 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174368] [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: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuroblastoma (NB) cells adopt several molecular strategies to evade the Natural Killer (NK)-mediated response. Herein, we found that the overexpression of the NF-kB p65 subunit in NB cell lines upregulates the expression of both the death receptor FAS and the activating ligand PVR, thus rendering NB cells more susceptible to NK-cell-mediated apoptosis, recognition, and killing. These data could provide a clue for a novel NK-cell-based immunotherapy of NB. In addition, array CGH analysis performed in our cohort of NB patients showed that loss of both the FAS and PVR genes correlated with low survival, thus revealing a novel biomarker predicting the outcome of NB patients. Abstract High-risk neuroblastoma (NB) is a rare childhood cancer whose aggressiveness is due to a variety of chromosomal genetic aberrations, including those conferring immune evasion. Indeed, NB cells adopt several molecular strategies to evade recognition by the immune system, including the downregulation of ligands for NK-cell-activating receptors. To date, while molecular strategies aimed at enhancing the expression of ligands for NKG2D- and DNAM-1-activating receptors have been explored, no evidence has been reported on the immunomodulatory mechanisms acting on the expression of death receptors such as Fas in NB cells. Here, we demonstrated that transient overexpression of the NF-kB p65 subunit upregulates the surface expression of Fas and PVR, the ligand of DNAM-1, thus making NB cell lines significantly more susceptible to NK-cell-mediated apoptosis, recognition, and killing. In contrast, IFNγ and TNFα treatment, although it induced the upregulation of FAS in NB cells and consequently enhanced NK-cell-mediated apoptosis, triggered immune evasion processes, including the strong upregulation of MHC class I and IDO1, both of which are involved in mechanisms leading to the impairment of a proper NK-cell-mediated killing of NB. In addition, high-resolution array CGH analysis performed in our cohort of NB patients revealed that the loss of FAS and/or PVR genes correlated with low survival independently of the disease stage. Our data identify the status of the FAS and PVR genes as prognostic biomarkers of NB that may predict the efficacy of NK-cell-based immunotherapy of NB. Overall, restoration of surface expression of Fas and PVR, through transient upregulation of NF-kB, may be a clue to a novel NK-cell-based immunotherapy of NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Brandetti
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (P.R.)
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (R.B.)
| | | | - Marzia Ognibene
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Valentina Folgiero
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.F.); (D.F.)
| | - Nicola Cotugno
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, DPUO, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (R.B.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Palma
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, DPUO, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (P.R.)
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.F.); (D.F.)
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (R.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-72596520
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13
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Zirngibl F, Ivasko SM, Grunewald L, Klaus A, Schwiebert S, Ruf P, Lindhofer H, Astrahantseff K, Andersch L, Schulte JH, Lode HN, Eggert A, Anders K, Hundsdoerfer P, Künkele A. GD2-directed bispecific trifunctional antibody outperforms dinutuximab beta in a murine model for aggressive metastasized neuroblastoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002923. [PMID: 34285106 PMCID: PMC8292814 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002923] [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] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. Patients with high-risk disease undergo extremely aggressive therapy and nonetheless have cure rates below 50%. Treatment with the ch14.18 monoclonal antibody (dinutuximab beta), directed against the GD2 disialoganglioside, improved 5-year event-free survival in high-risk patients when administered in postconsolidation therapy and was recently implemented in standard therapy. Relapse still occurred in 57% of these patients, necessitating new therapeutic options. Bispecific trifunctional antibodies (trAbs) are IgG-like molecules directed against T cells and cancer surface antigens, redirecting T cells (via their CD3 specificity) and accessory immune cells (via their functioning Fc-fragment) toward tumor cells. We sought proof-of-concept for GD2/CD3-directed trAb efficacy against neuroblastoma. Methods We used two GD2-specific trAbs differing only in their CD3-binding specificity: EKTOMUN (GD2/human CD3) and SUREK (GD2/mouse Cd3). This allowed trAb evaluation in human and murine experimental settings. Tumor-blind trAb and the ch14.18 antibody were used as controls. A coculture model of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and neuroblastoma cell lines was established to evaluate trAb antitumor efficacy by assessing expression of T-cell surface markers for activation, proinflammatory cytokine release and cytotoxicity assays. Characteristics of tumor-infiltrating T cells and response of neuroblastoma metastases to SUREK treatment were investigated in a syngeneic immunocompetent neuroblastoma mouse model mimicking minimal residual disease. Results We show that EKTOMUN treatment caused effector cell activation and release of proinflammatory cytokines in coculture with neuroblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, EKTOMUN mediated GD2-dependent cytotoxic effects in human neuroblastoma cell lines in coculture with PBMCs, irrespective of the level of target antigen expression. This effect was dependent on the presence of accessory immune cells. Treatment with SUREK reduced the intratumor Cd4/Cd8 ratio and activated tumor infiltrating T cells in vivo. In a minimal residual disease model for neuroblastoma, we demonstrated that single-agent treatment with SUREK strongly reduced or eliminated neuroblastoma metastases in vivo. SUREK as well as EKTOMUN demonstrated superior tumor control compared with the anti-GD2 antibody, ch14.18. Conclusions Here we provide proof-of-concept for EKTOMUN preclinical efficacy against neuroblastoma, presenting this bispecific trAb as a promising new agent to fight neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Zirngibl
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany .,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sara M Ivasko
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Grunewald
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Klaus
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke Schwiebert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Ruf
- Trion Research, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Kathy Astrahantseff
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lena Andersch
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Partner Site Berlin CCCC, German Cancer Consortium, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger N Lode
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Partner Site Berlin CCCC, German Cancer Consortium, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathleen Anders
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Partner Site Berlin CCCC, German Cancer Consortium, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Hundsdoerfer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, HELIOS Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Partner Site Berlin CCCC, German Cancer Consortium, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Seier JA, Reinhardt J, Saraf K, Ng SS, Layer JP, Corvino D, Althoff K, Giordano FA, Schramm A, Fischer M, Hölzel M. Druggable epigenetic suppression of interferon-induced chemokine expression linked to MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e001335. [PMID: 34016720 PMCID: PMC8141444 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amplification of the MYCN oncogene is a molecular hallmark of aggressive neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. There is evidence that MYCN promotes a non-inflamed and T-cell infiltration-poor ('cold') tumor microenvironment (TME) by suppressing interferon signaling. This may explain, at least in part, why patients with NB seem to have little benefit from single-agent immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Targeting MYCN or its effectors could be a strategy to convert a cold TME into a 'hot' (inflamed) TME and improve the efficacy of ICB therapy. METHODS NB transcriptome analyses were used to identify epigenetic drivers of a T-cell infiltration-poor TME. Biological and molecular responses of NB cells to epigenetic drugs and interferon (IFN)-γ exposure were assessed by proliferation assays, immunoblotting, ELISA, qRT-PCR, RNA-seq and ChIP-qPCR as well as co-culture assays with T cells. RESULTS We identified H3K9 euchromatic histone-lysine methyltransferases EHMT2 and EHMT1, also known as G9a and GLP, as epigenetic effectors of the MYCN-driven malignant phenotype and repressors of IFN-γ transcriptional responses in NB cells. EHMT inhibitors enhanced IFN-γ-induced expression of the Th1-type chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, key factors of T-cell recruitment into the TME. In MYCN-amplified NB cells, co-inhibition of EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homologue 2), a H3K27 histone methyltransferase cooperating with EHMTs, was needed for strong transcriptional responses to IFN-γ, in line with histone mark changes at CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokine gene loci. EHMT and EZH2 inhibitor response gene signatures from NB cells were established as surrogate measures and revealed high EHMT and EZH2 activity in MYCN-amplified high-risk NBs with a cold immune phenotype. CONCLUSION Our results delineate a strategy for targeted epigenetic immunomodulation of high-risk NBs, whereby EHMT inhibitors alone or in combination with EZH2 inhibitors (in particular, MYCN-amplified NBs) could promote a T-cell-infiltrated TME via enhanced Th1-type chemokine expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna A Seier
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Reinhardt
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kritika Saraf
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanna S Ng
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julian P Layer
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dillon Corvino
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kristina Althoff
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Frank A Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Schramm
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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15
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Frosch J, Leontari I, Anderson J. Combined Effects of Myeloid Cells in the Neuroblastoma Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1743. [PMID: 33917501 PMCID: PMC8038814 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071743] [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] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite multimodal treatment, survival chances for high-risk neuroblastoma patients remain poor. Immunotherapeutic approaches focusing on the activation and/or modification of host immunity for eliminating tumor cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, are currently in development, however clinical trials have failed to reproduce the preclinical results. The tumor microenvironment is emerging as a major contributor to immune suppression and tumor evasion in solid cancers and thus has to be overcome for therapies relying on a functional immune response. Among the cellular components of the neuroblastoma tumor microenvironment, suppressive myeloid cells have been described as key players in inhibition of antitumor immune responses and have been shown to positively correlate with more aggressive disease, resistance to treatments, and overall poor prognosis. This review article summarizes how neuroblastoma-driven inflammation induces suppressive myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment and how they in turn sustain the tumor niche through suppressor functions, such as nutrient depletion and generation of oxidative stress. Numerous preclinical studies have suggested a range of drug and cellular therapy approaches to overcome myeloid-derived suppression in neuroblastoma that warrant evaluation in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Anderson
- UCL Institute of Child Health, Developmental Biology and Cancer Section, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK; (J.F.); (I.L.)
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16
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Raieli S, Di Renzo D, Lampis S, Amadesi C, Montemurro L, Pession A, Hrelia P, Fischer M, Tonelli R. MYCN Drives a Tumor Immunosuppressive Environment Which Impacts Survival in Neuroblastoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:625207. [PMID: 33718189 PMCID: PMC7951059 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.625207] [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: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide range of malignancies presents MYCN amplification (MNA) or dysregulation. MYCN is associated with poor prognosis and its over-expression leads to several dysregulations including metabolic reprogramming, mitochondria alteration, and cancer stem cell phenotype. Some hints suggest that MYCN overexpression leads to cancer immune-escape. However, this relationship presents various open questions. Our work investigated in details the relationship of MYCN with the immune system, finding a correlated immune-suppressive phenotype in neuroblastoma (NB) and different cancers where MYCN is up-regulated. We found a downregulated Th1-lymphocytes/M1-Macrophages axis and upregulated Th2-lymphocytes/M2-macrophages in MNA NB patients. Moreover, we unveiled a complex immune network orchestrated by N-Myc and we identified 16 genes modules associated to MNA NB. We also identified a MYCN-associated immune signature that has a prognostic value in NB and recapitulates clinical features. Our signature also discriminates patients with poor survival in non-MNA NB patients where MYCN expression is not discriminative. Finally, we showed that targeted inhibition of MYCN by BGA002 (anti-MYCN antigene PNA) is able to restore NK sensibility in MYCN-expressing NB cells. Overall, our study unveils a MYCN-driven immune network in NB and shows a therapeutic option to restore sensibility to immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniele Di Renzo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Luca Montemurro
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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17
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Liao YM, Hung TH, Tung JK, Yu J, Hsu YL, Hung JT, Yu AL. Low Expression of IL-15 and NKT in Tumor Microenvironment Predicts Poor Outcome of MYCN-Non-Amplified Neuroblastoma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11020122. [PMID: 33668573 PMCID: PMC7918138 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020122] [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] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune tumor microenvironment (TME) in neuroblastoma (NBL) contributes to tumor behavior and treatment response. T cells and natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to play important roles in the neuroblastoma TME. However, few reports address the clinical relevance of natural killer T cells (NKTs) and interleukin-15 (IL-15), one of the crucial cytokines controlling the activation and expansion of NK/NKT cells, in NBL. In this study, we examined NKT immunoscores and IL-15 expression in both MYCN-amplified and MYCN-non-amplified NBL to correlate with clinical outcomes such as event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). From Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE45480 (n = 643) and GSE49711 (n = 493), we found that NKT immunoscore and IL-15 expression were both significantly lower in MYCN-amplified NBL, and similar results were observed using our clinical NBL samples (n = 53). Moreover, NBL patients (GEO dataset GSE49711 and our clinical samples) with both lower NKT immunoscore and IL-15 expression exhibited decreased EFS and OS regardless of MYCN gene amplification status. Multivariate analysis further showed that the combination of low NKT immunoscore and low IL-15 expression level was an independent prognostic factor for poor EFS and OS in our NBL patients. These findings provide the rationale for the development of strategy to incorporate IL-15 and NKT cell therapy into the treatment regimen for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Mei Liao
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (Y.-M.L.); (T.-H.H.); (J.K.T.); (J.Y.)
- Program in Translational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, and Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Hsien Hung
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (Y.-M.L.); (T.-H.H.); (J.K.T.); (J.Y.)
| | - John K. Tung
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (Y.-M.L.); (T.-H.H.); (J.K.T.); (J.Y.)
| | - John Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (Y.-M.L.); (T.-H.H.); (J.K.T.); (J.Y.)
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ling Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Jung-Tung Hung
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (Y.-M.L.); (T.-H.H.); (J.K.T.); (J.Y.)
- Correspondence: (J.-T.H.); (A.L.Y.); Tel.: +886-3328-1200 (ext. 7813) (J.-T.H.); +886-3328-1200 (ext. 7805) (A.L.Y.); Fax: +886-3328-1200 (A.L.Y. & J.-T.H.)
| | - Alice L. Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (Y.-M.L.); (T.-H.H.); (J.K.T.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California in San Diego, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (J.-T.H.); (A.L.Y.); Tel.: +886-3328-1200 (ext. 7813) (J.-T.H.); +886-3328-1200 (ext. 7805) (A.L.Y.); Fax: +886-3328-1200 (A.L.Y. & J.-T.H.)
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18
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Veneziani I, Infante P, Ferretti E, Melaiu O, Battistelli C, Lucarini V, Compagnone M, Nicoletti C, Castellano A, Petrini S, Ognibene M, Pezzolo A, Di Marcotullio L, Bei R, Moretta L, Pistoia V, Fruci D, Barnaba V, Locatelli F, Cifaldi L. Nutlin-3a Enhances Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Killing of Neuroblastoma by Restoring p53-Dependent Expression of Ligands for NKG2D and DNAM-1 Receptors. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:170-183. [PMID: 33303573 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we explored whether Nutlin-3a, a well-known, nontoxic small-molecule compound antagonizing the inhibitory interaction of MDM2 with the tumor suppressor p53, may restore ligands for natural killer (NK) cell-activating receptors (NK-AR) on neuroblastoma cells to enhance the NK cell-mediated killing. Neuroblastoma cell lines were treated with Nutlin-3a, and the expression of ligands for NKG2D and DNAM-1 NK-ARs and the neuroblastoma susceptibility to NK cells were evaluated. Adoptive transfer of human NK cells in a xenograft neuroblastoma-bearing NSG murine model was assessed. Two data sets of neuroblastoma patients were explored to correlate p53 expression with ligand expression. Luciferase assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of p53 functional binding on PVR promoter were performed. Primary neuroblastoma cells were also treated with Nutlin-3a, and neuroblastoma spheroids obtained from one high-risk patient were assayed for NK-cell cytotoxicity. We provide evidence showing that the Nutlin-3a-dependent rescue of p53 function in neuroblastoma cells resulted in (i) increased surface expression of ligands for NK-ARs, thus rendering neuroblastoma cell lines significantly more susceptible to NK cell-mediated killing; (ii) shrinkage of human neuroblastoma tumor masses that correlated with overall survival upon adoptive transfer of NK cells in neuroblastoma-bearing mice; (iii) and increased expression of ligands in primary neuroblastoma cells and boosting of NK cell-mediated disaggregation of neuroblastoma spheroids. We also found that p53 was a direct transcription factor regulating the expression of PVR ligand recognized by DNAM-1. Our findings demonstrated an immunomodulatory role of Nutlin-3a, which might be prospectively used for a novel NK cell-based immunotherapy for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Veneziani
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Battistelli
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirco Compagnone
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Castellano
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrini
- Confocal Microscopy, Core Facility, Research Laboratories, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Ognibene
- Laboratorio Cellule Staminali Post Natali e Terapie Cellulari, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pezzolo
- Laboratorio Cellule Staminali Post Natali e Terapie Cellulari, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Pistoia
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Barnaba
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Unit, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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19
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Wienke J, Dierselhuis MP, Tytgat GAM, Künkele A, Nierkens S, Molenaar JJ. The immune landscape of neuroblastoma: Challenges and opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies in pediatric oncology. Eur J Cancer 2020; 144:123-150. [PMID: 33341446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy holds great promise for the treatment of pediatric cancers. In neuroblastoma, the recent implementation of anti-GD2 antibody Dinutuximab into the standard of care has improved patient outcomes substantially. However, 5-year survival rates are still below 50% in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma, which has sparked investigations into novel immunotherapeutic approaches. T cell-engaging therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade, antibody-mediated therapy and adoptive T cell therapy have proven remarkably successful in a range of adult cancers but still meet challenges in pediatric oncology. In neuroblastoma, their limited success may be due to several factors. Neuroblastoma displays low immunogenicity due to its low mutational load and lack of MHC-I expression. Tumour infiltration by T and NK cells is especially low in high-risk neuroblastoma and is prognostic for survival. Only a small fraction of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes shows tumour reactivity. Moreover, neuroblastoma tumours employ a variety of immune evasion strategies, including expression of immune checkpoint molecules, induction of immunosuppressive myeloid and stromal cells, as well as secretion of immunoregulatory mediators, which reduce infiltration and reactivity of immune cells. Overcoming these challenges will be key to the successful implementation of novel immunotherapeutic interventions. Combining different immunotherapies, as well as personalised strategies, may be promising approaches. We will discuss the composition, function and prognostic value of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in neuroblastoma, reflect on challenges for immunotherapy, including a lack of TIL reactivity and tumour immune evasion strategies, and highlight opportunities for immunotherapy and future perspectives with regard to state-of-the-art developments in the tumour immunology space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Wienke
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt - Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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20
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Blavier L, Yang RM, DeClerck YA. The Tumor Microenvironment in Neuroblastoma: New Players, New Mechanisms of Interaction and New Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102912. [PMID: 33050533 PMCID: PMC7599920 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The contribution of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to cancer progression has been well recognized in recent decades. As cancer therapeutic strategies are increasingly precise and include immunotherapies, knowledge of the nature and function of the TME in a tumor becomes essential. Our understanding of the TME in neuroblastoma (NB), the second most common solid tumor in children, has significantly progressed from an initial focus on its Schwannian component to a better awareness of its complex nature, which includes not only immune but also non-immune cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the contribution of which to inflammation and interaction with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is now recognized. Recent studies on the TME landscape of NB tumors also suggest significant differences between MYCN-amplified (MYCN-A) and non-amplified (MYCN-NA) tumors, in their content in stromal and inflammatory cells and their immunosuppressive activity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by cells in the TME and microRNAs (miRs) present in their cargo could play important roles in the communication between NB cells and the TME. This review article discusses these new aspects of the TME in NB and the impact that information on the TME landscape in NB will have in the design of precise, biomarker-integrated clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Blavier
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (L.B.); (R.-M.Y.)
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Ren-Ming Yang
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (L.B.); (R.-M.Y.)
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Yves A. DeClerck
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (L.B.); (R.-M.Y.)
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-323-382-5548 or +1-323-361-5648
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21
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Grunblatt E, Wu N, Zhang H, Liu X, Norton JP, Ohol Y, Leger P, Hiatt JB, Eastwood EC, Thomas R, Ibrahim AH, Jia D, Basom R, Eaton KD, Martins R, Houghton AM, MacPherson D. MYCN drives chemoresistance in small cell lung cancer while USP7 inhibition can restore chemosensitivity. Genes Dev 2020; 34:1210-1226. [PMID: 32820040 PMCID: PMC7462062 DOI: 10.1101/gad.340133.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine cancer characterized by initial chemosensitivity followed by emergence of chemoresistant disease. To study roles for MYCN amplification in SCLC progression and chemoresistance, we developed a genetically engineered mouse model of MYCN-overexpressing SCLC. In treatment-naïve mice, MYCN overexpression promoted cell cycle progression, suppressed infiltration of cytotoxic T cells, and accelerated SCLC. MYCN overexpression also suppressed response to cisplatin-etoposide chemotherapy, with similar findings made upon MYCL overexpression. We extended these data to genetically perturb chemosensitive patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of SCLC. In chemosensitive PDX models, overexpression of either MYCN or MYCL also conferred a switch to chemoresistance. To identify therapeutic strategies for MYCN-overexpressing SCLC, we performed a genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 sgRNA screen. We identified the deubiquitinase USP7 as a MYCN-associated synthetic vulnerability. Pharmacological inhibition of USP7 resensitized chemoresistant MYCN-overexpressing PDX models to chemotherapy in vivo. Our findings show that MYCN overexpression drives SCLC chemoresistance and provide a therapeutic strategy to restore chemosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Grunblatt
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Huajia Zhang
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province 450008, China
| | - Justin P Norton
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Yamini Ohol
- RAPT Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, USA
| | - Paul Leger
- RAPT Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, USA
| | - Joseph B Hiatt
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Emily C Eastwood
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Rhiana Thomas
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Ali H Ibrahim
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Deshui Jia
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Ryan Basom
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Keith D Eaton
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Renato Martins
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - A McGarry Houghton
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - David MacPherson
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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22
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Impact of Natural Occurring ERAP1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms within miRNA-Binding Sites on HCMV Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165861. [PMID: 32824160 PMCID: PMC7461596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a β-herpesvirus that causes serious problems in people with a compromised immune system, whereas it coexists asymptomatically within the host with a healthy immune system. Like other viruses, HCMV has adopted multiples strategies to manipulate the host’s immune responses. Among them, expression of viral microRNAs (miRNAs) is one of the most intriguing. HCMV miR-UL112-5p and miR-US4-1 have been found to contribute to immune evasion by targeting the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1), a highly polymorphic key component of antigen processing. The current incomplete picture on the interplay between viral miRNAs and host immunity implies the need to better characterize the host genetic determinants. Naturally occurring single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the miRNA binding sites of target genes may affect miRNA–target interactions. In this review, we focus on the relevance of 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) ERAP1 SNPs within miRNA binding sites in modulating miRNA–mRNA interactions and the possible consequent individual susceptibility to HCMV infection. Moreover, we performed an in silico analysis using different bioinformatic algorithms to predict ERAP1 variants with a putative powerful biological function. This evidence provides a basis to deepen the knowledge on how 3′UTR ERAP1 variants may alter the mechanism of action of HCMV miRNAs, in order to develop targeted antiviral therapies.
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23
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Melaiu O, Lucarini V, Giovannoni R, Fruci D, Gemignani F. News on immune checkpoint inhibitors as immunotherapy strategies in adult and pediatric solid tumors. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 79:18-43. [PMID: 32659257 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.07.001] [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: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown unprecedented benefits in various adult cancers, and this success has prompted the exploration of ICI therapy even in childhood malignances. Although the use of ICIs as individual agents has achieved disappointing response rates, combinational therapies are likely to promise better results. However, only a subset of patients experienced prolonged clinical effects, thus suggesting the need to identify robust bio-markers that predict individual clinical response or resistance to ICI therapy as the main challenge. In this review, we focus on how the use of ICIs in adult cancers can be translated into pediatric malignances. We discuss the physiological mechanism of action of each IC, including PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 and the new emerging ones, LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, B7-H3, BTLA and IDO-1, and evaluate their prognostic value in both adult and childhood tumors. Furthermore, we offer an overview of preclinical models and clinical trials currently under investigation to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies in these patients. Finally, we outline the main predictive factors that influence the efficacy of ICIs, in order to lay the basis for the development of a pan-cancer immunogenomic model, able to direct young patients towards more specific immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ombretta Melaiu
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Doriana Fruci
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
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24
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McNerney KO, Karageorgos SA, Hogarty MD, Bassiri H. Enhancing Neuroblastoma Immunotherapies by Engaging iNKT and NK Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:873. [PMID: 32457760 PMCID: PMC7225357 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children and, in the high-risk group, has a 5-year mortality rate of ~50%. The high mortality rate and significant treatment-related morbidities associated with current standard of care therapies belie the critical need for more tolerable and effective treatments for this disease. While the monoclonal antibody dinutuximab has demonstrated the potential for immunotherapy to improve overall NB outcomes, the 5-year overall survival of high-risk patients has not yet substantially changed. The frequency and type of invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) and natural killer cells (NKs) has been associated with improved outcomes in several solid and liquid malignancies, including NB. Indeed, iNKTs and NKs inhibit tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), kill cancer stem cells (CSCs) and neuroblasts, and robustly secrete cytokines to recruit additional immune effectors. These capabilities, and promising pre-clinical and early clinical data suggest that iNKT- and NK-based therapies may hold promise as both stand-alone and combination treatments for NB. In this review we will summarize the biologic features of iNKTs and NKs that confer advantages for NB immunotherapy, discuss the barriers imposed by the NB tumor microenvironment, and examine the current state of such therapies in pre-clinical models and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin O McNerney
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Spyridon A Karageorgos
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael D Hogarty
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hamid Bassiri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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25
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Melaiu O, Lucarini V, Cifaldi L, Fruci D. Influence of the Tumor Microenvironment on NK Cell Function in Solid Tumors. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3038. [PMID: 32038612 PMCID: PMC6985149 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a population of innate lymphoid cells playing a pivotal role in host immune responses against infection and tumor growth. These cells have a powerful cytotoxic activity orchestrated by an intricate network of inhibitory and activating signals. The importance of NK cells in controlling tumor growth and in mediating a robust anti-metastatic effect has been demonstrated in different experimental mouse cancer models. Consistently, high density of tumor-infiltrating NK cells has been linked with a good prognosis in multiple human solid tumors. However, there are also tumors that appear to be refractory to NK cell-mediated killing for the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment affecting NK cell function. Immunotherapeutic strategies aimed at restoring and increasing the cytotoxic activity of NK cells in solid tumors, including the adoptive transfer of NK and CAR-NK cells, are currently employed in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we outline recent advances supporting the direct role of NK cells in controlling expansion of solid tumors and their prognostic value in human cancers. We summarize the mechanisms adopted by cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment to affect NK cell function, and finally we evaluate current strategies to augment the antitumor function of NK cells for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ombretta Melaiu
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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26
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Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common and deadly malignancy mostly observed in children. Evolution of therapeutic options for NB led to the addition of immunotherapeutic modalities to the previously recruited chemotherapeutic options. Molecular studies of the NB cells resulted in the discovery of many tumor-associated genes and antigens such as MYCN gene and GD2. MYCN gene and GD2 surface antigen are two of the most practical discoveries regarding immunotherapy of neuroblastoma. The GD2 antigen has been targeted in many animal and human studies including Phase III clinical trials. Even though these antigens have changed the face of pediatric neuroblastoma, they do not take as much credit in immunotherapy of adult-onset neuroblastoma. Monoclonal antibodies have been designed to detect this antigen on the surface of NB tumor cells. Despite bettering the outcomes for NB patients, current therapies still fail in many cases. Studies are underway to discover more specific tumor-associated antigens and more effective treatment options. In the current narrative, immunotherapy of NB - from emerging of this therapeutic backbone in NB to the latest discoveries regarding this malignancy - has been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parnian Jabbari
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Hanaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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27
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Veneziani I, Fruci D, Compagnone M, Pistoia V, Rossi P, Cifaldi L. The BET-bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 renders neuroblastoma cells more resistant to NK cell-mediated recognition and killing by downregulating ligands for NKG2D and DNAM-1 receptors. Oncotarget 2019; 10:2151-2160. [PMID: 31040907 PMCID: PMC6481332 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Low expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors contributes to neuroblastoma (NB) aggressiveness. Recently, we demonstrated that the expression of MYCN, a poor prognosis marker in NB, inversely correlates with that of activating ligands. This indicates that MYCN expression level can predict the susceptibility of NB cells to NK cell-mediated immunotherapy and that its downregulation can be exploited as a novel therapeutic strategy to induce the expression of activating ligands. Here we evaluated the effect of the BET-bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 on the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors in NB cell lines. Although downmodulating MYCN, JQ1 impaired the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors, rendering NB cell lines more resistant to NK cell-mediated killing. The downregulation of activating ligands was due to JQ1-mediated impaired functions of both c-MYC and p53, two transcription factors known to regulate the expression of ULBP1-3 ligands for NKG2D activating receptor. Moreover JQ1 strongly downregulated the levels of ROS, a stress-induced signaling event associated with the induction of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors. These results suggest that the use of JQ1 should be discourage in combination with NK cell-based immunotherapy in a perspective chemotherapeutic treatment of NB. Thus, further investigations, exploiting molecular strategies aimed to boost the NK cell-mediated killing of NB cells, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Veneziani
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirco Compagnone
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Pistoia
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Neuroblastoma Cell Lines Are Refractory to Genotoxic Drug-Mediated Induction of Ligands for NK Cell-Activating Receptors. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:4972410. [PMID: 29805983 PMCID: PMC5901817 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4972410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB), the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, causes death in almost 15% of children affected by cancer. Treatment of neuroblastoma is based on the combination of chemotherapy with other therapeutic interventions such as surgery, radiotherapy, use of differentiating agents, and immunotherapy. In particular, adoptive NK cell transfer is a new immune-therapeutic approach whose efficacy may be boosted by several anticancer agents able to induce the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors, thus rendering cancer cells more susceptible to NK cell-mediated lysis. Here, we show that chemotherapeutic drugs commonly used for the treatment of NB such as cisplatin, topotecan, irinotecan, and etoposide are unable to induce the expression of activating ligands in a panel of NB cell lines. Consistently, cisplatin-treated NB cell lines were not more susceptible to NK cells than untreated cells. The refractoriness of NB cell lines to these drugs has been partially associated with the abnormal status of genes for ATM, ATR, Chk1, and Chk2, the major transducers of the DNA damage response (DDR), triggered by several anticancer agents and promoting different antitumor mechanisms including the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors. Moreover, both the impaired production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in some NB cell lines and the transient p53 stabilization in response to our genotoxic drugs under our experimental conditions could contribute to inefficient induction of activating ligands. These data suggest that further investigations, exploiting molecular strategies aimed to potentiate the NK cell-mediated immunotherapy of NB, are warranted.
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Wellenstein MD, de Visser KE. Cancer-Cell-Intrinsic Mechanisms Shaping the Tumor Immune Landscape. Immunity 2018; 48:399-416. [DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Immune Escape Mechanisms and Future Prospects for Immunotherapy in Neuroblastoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:1812535. [PMID: 29682521 PMCID: PMC5845499 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1812535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood with 5-year survival rate of 40% in high-risk patients despite intensive therapies. Recently, adoptive cell therapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, represents a revolutionary treatment for hematological malignancies. However, there are challenges for this therapeutic strategy with solid tumors, as a result of the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer cells have evolved multiple mechanisms to escape immune recognition or to modulate immune cell function. Several subtypes of immune cells that infiltrate tumors can foster tumor development, harbor immunosuppressive activity, and decrease an efficacy of adoptive cell therapies. Therefore, an understanding of the dual role of the immune system under the influences of the TME has been crucial for the development of effective therapeutic strategies against solid cancers. This review aims to depict key immune players and cellular pathways involved in the dynamic interplay between the TME and the immune system and also to address challenges and prospective development of adoptive T cell transfer for neuroblastoma.
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Zhou H, Zhuo Z, Chen S, Zhao J, Mo Y, Zhang J, He J, Ruan J. Polymorphisms in MYCN gene and neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children: a 3-center case-control study. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:1807-1816. [PMID: 29997440 PMCID: PMC6033082 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s168515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma is an embryonal tumor of the sympathetic nervous system. The MYCN oncogene is amplified in some neuroblastoma patients and correlated with poor prognosis. However, less is known regarding the relationship between MYCN gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and neuroblastoma risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS To investigate the contribution of MYCN gene polymorphisms to neuroblastoma risk, we performed a 3-center case-control study by genotyping 4 SNPs in the MYCN gene from 429 cases and 884 controls. RESULTS The results showed that only rs57961569 G>A was associated with neuroblastoma risk (GA vs GG: adjusted odds ratio =0.76, 95% confidence interval =0.60-0.98, P=0.033), while the other 3 SNPs were not (rs9653226 T>C, rs13034994 A>G, and rs60226897 G>A). Stratified analysis revealed that rs57961569 GG carriers were more likely to develop neuroblastoma in the following subgroups: children older than 18 months, tumor derived from the adrenal gland, and clinical stages III + IV. The increased neuroblastoma risk associated with the rs9653226 variant CC genotypes was more evident in the following subgroups: females, tumor derived from the adrenal gland, and clinical stages III + IV. The presence of 2-3 risk genotypes had a significant relationship with the following subgroups: tumor derived from the adrenal gland and clinical stages III + IV. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates a weak impact of MYCN gene polymorphisms on neuroblastoma risk, which should be further validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, ,
| | - Zhenjian Zhuo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, ,
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, ,
| | - Yixiao Mo
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, ,
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, ,
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China,
| | - Jichen Ruan
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, ,
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