1
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Santiago-Sánchez GS, Fabian KP, Hodge JW. A landscape of checkpoint blockade resistance in cancer: underlying mechanisms and current strategies to overcome resistance. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2308097. [PMID: 38306161 PMCID: PMC10841019 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2308097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoints and the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have achieved a durable response in advanced-stage cancer patients. However, there is still a high proportion of patients who do not benefit from ICI therapy due to a lack of response when first treated (primary resistance) or detection of disease progression months after objective response is observed (acquired resistance). Here, we review the current FDA-approved ICI for the treatment of certain solid malignancies, evaluate the contrasting responses to checkpoint blockade in different cancer types, explore the known mechanisms associated with checkpoint blockade resistance (CBR), and assess current strategies in the field that seek to overcome these mechanisms. In order to improve current therapies and develop new ones, the immunotherapy field still has an unmet need in identifying other molecules that act as immune checkpoints, and uncovering other mechanisms that promote CBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginette S. Santiago-Sánchez
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kellsye P. Fabian
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James W. Hodge
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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2
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Yuan D, Chen W, Jin S, Li W, Liu W, Liu L, Wu Y, Zhang Y, He X, Jiang J, Sun H, Liu X, Liu J. Co-expression of immune checkpoints in glioblastoma revealed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1534-1546. [PMID: 38633388 PMCID: PMC11021796 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.014] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant tumors of the central nervous system. The pattern of immune checkpoint expression in GBM remains largely unknown. We performed snRNA-Seq and spatial transcriptomic (ST) analyses on untreated GBM samples. 8 major cell types were found in both tumor and adjacent normal tissues, with variations in infiltration grade. Neoplastic cells_6 was identified in malignant cells with high expression of invasion and proliferator-related genes, and analyzed its interactions with microglia, MDM cells and T cells. Significant alterations in ligand-receptor interactions were observed, particularly between Neoplastic cells_6 and microglia, and found prominent expression of VISTA/VSIG3, suggesting a potential mechanism for evading immune system attacks. High expression of TIM-3, VISTA, PSGL-1 and VSIG-3 with similar expression patterns in GBM, may have potential as therapeutic targets. The prognostic value of VISTA expression was cross-validated in 180 glioma patients, and it was observed that patients with high VISTA expression had a poorer prognosis. In addition, multimodal cross analysis integrated SnRNA-seq and ST, revealing complex intracellular communication and mapping the GBM tumor microenvironment. This study reveals novel molecular characteristics of GBM, co-expression of immune checkpoints, and potential therapeutic targets, contributing to improving the understanding and treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingyi Yuan
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenting Chen
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shasha Jin
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wanmei Liu
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinhao Wu
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingwei Jiang
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongbin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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3
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Jin S, Liu W, He X, Zhang Y, Chen W, Wu Y, Liu J. VISTA deficiency exerts anti-tumor effects in breast cancer through regulating macrophage polarization. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112365. [PMID: 38820964 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Growing evidence had showed that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have a tumor-promoting M2 phenotype which could drive pathological phenomena. In breast cancer, TAMs are abundantly present and may play an important role in the development of breast cancer. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a novel inhibitory checkpoint and immunotherapy target for tumor through regulating immune response. However, its effects on macrophages have not been investigated, which was also the focus of this study. Here, the scRNA-seq data further revealed that VISTA was highly expressed in multiple macrophage subclusters. In vitro experiments showed that the absence of VISTA enhanced the M1 polarization of macrophages, inhibited the M2 polarization of macrophages and the proliferation and phagocytosis of 4 T1 cells induced by M2-CM. VISTA regulated the activation of STAT1 and STAT6 signaling pathways in the process of macrophage polarization. In vivo experiments demonstrated that VISTA deficient mice exhibited reduced tumor growth, possibly due to the increase of M1 macrophages and the decrease of M2 macrophages. In summary, our study is the first to reveal the effect of VISTA on macrophages in breast cancer, which showed that VISTA affects tumor growth by critically regulating the macrophage polarization through the STAT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Jin
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wanmei Liu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenting Chen
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yinhao Wu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jun Liu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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4
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Gao Y, He Y, Tang Y, Chen ZS, Qu M. VISTA: A Novel Checkpoint for Cancer Immunotherapy. Drug Discov Today 2024:104045. [PMID: 38797321 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a recently identified member of the B7 family of immunoregulatory proteins. It is pivotal for maintaining T cell quiescence and exerts a significant regulatory influence on the immune response to tumors. Accumulating clinical evidence suggests that the influence of VISTA on tumor immunity is more nuanced than initially postulated. Although these revelations add layers of complexity to our understanding of the function of VISTA, they also offer novel avenues for scientific inquiry and potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we scrutinize the current literature pertaining to the expression of VISTA in various of malignancies, aiming to elucidate its intricate roles within the tumor microenvironment and in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong, China
| | - Yanting He
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Pingdu 266700, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Meihua Qu
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandon, China.
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5
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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6
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Ta HM, Roy D, Zhang K, Alban T, Juric I, Dong J, Parthasarathy PB, Patnaik S, Delaney E, Gilmour C, Zakeri A, Shukla N, Rupani A, Phoon YP, Liu C, Avril S, Gastman B, Chan T, Wang LL. LRIG1 engages ligand VISTA and impairs tumor-specific CD8 + T cell responses. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eadi7418. [PMID: 38758807 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adi7418] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade is a promising approach to activate antitumor immunity and improve the survival of patients with cancer. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is an immune checkpoint target; however, the downstream signaling mechanisms are elusive. Here, we identify leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1) as a VISTA binding partner, which acts as an inhibitory receptor by engaging VISTA and suppressing T cell receptor signaling pathways. Mice with T cell-specific LRIG1 deletion developed superior antitumor responses because of expansion of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) with increased effector function and survival. Sustained tumor control was associated with a reduction of quiescent CTLs (TCF1+ CD62Lhi PD-1low) and a reciprocal increase in progenitor and memory-like CTLs (TCF1+ PD-1+). In patients with melanoma, elevated LRIG1 expression on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ CTLs correlated with resistance to immunotherapies. These results delineate the role of LRIG1 as an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor and propose a rationale for targeting the VISTA/LRIG1 axis for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hieu Minh Ta
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Dia Roy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Keman Zhang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tyler Alban
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ivan Juric
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Juan Dong
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Prerana B Parthasarathy
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sachin Patnaik
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth Delaney
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Cassandra Gilmour
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amin Zakeri
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nidhi Shukla
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amit Rupani
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yee Peng Phoon
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Caini Liu
- Department of Inflammation and Immunology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stefanie Avril
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Brian Gastman
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Timothy Chan
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Li Lily Wang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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7
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Cui N, Xu X, Zhou F. Single-cell technologies in psoriasis. Clin Immunol 2024; 264:110242. [PMID: 38750947 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disorder. The primary manifestation of psoriasis arises from disturbances in the cutaneous immune microenvironment, but the specific functions of the cellular components within this microenvironment remain unknown. Recent advancements in single-cell technologies have enabled the detection of multi-omics at the level of individual cells, including single-cell transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome, which have been successfully applied in studying autoimmune diseases, and other pathologies. These techniques allow the identification of heterogeneous cell clusters and their varying contributions to disease development. Considering the immunological traits of psoriasis, an in-depth exploration of immune cells and their interactions with cutaneous parenchymal cells can markedly advance our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying the onset and recurrence of psoriasis. In this comprehensive review, we present an overview of recent applications of single-cell technologies in psoriasis, aiming to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niannian Cui
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; The Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Fusheng Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; The Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China.
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8
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Chen L, Zhao X, Liu X, Ouyang Y, Xu C, Shi Y. Development of small molecule drugs targeting immune checkpoints. Cancer Biol Med 2024; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0034. [PMID: 38727005 PMCID: PMC11131045 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used to relieve and refuel anti-tumor immunity by blocking the interaction, transcription, and translation of co-inhibitory immune checkpoints or degrading co-inhibitory immune checkpoints. Thousands of small molecule drugs or biological materials, especially antibody-based ICIs, are actively being studied and antibodies are currently widely used. Limitations, such as anti-tumor efficacy, poor membrane permeability, and unneglected tolerance issues of antibody-based ICIs, remain evident but are thought to be overcome by small molecule drugs. Recent structural studies have broadened the scope of candidate immune checkpoint molecules, as well as innovative chemical inhibitors. By way of comparison, small molecule drug-based ICIs represent superior oral bioavailability and favorable pharmacokinetic features. Several ongoing clinical trials are exploring the synergetic effect of ICIs and other therapeutic strategies based on multiple ICI functions, including immune regulation, anti-angiogenesis, and cell cycle regulation. In this review we summarized the current progression of small molecule ICIs and the mechanism underlying immune checkpoint proteins, which will lay the foundation for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luoyi Chen
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Xinchen Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Institute for Breast Health Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yujie Ouyang
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
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9
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Ma Y, Shi R, Li F, Chang H. Emerging strategies for treating autoimmune disease with genetically modified dendritic cells. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:262. [PMID: 38715122 PMCID: PMC11075321 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01641-7] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene editing of living cells has become a crucial tool in medical research, enabling scientists to address fundamental biological questions and develop novel strategies for disease treatment. This technology has particularly revolutionized adoptive transfer cell therapy products, leading to significant advancements in tumor treatment and offering promising outcomes in managing transplant rejection, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases. While recent clinical trials have demonstrated the safety of tolerogenic dendritic cell (TolDC) immunotherapy, concerns remain regarding its effectiveness. This review aims to discuss the application of gene editing techniques to enhance the tolerance function of dendritic cells (DCs), with a particular focus on preclinical strategies that are currently being investigated to optimize the tolerogenic phenotype and function of DCs. We explore potential approaches for in vitro generation of TolDCs and provide an overview of emerging strategies for modifying DCs. Additionally, we highlight the primary challenges hindering the clinical adoption of TolDC therapeutics and propose future research directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhan Ma
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Ruobing Shi
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Fujun Li
- Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Haocai Chang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
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10
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Akbulut Z, Aru B, Aydın F, Yanıkkaya Demirel G. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379622. [PMID: 38638433 PMCID: PMC11024234 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in cancer treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, remains a major public health problem worldwide. The immune microenvironment plays a critical role in regulating tumor progression and resistance to therapy, and in HCC, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by an abundance of immunosuppressive cells and signals that facilitate immune evasion and metastasis. Recently, anti-cancer immunotherapies, therapeutic interventions designed to modulate the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer, have become an important cornerstone of cancer therapy. Immunotherapy has demonstrated the ability to improve survival and provide durable cancer control in certain groups of HCC patients, while reducing adverse side effects. These findings represent a significant step toward improving cancer treatment outcomes. As demonstrated in clinical trials, the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly in combination with anti-angiogenic agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, has prolonged survival in a subset of patients with HCC, providing an alternative for patients who progress on first-line therapy. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of HCC and the role of the immune system in its development, and to summarize the findings of clinical trials involving ICIs, either as monotherapies or in combination with other agents in the treatment of the disease. Challenges and considerations regarding the administration of ICIs in the treatment of HCC are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Akbulut
- Cancer and Stem Cell Research Center, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Başak Aru
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Furkan Aydın
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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11
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Li S, Wang G, Ren Y, Liu X, Wang Y, Li J, Liu H, Yang J, Xing J, Zhang Y, He C, Xu S, Hou X, Li N. Expression and function of VISTA on myeloid cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116100. [PMID: 38428824 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
V-domain containing Ig Suppressor of T cell Activation (VISTA) is predominantly expressed on myeloid cells and functions as a ligand/receptor/soluble molecule. In inflammatory responses and immune responses, VISTA regulates multiple functions of myeloid cells, such as chemotaxis, phagocytosis, T cell activation. Since inflammation and immune responses are critical in many diseases, VISTA is a promising therapeutic target. In this review, we will describe the expression and function of VISTA on different myeloid cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). In addition, we will discuss whether the functions of VISTA on these cells impact the disease processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Geng Wang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Yan Ren
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Xinyue Liu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Jianing Li
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Hua Liu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Jiaqiang Yang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Jingjun Xing
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Yanru Zhang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Canxia He
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Suling Xu
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Xin Hou
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Na Li
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
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12
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Nishizaki D, Kurzrock R, Miyashita H, Adashek JJ, Lee S, Nikanjam M, Eskander RN, Patel H, Botta GP, Nesline MK, Pabla S, Conroy JM, DePietro P, Sicklick JK, Kato S. Viewing the immune checkpoint VISTA: landscape and outcomes across cancers. ESMO Open 2024; 9:102942. [PMID: 38503143 PMCID: PMC10966162 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimizing immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy may require identification of co-targetable checkpoint pathways via immune profiling. Herein, we analyzed the transcriptomic expression and clinical correlates of V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a promising targetable checkpoint. PATIENTS AND METHODS RNA sequencing was carried out on 514 tissues reflecting diverse advanced/metastatic cancers. Expression of eight immune checkpoint markers [lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 14 (TNFRSF14), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed death-ligand 2 (PD-L2), B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4)], in addition to VISTA, was analyzed, along with clinical outcomes. RESULTS High VISTA RNA expression was observed in 32% of tumors (66/514) and was the most common highly expressed checkpoint among the nine assessed. High VISTA expression was independently correlated with high BTLA, TIM-3, and TNFRSF14, and with a diagnosis of pancreatic, small intestine, and stomach cancer. VISTA transcript levels did not correlate with overall survival (OS) from metastatic/advanced disease in the pan-cancer cohort or with immunotherapy outcome (progression-free survival and OS from the start of ICI) in 217 ICI-treated patients. However, in ICI-treated pancreatic cancer patients (n = 16), median OS was significantly shorter (from immunotherapy initiation) for the high- versus not-high-VISTA groups (0.28 versus 1.21 years) (P = 0.047); in contrast, VISTA levels were not correlated with OS in 36 pancreatic cancer patients who did not receive ICI. CONCLUSION High VISTA expression correlates with high BTLA, TIM-3, and TNFRSF14 checkpoint-related molecules and with poorer post-immunotherapy survival in pancreatic cancer, consistent with prior literature indicating that VISTA is prominently expressed on CD68+ macrophages in pancreatic cancers and requiring validation in larger prospective studies. Immunomic analysis may be important for individualized precision immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Nishizaki
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla.
| | - R Kurzrock
- MCW Cancer Center and Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA; WIN Consortium, Paris, France
| | - H Miyashita
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Lebanon
| | - J J Adashek
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore
| | - S Lee
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | - M Nikanjam
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | - R N Eskander
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | - H Patel
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | - G P Botta
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | | | | | | | | | - J K Sicklick
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - S Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla.
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13
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Lin Y, Choukrani G, Dubbel L, Rockstein L, Freile JA, Qi Y, Wiersma V, Zhang H, Koch KW, Ammatuna E, Schuringa JJ, van Meerten T, Huls G, Bremer E. VISTA drives macrophages towards a pro-tumoral phenotype that promotes cancer cell phagocytosis yet down-regulates T cell responses. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:35. [PMID: 38553748 PMCID: PMC10979580 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00501-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND VISTA is a well-known immune checkpoint in T cell biology, but its role in innate immunity is less established. Here, we investigated the role of VISTA on anticancer macrophage immunity, with a focus on phagocytosis, macrophage polarization and concomitant T cell activation. METHODS Macrophages, differentiated from VISTA overexpressed THP-1 cells and cord blood CD34+ cell-derived monocytes, were used in phagocytosis assay using B lymphoma target cells opsonized with Rituximab. PBMC-derived macrophages were used to assess the correlation between phagocytosis and VISTA expression. qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to analyze the impact of VISTA on other checkpoints and M1/M2-like macrophage biology. Additionally, flow cytometry was used to assess the frequency of CD14+ monocytes expressing VISTA in PBMCs from 65 lymphoma patients and 37 healthy donors. RESULTS Ectopic expression of VISTA in the monocytic model cell line THP-1 or in primary monocytes triggered differentiation towards the macrophage lineage, with a marked increase in M2-like macrophage-related gene expression and decrease in M1-like macrophage-related gene expression. VISTA expression in THP-1 and monocyte-derived macrophages strongly downregulated expression of SIRPα, a prominent 'don't eat me' signal, and augmented phagocytic activity of macrophages against cancer cells. Intriguingly, expression of VISTA's extracellular domain alone sufficed to trigger phagocytosis in ∼ 50% of cell lines, with those cell lines also directly binding to recombinant human VISTA, indicating ligand-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Endogenous VISTA expression was predominantly higher in M2-like macrophages compared to M0- or M1-like macrophages, with a positive correlation observed between VISTA expression in M2c macrophages and their phagocytic activity. VISTA-expressing macrophages demonstrated a unique cytokine profile, characterized by reduced IL-1β and elevated IL-10 secretion. Furthermore, VISTA interacted with MHC-I and downregulated its surface expression, leading to diminished T cell activation. Notably, VISTA surface expression was identified in monocytes from all lymphoma patients but was less prevalent in healthy donors. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, VISTA expression associates with and drives M2-like activation of macrophages with a high phagocytic capacity yet a decrease in antigen presentation capability to T cells. Therefore, VISTA is a negative immune checkpoint regulator in macrophage-mediated immune suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Lin
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Ghizlane Choukrani
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Lena Dubbel
- Faculty VI, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department for human Medicine, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, University Clinic for Gynecology, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Lena Rockstein
- Faculty VI, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department for human Medicine, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, University Clinic for Gynecology, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jimena Alvarez Freile
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Yuzhu Qi
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Valerie Wiersma
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, Jinan University Medical College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Karl-Wilhelm Koch
- Faculty VI, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dept. of Neuroscience, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Emanuele Ammatuna
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Jacob Schuringa
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Tom van Meerten
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Gerwin Huls
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 EZ, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin Bremer
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 EZ, The Netherlands.
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14
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Sun C, He Y, Wang G, Zhang G, Zhang Y, Shen H, Hu L, Sun Y, Jiang B, Wang X, Yuan K, Min W, Wang L, Sun H, Xiao Y, Yang P. Design, Synthesis, and Antitumor Activity Evaluation of Novel VISTA Small Molecule Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3590-3605. [PMID: 38412237 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation) is a novel immune checkpoint protein and represents a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a series of methoxy-pyrimidine-based VISTA small molecule inhibitors with potent antitumor activity. By employing molecular docking and microscale thermophoresis (MST) assay, we identified a lead compound A1 that binds to VISTA protein with high affinity and optimized its structure. A4 was then obtained, which exhibited the strongest binding ability to VISTA protein, with a KD value of 0.49 ± 0.20 μM. In vitro, A4 significantly activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced the release of cytokines such as IFN-γ and enhanced the cytotoxicity of PBMCs against tumor cells. In vivo, A4 displayed potent antitumor activity and synergized with PD-L1 antibody to enhance the therapeutic effect against cancer. These results suggest that compound A4 is an effective VISTA small molecule inhibitor, providing a basis for the future development of VISTA-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengliang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yuling He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Gefei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Guoyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Lingrong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yanze Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Binjian Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenjian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
| | - Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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15
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Davoudi F, Moradi A, Sadeghirad H, Kulasinghe A. Tissue biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:179-193. [PMID: 38228572 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been rejuvenated by the growing understanding of the immune system's role in tumor activity over the past two decades. During cancer initiation and progression, tumor cells employ various mechanisms that resemble peripheral immune tolerance to evade the antitumor responses of the immune system. Immune checkpoint molecules are the major mechanism of immune resistance that are exploited by tumor cells to inhibit T-cell activation and suppress immune responses. The targeting of immune checkpoint pathways has led to substantial improvements in survival rates in a number of solid cancers. However, a lack of understanding of the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has resulted in inefficient therapy responses. A greater understanding of the TME is needed to identify patients likely to respond, and those that will have resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Advancement in spatial single-cell technologies has allowed deeper insight into the phenotypic and functional diversities of cells in the TME. In this review, we provide an overview of ICI biomarkers and highlight how high-dimensional spatially resolved, single-cell approaches provide deep molecular insights into the TME and allow for the discovery of biomarkers of clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Davoudi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afshin Moradi
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Habib Sadeghirad
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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16
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Wang F, Fu K, Wang Y, Pan C, Wang X, Liu Z, Yang C, Zheng Y, Li X, Lu Y, To KKW, Xia C, Zhang J, Shi Z, Hu Z, Huang M, Fu L. Small-molecule agents for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:905-952. [PMID: 38486980 PMCID: PMC10935485 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.010] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, exemplified by the remarkable clinical benefits of the immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, is revolutionizing cancer therapy. They induce long-term tumor regression and overall survival benefit in many types of cancer. With the advances in our knowledge about the tumor immune microenvironment, remarkable progress has been made in the development of small-molecule drugs for immunotherapy. Small molecules targeting PRR-associated pathways, immune checkpoints, oncogenic signaling, metabolic pathways, cytokine/chemokine signaling, and immune-related kinases have been extensively investigated. Monotherapy of small-molecule immunotherapeutic drugs and their combinations with other antitumor modalities are under active clinical investigations to overcome immune tolerance and circumvent immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance. Here, we review the latest development of small-molecule agents for cancer immunotherapy by targeting defined pathways and highlighting their progress in recent clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kai Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Can Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xueping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Kenneth Kin Wah To
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Zhi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zeping Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Min Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
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17
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Wang CW, Biswas PK, Islam A, Chen MK, Chueh PJ. The Use of Immune Regulation in Treating Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Cells 2024; 13:413. [PMID: 38474377 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising new treatment modality for head and neck cancer, offering the potential for targeted and effective cancer management. Squamous cell carcinomas pose significant challenges due to their aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Conventional therapies such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy often have limited success rates and can have significant side effects. Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, and thus represents a novel approach with the potential to improve patient outcomes. In the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), important contributions are made by immunotherapies, including adaptive cell therapy (ACT) and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. In this review, we are focusing on the latter. Immune checkpoint inhibitors target proteins such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) to enhance the immune response against cancer cells. The CTLA-4 inhibitors, such as ipilimumab and tremelimumab, have been approved for early-stage clinical trials and have shown promising outcomes in terms of tumor regression and durable responses in patients with advanced HNSCC. Thus, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy holds promise in overcoming the limitations of conventional therapies. However, further research is needed to optimize treatment regimens, identify predictive biomarkers, and overcome potential resistance mechanisms. With ongoing advancements in immunotherapy, the future holds great potential for transforming the landscape of oral tumor treatment and providing new hope for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Wei Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50006, Taiwan
| | - Pulak Kumar Biswas
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Atikul Islam
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Kuan Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50006, Taiwan
| | - Pin Ju Chueh
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
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18
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Burke KP, Chaudhri A, Freeman GJ, Sharpe AH. The B7:CD28 family and friends: Unraveling coinhibitory interactions. Immunity 2024; 57:223-244. [PMID: 38354702 PMCID: PMC10889489 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Immune responses must be tightly regulated to ensure both optimal protective immunity and tolerance. Costimulatory pathways within the B7:CD28 family provide essential signals for optimal T cell activation and clonal expansion. They provide crucial inhibitory signals that maintain immune homeostasis, control resolution of inflammation, regulate host defense, and promote tolerance to prevent autoimmunity. Tumors and chronic pathogens can exploit these pathways to evade eradication by the immune system. Advances in understanding B7:CD28 pathways have ushered in a new era of immunotherapy with effective drugs to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and transplant rejection. Here, we discuss current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the coinhibitory functions of CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1:B7-1 and PD-L2:RGMb interactions and less studied B7 family members, including HHLA2, VISTA, BTNL2, and BTN3A1, as well as their overlapping and unique roles in regulating immune responses, and the therapeutic potential of these insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly P Burke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Apoorvi Chaudhri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arlene H Sharpe
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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19
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Quiniou SMA, Bengtén E, Boudinot P. Costimulatory receptors in the channel catfish: CD28 family members and their ligands. Immunogenetics 2024; 76:51-67. [PMID: 38197898 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01327-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The CD28-B7 interaction is required to deliver a second signal necessary for T-cell activation. Additional membrane receptors of the CD28 and B7 families are also involved in immune checkpoints that positively or negatively regulate leukocyte activation, in particular T lymphocytes. BTLA is an inhibitory receptor that belongs to a third receptor family. Fish orthologs exist only for some of these genes, and the potential interactions between the corresponding ligands remain mostly unclear. In this work, we focused on the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), a long-standing model for fish immunology, to analyze these co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors. We identified one copy of cd28, ctla4, cd80/86, b7h1/dc, b7h3, b7h4, b7h5, two btla, and four b7h7 genes. Catfish CD28 contains the highly conserved mammalian cytoplasmic motif for PI3K and GRB2 recruitment, however this motif is absent in cyprinids. Fish CTLA4 share a C-terminal putative GRB2-binding site but lacks the mammalian PI3K/GRB2-binding motif. While critical V-domain residues for human CD80 or CD86 binding to CD28/CTLA4 show low conservation in fish CD80/86, C-domain residues are highly conserved, underscoring their significance. Catfish B7H1/DC had a long intracytoplasmic domain with a P-loop-NTPase domain that is absent in mammalian sequences, while the lack of NLS motif in fish B7H4 suggests this protein may not regulate cell growth when expressed intracellularly. Finally, there is a notable expansion of fish B7H7s, which likely play diverse roles in leukocyte regulation. Overall, our work contributes to a better understanding of fish leukocyte co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Bengtén
- Center for Immunology and Microbial Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Pierre Boudinot
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France.
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20
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Kim TK, Han X, Hu Q, Vandsemb EN, Fielder CM, Hong J, Kim KW, Mason EF, Plowman RS, Wang J, Wang Q, Zhang JP, Badri T, Sanmamed MF, Zheng L, Zhang T, Alawa J, Lee SW, Zeidan AM, Halene S, Pillai MM, Chandhok NS, Lu J, Xu ML, Gore SD, Chen L. PD-1H/VISTA mediates immune evasion in acute myeloid leukemia. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e164325. [PMID: 38060328 PMCID: PMC10836799 DOI: 10.1172/jci164325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents a pressing medical need in that it is largely resistant to standard chemotherapy as well as modern therapeutics, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, including anti-programmed cell death protein (anti-PD) therapy. We demonstrate that programmed death-1 homolog (PD-1H), an immune coinhibitory molecule, is highly expressed in blasts from the bone marrow of AML patients, while normal myeloid cell subsets and T cells express PD-1H. In studies employing syngeneic and humanized AML mouse models, overexpression of PD-1H promoted the growth of AML cells, mainly by evading T cell-mediated immune responses. Importantly, ablation of AML cell-surface PD-1H by antibody blockade or genetic knockout significantly inhibited AML progression by promoting T cell activity. In addition, the genetic deletion of PD-1H from host normal myeloid cells inhibited AML progression, and the combination of PD-1H blockade with anti-PD therapy conferred a synergistic antileukemia effect. Our findings provide the basis for PD-1H as a potential therapeutic target for treating human AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Kon Kim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, and
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Section of Medical Oncology
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, OSUCCC–James Cancer Hospital
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Qianni Hu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine
| | - Esten N. Vandsemb
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Junshik Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Emily F. Mason
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - R. Skipper Plowman
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jian-Ping Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ti Badri
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Miguel F. Sanmamed
- Division of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Linghua Zheng
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, OSUCCC–James Cancer Hospital
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jude Alawa
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sang Won Lee
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | | | - Namrata S. Chandhok
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Genetics and
| | - Mina L. Xu
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Steven D. Gore
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, and
- National Cancer Institute, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Investigational Drug Branch, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lieping Chen
- Section of Medical Oncology
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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21
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Cao Y, Yu K, Zhang Z, Gu Y, Gu Y, Li W, Zhang W, Shen Z, Xu J, Qin J. Blockade of V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation reprograms tumour-associated macrophages and improves efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor in gastric cancer. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1578. [PMID: 38356419 PMCID: PMC10867598 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In gastric cancer, the response rate of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitor is far from satisfactory, indicating additional nonredundant pathways might hamper antitumour immunity. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) has been reported in several malignancies as a novel immune-checkpoint. Nevertheless, the role of VISTA in gastric cancer still remains obscure. Our purpose is to explore the clinical significance and potential mechanism of VISTA in affecting gastric cancer patients' survival and immunotherapeutic responsiveness. METHODS Our study recruited eight independent cohorts with a total of 1403 gastric cancer patients. Immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence, flow cytometry or intracellular flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, magnetic-activated cell sorting, smart-seq2, in vitro cell co-culture and ex vivo tumour inhibition assays were applied to investigate the clinical significance and potential mechanism of VISTA in gastric cancer. RESULTS VISTA was predominantly expressed on tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), and indicated poor clinical outcomes and inferior immunotherapeutic responsiveness. VISTA+ TAMs showed a mixed phenotype. Co-culture of TAMs and CD8+ T cells indicated that VISTA+ TAMs attenuated effective function of CD8+ T cells. Blockade of VISTA reprogrammed TAMs to a proinflammatory phenotype, reactivated CD8+ T cells and promoted apoptosis of tumour cells. Moreover, blockade of VISTA could also enhance the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor, suggesting that blockade of VISTA might synergise with PD-1 inhibitor in gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS Our data revealed that VISTA was an immune-checkpoint associated with immunotherapeutic resistance. Blockade of VISTA reprogrammed TAMs, promoted T-cell-mediated antitumour immunity, and enhanced efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor, which might have implications in the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Cao
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Kuan Yu
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zihao Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yun Gu
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yichao Gu
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wandi Li
- Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Weijuan Zhang
- Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhenbin Shen
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiejie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jing Qin
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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22
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Zhang K, Zakeri A, Alban T, Dong J, Ta HM, Zalavadia AH, Branicky A, Zhao H, Juric I, Husich H, Parthasarathy PB, Rupani A, Drazba JA, Chakraborty AA, Ching-Cheng Huang S, Chan T, Avril S, Wang LL. VISTA promotes the metabolism and differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells by STAT3 and polyamine-dependent mechanisms. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113661. [PMID: 38175754 PMCID: PMC10851928 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) impair antitumor immune responses. Identifying regulatory circuits during MDSC development may bring new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. We report that the V-domain suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) functions as a key enabler of MDSC differentiation. VISTA deficiency reduced STAT3 activation and STAT3-dependent production of polyamines, which causally impaired mitochondrial respiration and MDSC expansion. In both mixed bone marrow (BM) chimera mice and myeloid-specific VISTA conditional knockout mice, VISTA deficiency significantly reduced tumor-associated MDSCs but expanded monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and enhanced T cell-mediated tumor control. Correlated expression of VISTA and arginase-1 (ARG1), a key enzyme supporting polyamine biosynthesis, was observed in multiple human cancer types. In human endometrial cancer, co-expression of VISTA and ARG1 on tumor-associated myeloid cells is associated with poor survival. Taken together, these findings unveil the VISTA/polyamine axis as a central regulator of MDSC differentiation and warrant therapeutically targeting this axis for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keman Zhang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amin Zakeri
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tyler Alban
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Juan Dong
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hieu M Ta
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ajay H Zalavadia
- Imaging Core Facility, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrelie Branicky
- Imaging Core Facility, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Haoxin Zhao
- Imaging Core Facility, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ivan Juric
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hanna Husich
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Prerana B Parthasarathy
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amit Rupani
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Judy A Drazba
- Imaging Core Facility, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Abhishek A Chakraborty
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stanley Ching-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Timothy Chan
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stefanie Avril
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Li Lily Wang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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23
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Meenakshi S, Maharana KC, Nama L, Vadla UK, Dhingra S, Ravichandiran V, Murti K, Kumar N. Targeting Histone 3 Variants Epigenetic Landscape and Inhibitory Immune Checkpoints: An Option for Paediatric Brain Tumours Therapy. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1248-1270. [PMID: 37605389 PMCID: PMC10964098 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230809110444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite little progress in survival rates with regular therapies, which do not provide complete care for curing pediatric brain tumors (PBTs), there is an urgent need for novel strategies to overcome the toxic effects of conventional therapies to treat PBTs. The co-inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules, e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, etc., and epigenetic alterations in histone variants, e.g., H3K27me3 that help in immune evasion at tumor microenvironment have not gained much attention in PBTs treatment. However, key epigenetic mechanistic alterations, such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, sumoylation, poly (ADP)-ribosylation, and ubiquitination in histone protein, are greatly acknowledged. The crucial checkpoints in pediatric brain tumors are cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1), OX-2 membrane glycoprotein (CD200), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). This review covers the state of knowledge on the role of multiple co-inhibitory immunological checkpoint proteins and histone epigenetic alterations in different cancers. We further discuss the processes behind these checkpoints, cell signalling, the current scenario of clinical and preclinical research and potential futuristic opportunities for immunotherapies in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors. Conclusively, this article further discusses the possibilities of these interventions to be used for better therapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarasa Meenakshi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Krushna Ch Maharana
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Lokesh Nama
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Udaya Kumar Vadla
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Sameer Dhingra
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Krishna Murti
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Nitesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
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24
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Vesely MD, Kidacki M, Gaule P, Gupta S, Chan NNN, Han X, Yeung JT, Chen L. Immune Inhibitory Molecule PD-1 Homolog (VISTA) Colocalizes with CD11b Myeloid Cells in Melanoma and Is Associated with Poor Outcomes. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:106-115.e4. [PMID: 37562584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.07.008] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumors evade immunity through the overexpression of immune inhibitory molecules in the tumor microenvironment such as PD-L1/B7-H1. An immune inhibitory molecule named PD-1 homolog (also known as V-domain Ig-containing suppressor of T cell activation [VISTA]) functions to control both T cells and myeloid cells. Current clinical trials using anti-VISTA-blocking agents for treatment of cancer are ongoing. We sought to determine the extent of VISTA expression in primary cutaneous melanomas (n = 190), identify the critical cell types expressing VISTA, and correlate its expression with PD-L1 expression using multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence. Within the tumor subcompartments, VISTA is most highly expressed on CD11b myeloid cells, and PD-L1 is most highly expressed on CD68 myeloid cells in our melanoma cohort. There is little correlation between VISTA and PD-L1 expression intensity, suggesting that individual tumors have distinct immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. High levels of VISTA expression on CD11b myeloid cells but not PD-L1 expression were associated with greater melanoma recurrence and greater all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest that cell-specific VISTA expression may be a negative prognostic biomarker for melanoma and a future potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Vesely
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
| | - Michal Kidacki
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Patricia Gaule
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Swati Gupta
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nay Nwe Nyein Chan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jacky T Yeung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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25
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Jang A, Lichterman JN, Zhong JY, Shoag JE, Garcia JA, Zhang T, Barata PC. Immune approaches beyond traditional immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2276629. [PMID: 37947202 PMCID: PMC10653627 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2276629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), especially clear cell RCC, is generally considered an immunotherapy-responsive cancer. Recently, the prognosis for patients with locally advanced and metastatic RCC has significantly improved with the regulatory approvals of anti-PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based regimens. Yet in most cases, RCC will remain initially unresponsive to treatment or will develop resistance over time. Hence, there remains an unmet need to understand what leads to ICI resistance and to develop novel immune and nonimmune treatments to enhance the response to ICIs. In this review, we highlight recently published studies and the latest clinical studies investigating the next generation of immune approaches to locally advanced and metastatic RCC beyond traditional ICIs. These trials include cytokines, gut microbiota-based therapies, novel immune checkpoint agents, vaccines, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. These agents are being evaluated as monotherapy or in combination with traditional ICIs and will hopefully provide improved outcomes to patients with RCC soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Jang
- Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jake N. Lichterman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey Y. Zhong
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan E. Shoag
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jorge A. Garcia
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tian Zhang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Pedro C. Barata
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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26
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Iadonato S, Ovechkina Y, Lustig K, Cross J, Eyde N, Frazier E, Kabi N, Katz C, Lance R, Peckham D, Sridhar S, Talbaux C, Tihista I, Xu M, Guillaudeux T. A highly potent anti-VISTA antibody KVA12123 - a new immune checkpoint inhibitor and a promising therapy against poorly immunogenic tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1311658. [PMID: 38152397 PMCID: PMC10751915 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1311658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint therapies have led to significant breakthroughs in cancer patient treatment in recent years. However, their efficiency is variable, and resistance to immunotherapies is common. VISTA is an immune-suppressive checkpoint inhibitor of T cell response belonging to the B7 family and a promising novel therapeutic target. VISTA is expressed in the immuno-suppressive tumor microenvironment, primarily by myeloid lineage cells, and its genetic knockout or antibody blockade restores an efficient antitumor immune response. Methods Fully human monoclonal antibodies directed against VISTA were produced after immunizing humanized Trianni mice and single B cell sequencing. Anti-VISTA antibodies were evaluated for specificity, cross-reactivity, monocyte and T cell activation, Fc-effector functions, and antitumor efficacy using in vitro and in vivo models to select the KVA12123 antibody lead candidate. The pharmacokinetics and safety profiles of KVA12123 were evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys. Results Here, we report the development of a clinical candidate anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody, KVA12123. KVA12123 showed high affinity binding to VISTA through a unique epitope distinct from other clinical-stage anti-VISTA monoclonal antibodies. This clinical candidate demonstrated high specificity against VISTA with no cross-reactivity detected against other members of the B7 family. KVA12123 blocked VISTA binding to its binding partners. KVA12123 induced T cell activation and demonstrated NK-mediated monocyte activation. KVA12123 treatment mediated strong single-agent antitumor activity in several syngeneic tumor models and showed enhanced efficacy in combination with anti-PD-1 treatment. This clinical candidate was engineered to improve its pharmacokinetic characteristics and reduce Fc-effector functions. It was well-tolerated in preclinical toxicology studies in cynomolgus monkeys, where hematology, clinical chemistry evaluations, and clinical observations revealed no indicators of toxicity. No cytokines associated with cytokine release syndrome were elevated. Conclusion These results establish that KVA12123 is a promising drug candidate with a distinct but complementary mechanism of action of the first generation of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This antibody is currently evaluated alone and in combination with pembrolizumab in a Phase 1/2 open-label clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors.
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27
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Ren R, Chang X, Chen C, Yu H, Han L. VISTA as a prospective immune checkpoint in gynecological malignant tumors: A review of the literature. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230866. [PMID: 38152334 PMCID: PMC10751886 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), encoded by the human VSIR gene, is a B7 family checkpoint homologous to the programmed death-Ligand 1 sequence. In gynecologic malignancies, VISTA is abnormally expressed and regulates the tumor immune microenvironment, causing a high upregulation of VISTA expression in T-cells and myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment and promoting tumor proliferation, progression, and immune tolerance. Here, we review the research progress of VISTA in ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers through its structure and immunomodulatory mechanism. The comprehensive study of VISTA is expected to improve the current problem of poor immunotherapeutic effects and provide new ideas for immune therapy in patients with gynecologic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Ren
- Department of Gynecology, Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, 116033, China
- Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Biotherapy of Malignant Tumors in Children and Women in Liaoning Province, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Xin Chang
- Department of Graduate, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
- Department of Gynecology, Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, 116033, China
- Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Biotherapy of Malignant Tumors in Children and Women in Liaoning Province, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, 116033, China
- Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Biotherapy of Malignant Tumors in Children and Women in Liaoning Province, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Gynecology, Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, 116033, China
- Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Biotherapy of Malignant Tumors in Children and Women in Liaoning Province, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Lu Han
- Department of Gynecology, Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, 116033, China
- Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Biotherapy of Malignant Tumors in Children and Women in Liaoning Province, Dalian, 116011, China
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Vryza P, Fischer T, Mistakidi E, Zaravinos A. Tumor mutation burden in the prognosis and response of lung cancer patients to immune-checkpoint inhibition therapies. Transl Oncol 2023; 38:101788. [PMID: 37776617 PMCID: PMC10542015 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapies have reshaped the therapeutic landscape in lung cancer management, providing first-time improvements in patient response, prognosis, and overall survival. Despite their clinical effectiveness, variability in treatment responsiveness, as well as drug resistance, have led to a compelling need for predictive biomarkers facilitating the individualized selection of the most efficient therapeutic approach. Significant progress has been made in the identification of such biomarkers, with tumor mutation burden (ΤΜΒ) appearing as the leading and most promising predictive biomarker for the efficacy of ICIs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) among other tumors. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies have been extensively studied and clinically utilized. However, the overall efficiency of these drugs remains unsatisfactory, urging for the investigation of novel inhibitors, such as those targeting LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT and VISTA, which could be used either as a monotherapy or synergistically with the PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 blockers. Here, we investigate the role of TMB and cancer neoantigens as predictive biomarkers in the response of lung cancer patients to different ICI therapies, specifically focusing on the most recent immune checkpoint inhibitors, against LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT and VISTA. We further discuss the new trends in immunotherapies, including CAR T-cell therapy and personalized tumor vaccines. We also review further potential biomarkers that could be used in lung cancer response to immunotherapy, such as PD-L1+ IHC, MSI/dMMR, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), as well as the role of the microbiome and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Finally, we discuss the limitations and challenges of each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Vryza
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Timo Fischer
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Elena Mistakidi
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus.
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Wang B, Ou Z, Zhong W, Huang L, Liao W, Sheng Y, Guo Z, Chen J, Yang W, Chen K, Huang X, Yang T, Lin T, Huang J. Effective Antitumor Immunity Can Be Triggered by Targeting VISTA in Combination with a TLR3-Specific Adjuvant. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1656-1670. [PMID: 37847894 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment is often associated with accumulation of intratumoral inhibitory macrophages. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) is a nonredundant immune checkpoint that can induce both T-cell and myeloid-cell immunosuppression. In this study, we found that high levels of VISTA+ immune cells were associated with advanced stage bladder cancer and predicted poor survival in patients. A combination of high infiltration of VISTA+ immune cells and PD-L1+ immune cells or PD-1+ T cells predicted the worst survival. Flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence analyses confirmed that VISTA expression was higher in macrophages than in T cells or neutrophils, and only VISTA+CD163+ macrophage density predicted poor prognosis in patients with bladder cancer. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are known to trigger the innate immune response in macrophages. We found that the VISTA-specific mAb 13F3 augmented the ability of a TLR3-specific adjuvant to induce macrophage activation in vitro. In the MB49 syngeneic mouse model of bladder cancer, treatment with 13F3 curbed tumor growth and prolonged survival when combined with a TLR3-specific adjuvant. The combination treatment reduced the intratumoral frequency of CD206+ anti-inflammatory macrophages and levels of the immunosuppressive molecule TGFβ1, but it upregulated expression of immunostimulatory molecules (Ifna, Ifnb, and Trail) and increased the CD8+ T cell/regulatory T-cell ratio. These findings indicate that elevated VISTA expression in immune cells, particularly macrophages, is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in patients with bladder cancer and suggest that targeting VISTA in combination with a TLR3-specific adjuvant has translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ziwei Ou
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenlong Zhong
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lin Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenjian Liao
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yiyu Sheng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhixing Guo
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tenghao Yang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tianxin Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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30
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Daei Sorkhabi A, Komijani E, Sarkesh A, Ghaderi Shadbad P, Aghebati-Maleki A, Aghebati-Maleki L. Advances in immune checkpoint-based immunotherapies for multiple sclerosis: rationale and practice. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:321. [PMID: 37946301 PMCID: PMC10634124 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01289-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Beyond the encouraging results and broad clinical applicability of immune checkpoint (ICP) inhibitors in cancer therapy, ICP-based immunotherapies in the context of autoimmune disease, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS), have garnered considerable attention and hold great potential for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Given the well-established immunoregulatory role of ICPs in maintaining a balance between stimulatory and inhibitory signaling pathways to promote immune tolerance to self-antigens, a dysregulated expression pattern of ICPs has been observed in a significant proportion of patients with MS and its animal model called experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is associated with autoreactivity towards myelin and neurodegeneration. Consequently, there is a rationale for developing immunotherapeutic strategies to induce inhibitory ICPs while suppressing stimulatory ICPs, including engineering immune cells to overexpress ligands for inhibitory ICP receptors, such as program death-1 (PD-1), or designing fusion proteins, namely abatacept, to bind and inhibit the co-stimulatory pathways involved in overactivated T-cell mediated autoimmunity, and other strategies that will be discussed in-depth in the current review. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Daei Sorkhabi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Erfan Komijani
- Department of Veterinary, Medicine, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aila Sarkesh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pedram Ghaderi Shadbad
- Department of Veterinary, Medicine, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Aghebati-Maleki
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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31
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Shekari N, Shanehbandi D, Kazemi T, Zarredar H, Baradaran B, Jalali SA. VISTA and its ligands: the next generation of promising therapeutic targets in immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:265. [PMID: 37936192 PMCID: PMC10631023 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03116-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a novel negative checkpoint receptor (NCR) primarily involved in maintaining immune tolerance. It has a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders and cancer and has shown promising results as a therapeutic target. However, there is still some ambiguity regarding the ligands of VISTA and their interactions with each other. While V-Set and Immunoglobulin domain containing 3 (VSIG-3) and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1(PSGL-1) have been extensively studied as ligands for VISTA, the others have received less attention. It seems that investigating VISTA ligands, reviewing their functions and roles, as well as outcomes related to their interactions, may allow an understanding of their full functionality and effects within the cell or the microenvironment. It could also help discover alternative approaches to target the VISTA pathway without causing related side effects. In this regard, we summarize current evidence about VISTA, its related ligands, their interactions and effects, as well as their preclinical and clinical targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najibeh Shekari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tohid Kazemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Habib Zarredar
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Seyed Amir Jalali
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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32
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Niu X, Wu M, Li G, Zhou X, Cao W, Zhai W, Wu A, Zhou X, Jin S, Chen G, Li Y, Du J, Wu Y, Qiu L, Zhao W, Gao Y. Identification and optimization of peptide inhibitors to block VISTA/PSGL-1 interaction for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4511-4522. [PMID: 37969728 PMCID: PMC10638518 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.003] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing new therapeutic agents for cancer immunotherapy is highly demanding due to the low response ratio of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in cancer patients. Here, we discovered that the novel immune checkpoint VISTA is highly expressed on a variety of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, especially myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and CD8+ T cells. Then, peptide C1 with binding affinity to VISTA was developed by phage displayed bio-panning technique, and its mutant peptide VS3 was obtained by molecular docking based mutation. Peptide VS3 could bind VISTA with high affinity and block its interaction with ligand PSGL-1 under acidic condition, and elicit anti-tumor activity in vivo. The peptide DVS3-Pal was further designed by d-amino acid substitution and fatty acid modification, which exhibited strong proteolytic stability and significant anti-tumor activity through enhancing CD8+ T cell function and decreasing MDSCs infiltration. This is the first study to develop peptides to block VISTA/PSGL-1 interaction, which could act as promising candidates for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuang Niu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Menghan Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Guodong Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wenpeng Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Aijun Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shengzhe Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yanying Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiangfeng Du
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lu Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
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Luk SJ, Schoppmeyer R, Ijsselsteijn ME, Somarakis A, Acem I, Remst DFG, Cox DT, van Bergen CAM, Briaire-de Bruijn I, Grönloh MLB, van der Meer WJ, Hawinkels LJAC, Koning RI, Bos E, Bovée JVMG, de Miranda NFCC, Szuhai K, van Buul JD, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. VISTA Expression on Cancer-Associated Endothelium Selectively Prevents T-cell Extravasation. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1480-1492. [PMID: 37695550 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0759] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancers evade T-cell immunity by several mechanisms such as secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, down regulation of antigen presentation machinery, upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules, and exclusion of T cells from tumor tissues. The distribution and function of immune checkpoint molecules on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating leukocytes is well established, but less is known about their impact on intratumoral endothelial cells. Here, we demonstrated that V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a PD-L1 homolog, was highly expressed on endothelial cells in synovial sarcoma, subsets of different carcinomas, and immune-privileged tissues. We created an ex vivo model of the human vasculature and demonstrated that expression of VISTA on endothelial cells selectively prevented T-cell transmigration over endothelial layers under physiologic flow conditions, whereas it does not affect migration of other immune cell types. Furthermore, endothelial VISTA correlated with reduced infiltration of T cells and poor prognosis in metastatic synovial sarcoma. In endothelial cells, we detected VISTA on the plasma membrane and in recycling endosomes, and its expression was upregulated by cancer cell-secreted factors in a VEGF-A-dependent manner. Our study reveals that endothelial VISTA is upregulated by cancer-secreted factors and that it regulates T-cell accessibility to cancer and healthy tissues. This newly identified mechanism should be considered when using immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at unleashing T cell-mediated cancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sietse J Luk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rouven Schoppmeyer
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Antonios Somarakis
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ibtissam Acem
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Oncological and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis F G Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daan T Cox
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Max L B Grönloh
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Werner J van der Meer
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Roman I Koning
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Bos
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Judith V M G Bovée
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap D van Buul
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Borgeaud M, Sandoval J, Obeid M, Banna G, Michielin O, Addeo A, Friedlaender A. Novel targets for immune-checkpoint inhibition in cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102614. [PMID: 37603905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet many patients either do not derive any benefit from treatment or develop a resistance to checkpoint inhibitors. Intrinsic resistance can result from neoantigen depletion, defective antigen presentation, PD-L1 downregulation, immune-checkpoint ligand upregulation, immunosuppression, and tumor cell phenotypic changes. On the other hand, extrinsic resistance involves acquired upregulation of inhibitory immune-checkpoints, leading to T-cell exhaustion. Current data suggest that PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3 upregulation limits the efficacy of single-agent immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating novel immune-checkpoint targets to avoid or overcome resistance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of potentially targetable immune-checkpoints in cancer. We highlight their biology, emphasizing the current understanding of resistance mechanisms and focusing on promising strategies that are under investigation. We also summarize current results and ongoing clinical trials in this crucial field that could once again revolutionize outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Obeid
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Banna
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | | | - Alex Friedlaender
- Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland; Clinique Générale Beaulieu, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Roy D, Gilmour C, Patnaik S, Wang LL. Combinatorial blockade for cancer immunotherapy: targeting emerging immune checkpoint receptors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264327. [PMID: 37928556 PMCID: PMC10620683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264327] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The differentiation, survival, and effector function of tumor-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T cells lie at the center of antitumor immunity. Due to the lack of proper costimulation and the abundant immunosuppressive mechanisms, tumor-specific T cells show a lack of persistence and exhausted and dysfunctional phenotypes. Multiple coinhibitory receptors, such as PD-1, CTLA-4, VISTA, TIGIT, TIM-3, and LAG-3, contribute to dysfunctional CTLs and failed antitumor immunity. These coinhibitory receptors are collectively called immune checkpoint receptors (ICRs). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting these ICRs have become the cornerstone for cancer immunotherapy as they have established new clinical paradigms for an expanding range of previously untreatable cancers. Given the nonredundant yet convergent molecular pathways mediated by various ICRs, combinatorial immunotherapies are being tested to bring synergistic benefits to patients. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of several emerging ICRs, including VISTA, TIGIT, TIM-3, and LAG-3, and the preclinical and clinical data supporting combinatorial strategies to improve existing ICI therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dia Roy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Cassandra Gilmour
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Sachin Patnaik
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Li Lily Wang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Díaz-García E, García-Sánchez A, Alfaro E, López-Fernández C, Mañas E, Cano-Pumarega I, López-Collazo E, García-Río F, Cubillos-Zapata C. PSGL-1: a novel immune checkpoint driving T-cell dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1277551. [PMID: 37854605 PMCID: PMC10579800 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1277551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although higher incidence of cancer represents a major burden for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, the molecular pathways driving this association are not completely understood. Recently, the adhesion receptor P-selectin glycoprotein-1 (PSGL 1) has been identified as a novel immune checkpoint, which are recognized major hallmarks in several types of cancer and have revolutionized cancer therapy. Methods The expression of PSGL-1 and its ligands VISTA and SIGLEC-5 was assessed in the leucocytes of OSA patients and control subjects exploring the role of intermittent hypoxia (IH) using in vitro models. In addition, PSGL-1 impact on T-cells function was evaluated by ex vivo models. Results Data showed PSGL-1 expression is upregulated in the T-lymphocytes from patients with severe OSA, indicating a relevant role of hypoxemia mediated by intermittent hypoxia. Besides, results suggest an inhibitory role of PSGL-1 on T-cell proliferation capacity. Finally, the expression of SIGLEC-5 but not VISTA was increased in monocytes from OSA patients, suggesting a regulatory role of intermittent hypoxia. Discussion In conclusion, PSGL-1 might constitute an additional immune checkpoint leading to T-cell dysfunction in OSA patients, contributing to the disruption of immune surveillance, which might provide biological plausibility to the higher incidence and aggressiveness of several tumors in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Díaz-García
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aldara García-Sánchez
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Alfaro
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina López-Fernández
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Mañas
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo López-Collazo
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- The Innate Immune Response Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco García-Río
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Cubillos-Zapata
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
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Rocco D, Della Gravara L, Ragone A, Sapio L, Naviglio S, Gridelli C. Prognostic Factors in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4684. [PMID: 37835378 PMCID: PMC10571734 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Taking into account the huge epidemiologic impact of lung cancer (in 2020, lung cancer accounted for 2,206,771 of the cases and for 1,796,144 of the cancer-related deaths, representing the second most common cancer in female patients, the most common cancer in male patients, and the second most common cancer in male and female patients) and the current lack of recommendations in terms of prognostic factors for patients selection and management, this article aims to provide an overview of the current landscape in terms of currently available immunotherapy treatments and the most promising assessed prognostic biomarkers, highlighting the current state-of-the-art and hinting at future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Rocco
- Department of Pulmonary Oncology, AORN dei Colli Monaldi, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luigi Della Gravara
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.D.G.); (L.S.); (S.N.)
| | - Angela Ragone
- Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227 Dortmund, Germany;
| | - Luigi Sapio
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.D.G.); (L.S.); (S.N.)
| | - Silvio Naviglio
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.D.G.); (L.S.); (S.N.)
| | - Cesare Gridelli
- Division of Medical Oncology, “S.G. Moscati” Hospital, Contrada Amoretta, 83100 Avellino, Italy
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Kiaie SH, Salehi-Shadkami H, Sanaei MJ, Azizi M, Shokrollahi Barough M, Nasr MS, Sheibani M. Nano-immunotherapy: overcoming delivery challenge of immune checkpoint therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:339. [PMID: 37735656 PMCID: PMC10512572 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02083-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules expressed on tumor cells can suppress immune responses against tumors. ICP therapy promotes anti-tumor immune responses by targeting inhibitory and stimulatory pathways of immune cells like T cells and dendritic cells (DC). The investigation into the combination therapies through novel immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been limited due to immune-related adverse events (irAEs), low response rate, and lack of optimal strategy for combinatorial cancer immunotherapy (IMT). Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as powerful tools to promote multidisciplinary cooperation. The feasibility and efficacy of targeted delivery of ICIs using NPs overcome the primary barrier, improve therapeutic efficacy, and provide a rationale for more clinical investigations. Likewise, NPs can conjugate or encapsulate ICIs, including antibodies, RNAs, and small molecule inhibitors. Therefore, combining the drug delivery system (DDS) with ICP therapy could provide a profitable immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. This article reviews the significant NPs with controlled DDS using current data from clinical and pre-clinical trials on mono- and combination IMT to overcome ICP therapeutic limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hossein Kiaie
- Department of Formulation Development, ReNAP Therapeutics, Tehran, Iran.
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Hossein Salehi-Shadkami
- Department of Formulation Development, ReNAP Therapeutics, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Science, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Sanaei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, 8815713471, Iran
| | - Marzieh Azizi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Sadegh Nasr
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering Multi-Interprofessional Center for Health Informatics (MICHI), The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Mohammad Sheibani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Noelle RJ, Lines JL, Lewis LD, Martell RE, Guillaudeux T, Lee SW, Mahoney KM, Vesely MD, Boyd-Kirkup J, Nambiar DK, Scott AM. Clinical and research updates on the VISTA immune checkpoint: immuno-oncology themes and highlights. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1225081. [PMID: 37795437 PMCID: PMC10547146 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1225081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints limit the activation of the immune system and serve an important homeostatic function but can also restrict immune responses against tumors. Inhibition of specific immune checkpoint proteins such as the B7:CD28 family members programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) has transformed the treatment of various cancers by promoting the anti-tumor activation of immune cells. In contrast to these effects, the V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) regulates the steady state of the resting immune system and promotes homeostasis by mechanisms distinct from PD-1 and CTLA-4. The effects of VISTA blockade have been shown to include a decrease in myeloid suppression coupled with proinflammatory changes by mechanisms that are separate and distinct from other immune checkpoint proteins; in some preclinical studies these immune effects appear synergistic. Given the potential benefits of VISTA blockade in the context of cancer therapy, the second Annual VISTA Symposium was convened virtually on September 23, 2022, to review new research from investigators and immuno-oncology experts. Discussions in the meeting extended the knowledge of VISTA biology and the effects of VISTA inhibition, particularly on cells of the myeloid lineage and resting T cells, as three candidate anti-VISTA antibodies are in, or nearing, clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph J. Noelle
- ImmuNext Inc., Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - J. Louise Lines
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Lionel D. Lewis
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth Cancer Center, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Robert E. Martell
- Curis, Inc., Lexington, MA, United States
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Sam W. Lee
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Mahoney
- Department of Medical, Division of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew D. Vesely
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Dhanya K. Nambiar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Andrew M. Scott
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health and Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Duval KEA, Tavakkoli AD, Kheirollah A, Soderholm HE, Demidenko E, Lines JL, Croteau W, Zhang SC, Wagner RJ, Aulwes E, Noelle RJ, Hoopes PJ. Enhancement of Radiation Therapy through Blockade of the Immune Checkpoint, V-domain Ig Suppressor of T Cell Activation (VISTA), in Melanoma and Adenocarcinoma Murine Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13742. [PMID: 37762046 PMCID: PMC10530750 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) has recently demonstrated promise at stimulating an enhanced immune response. The recent success of immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, CART cells, and other immune modulators, affords new opportunities for combination with radiation. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether and to what extent blockade of VISTA, an immune checkpoint, can potentiate the tumor control ability of radiation therapy. Our study is novel in that it is the first comparison of two VISTA-blocking methods (antibody inhibition and genetic knockout) in combination with RT. VISTA was blocked either through genetic knockout (KO) or an inhibitory antibody and combined with RT in two syngeneic murine flank tumor models (B16 and MC38). Selected mRNA, immune cell infiltration, and tumor growth delay were used to assess the biological effects. When combined with a single 15Gy radiation dose, VISTA blockade via genetic knockout in the B16 model and via anti-VISTA antibodies in the MC38 model significantly improved survival compared to RT alone by an average of 5.5 days and 6.3 days, respectively (p < 0.05). The gene expression data suggest that the mechanism behind the enhanced tumor control is primarily a result of increased apoptosis and immune-mediated cytotoxicity. VISTA blockade significantly enhances the anti-tumor effect of a single dose of 15Gy radiation through increased expression and stimulation of cell-mediated apoptosis pathways. These results suggest that VISTA is a biologically relevant immune promoter that has the potential to enhance the efficacy of a large single radiation dose in a synergic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla E. A. Duval
- Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (K.E.A.D.); (A.D.T.); (A.K.); (H.E.S.); (S.C.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Armin D. Tavakkoli
- Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (K.E.A.D.); (A.D.T.); (A.K.); (H.E.S.); (S.C.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Alireza Kheirollah
- Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (K.E.A.D.); (A.D.T.); (A.K.); (H.E.S.); (S.C.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Haille E. Soderholm
- Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (K.E.A.D.); (A.D.T.); (A.K.); (H.E.S.); (S.C.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Eugene Demidenko
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA;
| | - Janet L. Lines
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (J.L.L.); (R.J.N.)
| | - Walburga Croteau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (J.L.L.); (R.J.N.)
| | - Samuel C. Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (K.E.A.D.); (A.D.T.); (A.K.); (H.E.S.); (S.C.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Robert J. Wagner
- Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (K.E.A.D.); (A.D.T.); (A.K.); (H.E.S.); (S.C.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Ethan Aulwes
- Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (K.E.A.D.); (A.D.T.); (A.K.); (H.E.S.); (S.C.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Randolph J. Noelle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (J.L.L.); (R.J.N.)
| | - P. Jack Hoopes
- Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (K.E.A.D.); (A.D.T.); (A.K.); (H.E.S.); (S.C.Z.); (E.A.)
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Shahab M, Al-Madhagi H, Zheng G, Zeb A, Alasmari AF, Alharbi M, Alasmari F, Khan MQ, Khan M, Wadood A. Structure based virtual screening and molecular simulation study of FDA-approved drugs to inhibit human HDAC6 and VISTA as dual cancer immunotherapy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14466. [PMID: 37660065 PMCID: PMC10475047 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41325-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has significantly contributed to the treatment of various types of cancers mainly by targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Among them, V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) has been explored as a promising therapeutic target. Besides, histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) has been demonstrated to be efficacious target for several cancers. The current theoretical work was performed to explore the virtual repurposing of the FDA-approved drugs as inhibitors against these two (VISTA and HDAC6) cancers therapeutic targets. The crystal structure of the two proteins were downloaded from PDB and subjected to virtual screening by DrugRep webserver while using FDA-approved drugs library as ligands database. Our study revealed that Oxymorphone and Bexarotene are the top-ranked inhibitors of VISTA and HDAC6, respectively. The docking score of Bexarotene was predicted as - 10 kcal/mol while the docking score of Oxymorphone was predicted as - 6.2 kcal/mol. Furthermore, a total of 100 ns MD simulation revealed that the two drugs Oxymorphone and Bexarotene formed stable complexes with VISTA and HDAC6 drug targets. As compared to the standard drug the two drugs Oxymorphone and Bexarotene revealed great stability during the whole 100 ns MD simulation. The binding free energy calculation further supported the Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) result which stated that as compared to the ref/HDAC6 (- 18.0253 ± 2.6218) the binding free energy score of the Bexarotene/HDAC6 was good (- 51.9698 ± 3.1572 kcal/mol). The binding free energy score of Oxymorphone/VISTA and Ref/VISTA were calculated as - 36.8323 ± 3.4565, and - 21.5611 ± 4.8581 respectively. In conclusion, the two drugs deserve further consideration as cancer treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahab
- State Key Laboratories of Chemical Resources Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | | | - Guojun Zheng
- State Key Laboratories of Chemical Resources Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Amir Zeb
- Department of Natural and Basic Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Turbat, Turbat, 92600, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah Fayez Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Metab Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Qayash Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Momin Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Wadood
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan.
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Mo S, Zou L, Hu Y, Chang X, Chen J. Expression of PD-L1 and VISTA in Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm With Associated Invasive Carcinoma of the Pancreas. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100223. [PMID: 37244388 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Early detection and treatment of invasive carcinoma arising in association with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), which is biologically and (epi)genetically distinct from conventional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, provide an opportunity to improve the prognosis of this lethal disease. Despite the successful application of programmed death (ligand) 1 (PD-[L]1)-blocking strategies in numerous cancers, the immune microenvironment of IPMN with associated invasive carcinoma remains elusive. Here, we investigated CD8+ T cells, CD68+ macrophages, PD-L1, and V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) in 60 patients with IPMN with associated invasive carcinoma using immunohistochemistry, explored their correlations with clinicopathologic variables and prognosis, and compared them with those in 76 patients with IPMN without invasive carcinoma (60 low-grade and 16 high-grade lesions). Using antibodies against CD8, CD68, and VISTA, we evaluated tumor-infiltrating immune cells in 5 high-power fields (×400) and calculated the corresponding mean counts. PD-L1 with a combined positive score of ≥1 was regarded as positive, and VISTA expression on tumor cells (TCs) was deemed positive when ≥1% of TCs showed membranous/cytoplasmic staining. A reduction of CD8+ T cells and an increase of macrophages were observed during carcinogenesis. Positive PD-L1 combined positive score and VISTA expression on TCs were 13% and 11% in the intraductal component of IPMN with associated invasive carcinoma, 15% and 12% in the associated invasive carcinoma, and 6% and 4% in IPMN without an invasive carcinoma, respectively. Interestingly, the PD-L1 positivity rate was the highest in a subset of associated invasive carcinomas (predominantly gastric-type-derived) and was associated with higher counts of CD8+ T cells, macrophages, and VISTA+ immune cells. Accumulation of VISTA+ immune cells was observed in the intraductal component of IPMN with associated invasive carcinoma compared with that of low-grade IPMN, whereas in intestinal-type IPMN with associated invasive carcinoma, the number of these cells decreased during the transition from the intraductal component to the associated invasive carcinoma. Survival analysis revealed that a higher number of macrophages predicted poorer prognosis. In conclusion, our results might help in individualized immunotherapeutic strategies for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Mo
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Long Zou
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ya Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Teng Y, Chen Y, Tang X, Wang S, Yin K. PAD2: A potential target for tumor therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188931. [PMID: 37315720 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Peptide arginine deiminase 2(PAD2) catalyzes the conversion of arginine residues on target proteins to citrulline residues in the presence of calcium ions. This particular posttranslational modification is called citrullination. PAD2 can regulate the transcriptional activity of genes through histone citrullination and nonhistone citrullination. In this review, we summarize the evidence from recent decades and systematically illustrate the role of PAD2-mediated citrullination in tumor pathology and the regulation of tumor-associated immune cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and T cells. Several PAD2-specific inhibitors are also presented to discuss the feasibility of anti-PAD2 therapy to treat tumors and the urgent problems to be solved. Finally, we review some recent developments in the development of PAD2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Teng
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yuhang Chen
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xinyi Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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Smith FD, Pierce RH, Thisted T, van der Horst EH. Conditionally Active, pH-Sensitive Immunoregulatory Antibodies Targeting VISTA and CTLA-4 Lead an Emerging Class of Cancer Therapeutics. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:55. [PMID: 37753969 PMCID: PMC10525963 DOI: 10.3390/antib12030055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints and other immunoregulatory targets can be difficult to precisely target due to expression on non-tumor immune cells critical to maintaining immune homeostasis in healthy tissues. On-target/off-tumor binding of therapeutics results in significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic problems. Target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) significantly limits effective intratumoral drug levels and adversely affects anti-tumor efficacy. Target engagement outside the tumor environment may lead to severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs), resulting in a narrowing of the therapeutic window, sub-optimal dosing, or cessation of drug development altogether. Overcoming these challenges has become tractable through recent advances in antibody engineering and screening approaches. Here, we review the discovery and development of conditionally active antibodies with minimal binding to target at physiologic pH but high-affinity target binding at the low pH of the tumor microenvironment by focusing on the discovery and improved properties of pH-dependent mAbs targeting two T cell checkpoints, VISTA and CTLA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Donelson Smith
- Sensei Biotherapeutics, Inc., 1405 Research Blvd., Suite 125, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
| | | | - Thomas Thisted
- Sensei Biotherapeutics, Inc., 1405 Research Blvd., Suite 125, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
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Issam Salah NEI, Marnissi F, Lakhdar A, Karkouri M, ElBelhadji M, Badou A. The immune checkpoint VISTA is associated with prognosis in patients with malignant uveal melanoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1225140. [PMID: 37662962 PMCID: PMC10471992 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1225140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare yet deadly tumor. It is known for its high metastatic potential, which makes it one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers. Recently, immune checkpoints such as Programmed cell Death protein-1 (PD1) and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated significantly increasing patient survival in multiple human cancers, especially cutaneous melanoma. However, patients with UMs were excluded from these studies because of their molecular characteristics, which tend to be widely different from those of cutaneous melanoma. This study aimed to analyze the expression of V domain Ig Suppressor T-cell Activation (VISTA), a novel immune checkpoint, to evaluate its prognosis significance and its correlation with PD1 and CTLA-4. Methods Evaluation of VISTA, CTLA-4, and PD1 expression was performed through TCGA database analysis and immunohistochemistry using two independent cohorts with primary malignant UM. Results and discussion Our results showed that VISTA expression was associated with tumor aggressiveness, T cell exhaustion, and the shortest median overall survival among patients. Surprisingly, PD1 protein expression was negative in all patients, whereas CTLA-4 expression was high in patients with advanced stages. Our findings suggest that VISTA may be a prognostic marker and an attractive treatment strategy for immunotherapy in patients with UM. Exploring its expression profile may predict response to immunotherapy and may lead to the improvement of precision therapy in malignant uveal melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour el Imane Issam Salah
- Laboratory of Research on Neurologic, Neurosensorial Diseases and Handicap, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Farida Marnissi
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital Center (CHU) Ibn Rochd and Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelhakim Lakhdar
- Laboratory of Research on Neurologic, Neurosensorial Diseases and Handicap, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mehdi Karkouri
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital Center (CHU) Ibn Rochd and Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mohamed ElBelhadji
- Department of Adults Ophthalmology, 20 August Hospital 1953, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation, Rabat, Morocco, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
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Yadav R, Hakobyan N, Wang JC. Role of Next Generation Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) Therapy in Philadelphia Negative Classic Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN): Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12502. [PMID: 37569880 PMCID: PMC10420159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), which include essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF), are enduring and well-known conditions. These disorders are characterized by the abnormal growth of one or more hematopoietic cell lineages in the body's stem cells, leading to the enlargement of organs and the manifestation of constitutional symptoms. Numerous studies have provided evidence indicating that the pathogenesis of these diseases involves the dysregulation of the immune system and the presence of chronic inflammation, both of which are significant factors. Lately, the treatment of cancer including hematological malignancy has progressed on the agents aiming for the immune system, cytokine environment, immunotherapy agents, and targeted immune therapy. Immune checkpoints are the molecules that regulate T cell function in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The first line of primary immune checkpoints are programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4). Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICIT) exerts its anti-tumor actions by blocking the inhibitory pathways in T cells and has reformed cancer treatment. Despite the impressive clinical success of ICIT, tumor internal resistance poses a challenge for oncologists leading to a low response rate in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. A Phase II trial on nivolumab for patients with post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis, primary myelofibrosis, or post-polycythemia myelofibrosis was performed (Identifier: NCT02421354). This trial tested the efficacy of a PD-1 blockade agent, namely nivolumab, but was terminated prematurely due to adverse events and lack of efficacy. A multicenter, Phase II, single-arm open-label study was conducted including pembrolizumab in patients with primary thrombocythemia, post-essential thrombocythemia or post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis that were ineligible for or were previously treated with ruxolitinib. This study showed that pembrolizumab treatment did not have many adverse events, but there were no pertinent clinical responses hence it was terminated after the first stage was completed. To avail the benefits from immunotherapy, the paradigm has shifted to new immune checkpoints in the TME such as lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), V-domain immunoglobulin-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), and human endogenous retrovirus-H long terminal repeat-associating protein 2 (HHLA2) forming the basis of next-generation ICIT. The primary aim of this article is to underscore and elucidate the significance of next-generation ICIT in the context of MPN. Specifically, we aim to explore the potential of monoclonal antibodies as targeted immunotherapy and the development of vaccines targeting specific MPN epitopes, with the intent of augmenting tumor-related immune responses. It is anticipated that these therapeutic modalities rooted in immunotherapy will not only expand but also enhance the existing treatment regimens for patients afflicted with MPN. Preliminary studies from our laboratory showed over-expressed MDSC and over-expressed VISTA in MDSC, and in progenitor and immune cells directing the need for more clinical trials using next-generation ICI in the treatment of MPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Yadav
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA; (R.Y.); (N.H.)
| | - Narek Hakobyan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA; (R.Y.); (N.H.)
| | - Jen-Chin Wang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA
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Zhang Y, Zhang X, Han J, Guo Y, Yang F, Li F, Zhu H, Shen Z, Huang Y, Mao R, Zhang J. Downregulated VISTA enhances Th17 differentiation and aggravates inflammation in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:1000-1015. [PMID: 36944807 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10505-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Persistent inflammatory response and immune activation are the core mechanisms underlying acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Previous studies have shown that deficiency of V-type immunoglobulin domain-containing suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) exacerbates the progression of inflammatory diseases. We aimed to clarify the role of VISTA in the pathogenesis of ACLF. METHODS Blood and liver samples were collected from healthy subjects, stable cirrhosis, and ACLF patients to characterize VISTA expression and function. An ACLF mouse model was used to ascertain potential benefits of anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment. RESULTS VISTA expression was significantly reduced in the naïve and central memory CD4+ T cells from patients with ACLF. The expression of VISTA on CD4+ T cells was associated with disease severity and prognosis. VISTA downregulation contributed to the activation and proliferation of CD4+ T cells and enhanced the differentiation of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and secretion of inflammatory cytokines through the activated Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) signaling pathway. Moreover, agonistic anti-VISTA mAb treatment inhibited the activation and cytokine production of CD4+ T cells and reduced mortality and liver inflammation of the ACLF mice. CONCLUSIONS The decreased expression of VISTA may facilitate development of Th17 cells and promote the progression of inflammation in ACLF patients. These findings are helpful for elucidating the pathogenesis of ACLF and for the identification of new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyun Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajia Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Feifei Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Fahong Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoxiang Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongliang Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxian Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Hepatitis Disease, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Richeng Mao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An Branch of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Khalili S, Zeinali F, Moghadam Fard A, Taha SR, Fazlollahpour Naghibi A, Bagheri K, Shariat Zadeh M, Eslami Y, Fattah K, Asadimanesh N, Azarimatin A, Khalesi B, Almasi F, Payandeh Z. Macrophage-Based Therapeutic Strategies in Hematologic Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3722. [PMID: 37509382 PMCID: PMC10378576 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are types of immune cells, with ambivalent functions in tumor growth, which depend on the specific environment in which they reside. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a diverse population of immunosuppressive myeloid cells that play significant roles in several malignancies. TAM infiltration in malignancies has been linked to a poor prognosis and limited response to treatments, including those using checkpoint inhibitors. Understanding the precise mechanisms through which macrophages contribute to tumor growth is an active area of research as targeting these cells may offer potential therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Numerous investigations have focused on anti-TAM-based methods that try to eliminate, rewire, or target the functional mediators released by these cells. Considering the importance of these strategies in the reversion of tumor resistance to conventional therapies and immune modulatory vaccination could be an appealing approach for the immunosuppressive targeting of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The combination of reprogramming and TAM depletion is a special feature of this approach compared to other clinical strategies. Thus, the present review aims to comprehensively overview the pleiotropic activities of TAMs and their involvement in various stages of cancer development as a potent drug target, with a focus on hematologic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran 1678815811, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zeinali
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6135715794, Iran
| | - Atousa Moghadam Fard
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 4188783417, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Taha
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Andarz Fazlollahpour Naghibi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Kimia Bagheri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Shariat Zadeh
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Yeghaneh Eslami
- Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 4815733971, Iran
| | - Khashayar Fattah
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Asadimanesh
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Armin Azarimatin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar 5381637181, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj 3197619751, Iran
| | - Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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49
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Fu J, Li S, Ma H, Yang J, Pagnotti GM, Brown LM, Weiss SJ, Mapara MY, Lentzsch S. The checkpoint inhibitor PD-1H/VISTA controls osteoclast-mediated multiple myeloma bone disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4271. [PMID: 37460553 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39769-8] [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: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma bone disease is characterized by the development of osteolytic bone lesions. Recent work identified matrix metalloproteinase 13 as a myeloma-derived fusogen that induces osteoclast activation independent of its proteolytic activity. We now identify programmed death-1 homolog, PD-1H, as the bona fide MMP-13 receptor on osteoclasts. Silencing PD-1H or using Pd-1h-/- bone marrow cells abrogates the MMP-13-enhanced osteoclast fusion and bone-resorptive activity. Further, PD-1H interacts with the actin cytoskeleton and plays a necessary role in supporting c-Src activation and sealing zone formation. The critical role of PD-1H in myeloma lytic bone lesions was confirmed using a Pd-1h-/- myeloma bone disease mouse model wherein myeloma cells injected into Pd-1h-/-Rag2-/- results in attenuated bone destruction. Our findings identify a role of PD-1H in bone biology independent of its known immunoregulatory functions and suggest that targeting the MMP-13/PD-1H axis may represent a potential approach for the treatment of myeloma associated osteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fu
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shirong Li
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huihui Ma
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jun Yang
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabriel M Pagnotti
- Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lewis M Brown
- Quantitative Proteomics and Metabolomics Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen J Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Markus Y Mapara
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Suzanne Lentzsch
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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50
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Kim SH, Adams TS, Hu Q, Shin HJ, Chae G, Lee SE, Sharma L, Kwon HK, Lee FY, Park HJ, Huh WJ, Manning E, Kaminski N, Sauler M, Chen L, Song JW, Kim TK, Kang MJ. VISTA (PD-1H) Is a Crucial Immune Regulator to Limit Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 69:22-33. [PMID: 36450109 PMCID: PMC10324045 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0219oc] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
VISTA (V domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation, also called PD-1H [programmed death-1 homolog]), a novel immune regulator expressed on myeloid and T lymphocyte lineages, is upregulated in mouse and human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the significance of VISTA and its therapeutic potential in regulating IPF has yet to be defined. To determine the role of VISTA and its therapeutic potential in IPF, the expression profile of VISTA was evaluated from human single-cell RNA sequencing data (IPF Cell Atlas). Inflammatory response and lung fibrosis were assessed in bleomycin-induced experimental pulmonary fibrosis models in VISTA-deficient mice compared with wild-type littermates. In addition, these outcomes were evaluated after VISTA agonistic antibody treatment in the wild-type pulmonary fibrosis mice. VISTA expression was increased in lung tissue-infiltrating monocytes of patients with IPF. VISTA was induced in the myeloid population, mainly circulating monocyte-derived macrophages, during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Genetic ablation of VISTA drastically promoted pulmonary fibrosis, and bleomycin-induced fibroblast activation was dependent on the interaction between VISTA-expressing myeloid cells and fibroblasts. Treatment with VISTA agonistic antibody reduced fibrotic phenotypes accompanied by the suppression of lung innate immune and fibrotic mediators. In conclusion, these results suggest that VISTA upregulation in pulmonary fibrosis may be a compensatory mechanism to limit inflammation and fibrosis, and stimulation of VISTA signaling using VISTA agonists effectively limits the fibrotic innate immune landscape and consequent tissue fibrosis. Further studies are warranted to test VISTA as a novel therapeutic target for the IPF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hun Kim
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
| | | | - Qianni Hu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | | | - Ganghee Chae
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Eun Lee
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Lokesh Sharma
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
| | | | | | - Hong-Jai Park
- Section of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine
| | | | | | | | - Maor Sauler
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, and
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jin Woo Song
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Kon Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Min-Jong Kang
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
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