1
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Chen J, Sathiaseelan V, Reddy Chilamakuri CS, Roamio Franklin VN, Jakwerth CA, D’Santos C, Ringshausen I. ZAP-70 augments tonic B-cell receptor and CCR7 signaling in IGHV-unmutated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1167-1178. [PMID: 38113463 PMCID: PMC10910066 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022009557] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Expression of ZAP-70 in a subset of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) positively correlates with the absence of immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene (IGHV) mutations and is indicative of a more active disease and shorter treatment-free survival. We recently demonstrated that ZAP-70 regulates the constitutive expression of CCL3 and CCL4, activation of AKT, and expression of MYC in the absence of an overt B-cell receptor (BCR) signal, bona fide functions of BCR activation. We, here, provide evidence that these features relate to the presence of a constitutive tonic BCR signal, exclusively found in IGHV-unmutated CLL and dependent on the ZAP-70-mediated activation of AKT and its downstream target GSK-3β. These findings are associated with increased steady-state activation of CD19 and SRC. Notably this tonic BCR signal is not present in IGHV-mutated CLL cells, discordantly expressing ZAP-70. Results of quantitative mass spectrometry and phosphoprotein analyses indicate that this ZAP-70-dependent, tonic BCR signal regulates CLL cell migration through phosphorylation of LCP1 on serine-5. Indeed, we show that CCL19- and CCL21-induced chemotaxis is regulated by and dependent on the expression of ZAP-70 through its function to enhance CCR7 signaling to LCP1. Thus, our data demonstrate that ZAP-70 converges a tonic BCR signal, exclusively present in IGHV-unmutated CLL and CCR7-mediated chemotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- Wellcome/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vijitha Sathiaseelan
- Wellcome/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Constanze A. Jakwerth
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health & German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Clive D’Santos
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ingo Ringshausen
- Wellcome/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- University College London, Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
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2
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Cerreto M, Foà R, Natoni A. The Role of the Microenvironment and Cell Adhesion Molecules in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5160. [PMID: 37958334 PMCID: PMC10647257 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell malignancy whose progression largely depends on the lymph node and bone marrow microenvironment. Indeed, CLL cells actively proliferate in specific regions of these anatomical compartments, known as proliferation centers, while being quiescent in the blood stream. Hence, CLL cell adhesion and migration into these protective niches are critical for CLL pathophysiology. CLL cells are lodged in their microenvironment through a series of molecular interactions that are mediated by cellular adhesion molecules and their counter receptors. The importance of these adhesion molecules in the clinic is demonstrated by the correlation between the expression levels of some of them, in particular CD49d, and the prognostic likelihood. Furthermore, novel therapeutic agents, such as ibrutinib, impair the functions of these adhesion molecules, leading to an egress of CLL cells from the lymph nodes and bone marrow into the circulation together with an inhibition of homing into these survival niches, thereby preventing disease progression. Several adhesion molecules have been shown to participate in CLL adhesion and migration. Their importance also stems from the observation that they are involved in promoting, directly or indirectly, survival signals that sustain CLL proliferation and limit the efficacy of standard and novel chemotherapeutic drugs, a process known as cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance. In this respect, many studies have elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance, which have highlighted different signaling pathways that may represent potential therapeutic targets. Here, we review the role of the microenvironment and the adhesion molecules that have been shown to be important in CLL and their impact on transendothelial migration and cell-mediated drug resistance. We also discuss how novel therapeutic compounds modulate the function of this important class of molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessandro Natoni
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, 00100 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (R.F.)
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3
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AQP9 and ZAP70 as immune-related prognostic biomarkers suppress proliferation, migration and invasion of laryngeal cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:465. [PMID: 35477402 PMCID: PMC9047300 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09458-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laryngeal cancer represents a common malignancy that originates from the larynx, with unfavorable prognosis. Herein, this study systematically analyzed the immune signatures of laryngeal cancer and to evaluate their roles on tumor progression. METHODS Differentially expressed immune-related genes (IRGs) were screened between laryngeal cancer and normal tissues from TCGA dataset. Then, two prognosis-related IRGs AQP9 and ZAP70 were analyzed by a series of survival analysis. Based on them, molecular subtypes were constructed by unsupervised cluster analysis. Differences in survival outcomes, HLA expression and immune cell infiltrations were assessed between subtypes. Expression of AQP9 and ZAP70 was validated in laryngeal cancer tissues and cells by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. After silencing and overexpressing AQP9 and ZAP70, CCK-8, EdU, wound healing and transwell assays were performed in TU212 and LCC cells. RESULTS Totally, 315 IRGs were abnormally expressed in laryngeal cancer. Among them, AQP9 and ZAP70 were distinctly correlated to patients' prognosis. Two subtypes were developed with distinct survival outcomes, HLA expression and immune microenvironment. Low expression of AQP9 and ZAP70 was confirmed in laryngeal cancer. AQP9 and ZAP70 up-regulation distinctly suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of laryngeal cancer cells. The opposite results were investigated when their knockdown. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed the roles of AQP9 and ZAP70 in progression of laryngeal cancer, and suggested that AQP9 and ZAP70 could potentially act as candidate immunotherapeutic targets for laryngeal cancer.
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4
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C-C Chemokine Receptor 7 in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040656. [PMID: 35203305 PMCID: PMC8870371 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) was one of the first two chemokine receptors that were found to be upregulated in breast cancers. Chemokine receptors promote chemotaxis of cells and tissue organization. Since under homeostatic conditions, CCR7 promotes migration of immune cells to lymph nodes, questions immediately arose regarding the ability of CCR7 to direct migration of cancer cells to lymph nodes. The literature since 2000 was examined to determine to what extent the expression of CCR7 in malignant tumors promoted migration to the lymph nodes. The data indicated that in different cancers, CCR7 plays distinct roles in directing cells to lymph nodes, the skin or to the central nervous system. In certain tumors, it may even serve a protective role. Future studies should focus on defining mechanisms that differentially regulate the unfavorable or beneficial role that CCR7 plays in cancer pathophysiology, to be able to improve outcomes in patients who harbor CCR7-positive cancers.
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5
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Cuesta-Mateos C, Terrón F, Herling M. CCR7 in Blood Cancers - Review of Its Pathophysiological Roles and the Potential as a Therapeutic Target. Front Oncol 2021; 11:736758. [PMID: 34778050 PMCID: PMC8589249 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.736758] [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: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the classical paradigm, CCR7 is a homing chemokine receptor that grants normal lymphocytes access to secondary lymphoid tissues such as lymph nodes or spleen. As such, in most lymphoproliferative disorders, CCR7 expression correlates with nodal or spleen involvement. Nonetheless, recent evidence suggests that CCR7 is more than a facilitator of lymphatic spread of tumor cells. Here, we review published data to catalogue CCR7 expression across blood cancers and appraise which classical and novel roles are attributed to this receptor in the pathogenesis of specific hematologic neoplasms. We outline why novel therapeutic strategies targeting CCR7 might provide clinical benefits to patients with CCR7-positive hematopoietic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cuesta-Mateos
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria- Instituto la Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain.,Immunological and Medicinal Products (IMMED S.L.), Madrid, Spain.,Catapult Therapeutics BV, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Fernando Terrón
- Immunological and Medicinal Products (IMMED S.L.), Madrid, Spain.,Catapult Therapeutics BV, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Marco Herling
- Clinic of Hematology and Cellular Therapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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6
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Manukyan G, Mikulkova Z, Turcsanyi P, Savara J, Trajerová M, Kubova Z, Papajik T, Kriegova E. Towards a Better Characterisation of Leukemic Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia: Cell-Size Heterogeneity Reflects Their Activation Status and Migratory Abilities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194922. [PMID: 34638404 PMCID: PMC8508598 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous chronic disease characterised by the clonal expansion of mature CD19+CD23+CD5+ B-cells in blood, bone marrow and lymphoid tissue. Despite the CLL tumour cell population showing considerable heterogeneity in cell size, the functional characteristics of leukemic cells that differ in size have not been explored. The results of our study demonstrate that differences in CLL cell size reflect their activation state, polarisation and migratory capacity, with large CLL cells being more activated, polarised and motile than the small CLL cells present in the CLL cell pool. Our data provide evidence of the importance of cell-size heterogeneity within the CLL cell pool and the dynamics of cell-size changes for disease pathogenesis. Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a genetically, morphologically and phenotypically heterogeneous chronic disease with clinical variability between patients. Whether the significant heterogeneity of cell size within the CLL population contributes to the heterogeneous features of this disease has not been investigated. The present study aimed to characterise the phenotypic and functional properties of two subpopulations of typical CLL cells that differ in cell size: small (s-CLL) and large (l-CLL) CLL cells delineated by forward scatter cytometry. The s-CLL cells were characterised by the CD5lowCXCR4hi phenotype, while the l-CLL cells were characterised by the CD5hiCXCR4dim phenotype and indicated a higher expression of CXCR3, CD20, CD38 and HLA-DR. The l-CLL cells displayed higher migration activity towards CXCL12, a tendency towards a higher proliferation rate and an increased capacity to produce IgM in the presence of CpG compared with s-CLL cells. When stimulated with CpG and CXCL12, l-CLL cells were characterised by a higher polarisation phenotype and motility than s-CLL cells. Our study revealed that the differences in CLL cell size reflected their activation status, polarisation and migratory abilities. Our data provide evidence of the importance of cell-size heterogeneity within a CLL pool and the dynamics of cell-size changes for disease pathogenesis, thus deserving further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayane Manukyan
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (G.M.); (Z.M.); (J.S.); (M.T.)
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, Yerevan 0014, Armenia
| | - Zuzana Mikulkova
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (G.M.); (Z.M.); (J.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Peter Turcsanyi
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (P.T.); (Z.K.); (T.P.)
| | - Jakub Savara
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (G.M.); (Z.M.); (J.S.); (M.T.)
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, 70800 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Trajerová
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (G.M.); (Z.M.); (J.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Zuzana Kubova
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (P.T.); (Z.K.); (T.P.)
| | - Tomas Papajik
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (P.T.); (Z.K.); (T.P.)
| | - Eva Kriegova
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (G.M.); (Z.M.); (J.S.); (M.T.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Gutjahr JC, Bayer E, Yu X, Laufer JM, Höpner JP, Tesanovic S, Härzschel A, Auer G, Rieß T, Salmhofer A, Szenes E, Haslauer T, Durand-Onayli V, Ramspacher A, Pennisi SP, Artinger M, Zaborsky N, Chigaev A, Aberger F, Neureiter D, Pleyer L, Legler DF, Orian-Rousseau V, Greil R, Hartmann TN. CD44 engagement enhances acute myeloid leukemia cell adhesion to the bone marrow microenvironment by increasing VLA-4 avidity. Haematologica 2021; 106:2102-2113. [PMID: 32616529 PMCID: PMC8327716 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.231944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adhesive properties of leukemia cells shape the degree of organ infiltration and the extent of leukocytosis. CD44 and the integrin VLA-4, a CD49d/CD29 heterodimer, are important factors in progenitor cell adhesion in bone marrow. Here, we report their cooperation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by a novel non-classical CD44-mediated way of inside-out VLA-4 activation. In primary AML bone marrow samples from patients and the OCI-AML3 cell line, CD44 engagement by hyaluronan induced inside-out activation of VLA-4 resulting in enhanced leukemia cell adhesion on VCAM-1. This was independent of VLA-4 affinity regulation but based on ligand-induced integrin clustering on the cell surface. CD44-induced VLA-4 activation could be inhibited by the Src family kinase inhibitor PP2 and the multikinase inhibitor midostaurin. As a further consequence, the increased adhesion on VCAM-1 allowed AML cells to bind stromal cells strongly. Thereby, the VLA-4/VCAM-1 interaction promoted activation of Akt, MAPK, NF-kB and mTOR signaling and decreased AML cell apoptosis. Collectively, our investigations provide a mechanistic description of an unusual CD44 function in regulating VLA-4 avidity in AML, enhancing AML cell retention in the supportive bone marrow microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Gutjahr
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
| | - Elisabeth Bayer
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
| | - Xiaobing Yu
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Toxicology and Genetics
| | - Julia M Laufer
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau (BITg) at the University of Konstanz
| | - Jan P Höpner
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
| | | | - Andrea Härzschel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg
| | - Georg Auer
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
| | - Tanja Rieß
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
| | - Astrid Salmhofer
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
| | - Eva Szenes
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
| | - Theresa Haslauer
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
| | - Valerie Durand-Onayli
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
| | | | - Sandra P Pennisi
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg
| | - Marc Artinger
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau (BITg) at the University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
| | - Nadja Zaborsky
- 1Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research
| | | | - Fritz Aberger
- Department Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg
| | | | - Lisa Pleyer
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
| | - Daniel F Legler
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau (BITg) at the University of Konstanz
| | | | - Richard Greil
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
| | - Tanja N Hartmann
- 3rd Medical Department, SCRI-LIMCR, Paracelsus Medical University, Cancer Cluster Salzburg
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8
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Mateu-Albero T, Juárez-Sánchez R, Loscertales J, Mol W, Terrón F, Muñoz-Calleja C, Cuesta-Mateos C. Effect of ibrutinib on CCR7 expression and functionality in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and its implication for the activity of CAP-100, a novel therapeutic anti-CCR7 antibody. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:627-636. [PMID: 34297159 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03014-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
CAP-100 is a novel therapeutic antibody directed against the ligand binding site of human CCR7. This chemokine receptor is overexpressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and orchestrates the homing of CLL cells into the lymph node. Previous studies, on a very limited number of samples, hypothesized that the Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) ibrutinib might induce loss of surface CCR7 levels in CLL cells. CAP-100 will be evaluated in clinical trials as a therapy for relapse/refractory CLL patients, who have received at least two systemic therapies (NCT04704323). As nowadays many relapse/refractory CLL patients will have received ibrutinib as a prior therapy, we aimed to investigate in a large cohort of CLL patients the impact of this BTKi on CCR7 expression and functionality as well as on the therapeutic activity of CAP-100. Our data confirm that ibrutinib moderately down-regulates the very high expression of CCR7 in CLL cells but has no apparent effect on CCR7-induced chemotaxis. Moreover, CLL cells are perfectly targetable by CAP-100 which led to a complete inhibition of CCR7-mediated migration and induced strong target cell killing through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, irrespective of previous or contemporary ibrutinib administration. Together, these results validate the therapeutic utility of CAP-100 as a next-line single-agent therapy for CLL patients who failed to ibrutinib and confirm that CAP-100 and ibrutinib have complementary non-overlapping mechanisms of action, potentially allowing for combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Mateu-Albero
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, Diego de León 62, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Juárez-Sánchez
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, Diego de León 62, 28006, Madrid, Spain.,IMMED S.L., Immunological and Medicinal Products, C/ Velázquez 57, 6º derecha, 28001, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Loscertales
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, Diego de León 62, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Wim Mol
- Catapult Therapeutics, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando Terrón
- IMMED S.L., Immunological and Medicinal Products, C/ Velázquez 57, 6º derecha, 28001, Madrid, Spain.,Catapult Therapeutics, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Muñoz-Calleja
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, Diego de León 62, 28006, Madrid, Spain.,Medicine Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Cuesta-Mateos
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, IIS-IP, Diego de León 62, 28006, Madrid, Spain. .,IMMED S.L., Immunological and Medicinal Products, C/ Velázquez 57, 6º derecha, 28001, Madrid, Spain. .,Catapult Therapeutics, Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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9
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Cuesta-Mateos C, Juárez-Sánchez R, Mateu-Albero T, Loscertales J, Mol W, Terrón F, Muñoz-Calleja C. Targeting cancer homing into the lymph node with a novel anti-CCR7 therapeutic antibody: the paradigm of CLL. MAbs 2021; 13:1917484. [PMID: 33944659 PMCID: PMC8098074 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.1917484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymph node (LN) is a key tissue in the pathophysiology of mature blood cancers, especially for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Within the multiple de-regulated pathways affecting CLL homeostasis, the CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) grants homing of CLL cells into the LN where protective environments foster tumor progression. To cover the lack of specific therapies targeting the CCR7-dependence of CLL to enter into the LN, and aiming to displace the disease from LN, we generated CAP-100, an antibody that specifically binds to hCCR7 and neutralizes its ligand-binding site and signaling. In various in vitro and in vivo preclinical models CAP-100 strongly inhibited CCR7-induced migration, extravasation, homing, and survival in CLL samples. Moreover, it triggered potent tumor cell killing, mediated by host immune mechanisms, and was effective in xenograft models of high-risk disease. Additionally, CAP-100 showed a favorable toxicity profile on relevant hematopoietic subsets. Our results validated CAP-100 as a novel therapeutic tool to prevent the access of CLL cells, and other neoplasia with nodal-dependence, into the LN niches, thus hitting a central hub in the pathogenesis of cancer. The first-in-human clinical trial (NCT04704323), which will evaluate this novel therapeutic approach in CLL patients, is pending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cuesta-Mateos
- Immed S.L., Immunological and Medicinal Products, Madrid, Spain.,Catapult Therapeutics, Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario De La Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Juárez-Sánchez
- Immed S.L., Immunological and Medicinal Products, Madrid, Spain.,Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario De La Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tamara Mateu-Albero
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario De La Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Loscertales
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario De La Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Wim Mol
- Catapult Therapeutics, Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Pepscan, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando Terrón
- Immed S.L., Immunological and Medicinal Products, Madrid, Spain.,Catapult Therapeutics, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Muñoz-Calleja
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario De La Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain.,Medicine Faculty, Universidad Autónoma De Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Cuesta-Mateos C, Brown JR, Terrón F, Muñoz-Calleja C. Of Lymph Nodes and CLL Cells: Deciphering the Role of CCR7 in the Pathogenesis of CLL and Understanding Its Potential as Therapeutic Target. Front Immunol 2021; 12:662866. [PMID: 33841445 PMCID: PMC8024566 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.662866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymph node (LN) is an essential tissue for achieving effective immune responses but it is also critical in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Within the multitude of signaling pathways aberrantly regulated in CLL the homeostatic axis composed by the chemokine receptor CCR7 and its ligands is the main driver for directing immune cells to home into the LN. In this literature review, we address the roles of CCR7 in the pathophysiology of CLL, and how this chemokine receptor is of critical importance to develop more rational and effective therapies for this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cuesta-Mateos
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria- Instituto de La Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain.,IMMED S.L., Immunological and Medicinal Products, Madrid, Spain.,Catapult Therapeutics BV, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Jennifer R Brown
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Fernando Terrón
- IMMED S.L., Immunological and Medicinal Products, Madrid, Spain.,Catapult Therapeutics BV, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Muñoz-Calleja
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria- Instituto de La Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain.,School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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11
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Chen J, Moore A, Ringshausen I. ZAP-70 Shapes the Immune Microenvironment in B Cell Malignancies. Front Oncol 2020; 10:595832. [PMID: 33194762 PMCID: PMC7653097 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.595832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase-70 (ZAP-70) is a tyrosine kinase mainly expressed in T cells, NK cells and a subset of B cells. Primarily it functions in T cell receptor (TCR) activation through its tyrosine kinase activity. Aberrant expression of ZAP-70 has been evidenced in different B cell malignancies, with high expression of ZAP-70 in a subset of patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), associating with unfavorable disease outcomes. Previous studies to understand the mechanisms underlying this correlation have been focused on tumor intrinsic mechanisms, including the activation of B cell receptor (BCR) signaling. Recent evidence also suggests that ZAP-70, intrinsically expressed in tumor cells, can modulate the cross-talk between malignant B cells and the immune environment, implying a more complex role of ZAP-70 in the pathogenesis of B cell malignancies. Meanwhile, the indispensible roles of ZAP-70 in T cell and NK cell activation also demonstrate that the autologous expression of ZAP-70 in the immune environment can be a central target in modulation of tumor immunity. Here we review the evidences of the link between ZAP-70 and tumor immunology in the microenvironment in B cell malignancies. Considering an emerging role of immunotherapies in treating these conditions, understanding the distinct molecular functions of ZAP-70 in a broader cellular context could ultimately benefit patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ingo Ringshausen
- Department of Haematology, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome Trust/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Zhao Z, Li J, Li H, Yuan Wu NY, Ou-Yang P, Liu S, Cai J, Wang J. Integrative Bioinformatics Approaches to Screen Potential Prognostic Immune-Related Genes and Drugs in the Cervical Cancer Microenvironment. Front Genet 2020; 11:727. [PMID: 32733542 PMCID: PMC7359727 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In developing countries, cervical cancer is still the major cause of cancer-related death among women. To better understand the correlation between tumor microenvironment (TME) and prognosis of cervical cancer, we screened 1367 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of cervical cancer samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database using Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm-derived immune scores. Then, we extracted 401 tumor immune microenvironment (TIME)-related DEGs that related to patients' survival outcomes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and functional enrichment analysis revealed that the prognostic genes mainly participated in myeloid leukocyte activation, adaptive immune response regulation, and receptor signaling pathways. A total of 79 key prognostic DEGs were obtained through PPI network. A TF-lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed to explore the potential regulatory mechanism. 4 genes (CCR7, PD-1, ZAP70, and CD28) were validated in another independent cohort of cervical cancer from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Finally, potential drugs for key prognostics DEGs were predicted using DrugBank. In conclusion, we obtained a list of potential prognostic TIME-related genes and potential predicted drugs by integrative bioinformatics approaches. A comprehensive understanding of prognostic genes within the TIME may provide new strategies for cervical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Zhao
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jigang Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - He Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Na-Yi Yuan Wu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peilin Ou-Yang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingting Cai
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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13
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VLA-4 Expression and Activation in B Cell Malignancies: Functional and Clinical Aspects. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062206. [PMID: 32210016 PMCID: PMC7139737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lineage commitment and differentiation of hematopoietic cells takes place in well-defined microenvironmental surroundings. Communication with other cell types is a vital prerequisite for the normal functions of the immune system, while disturbances in this communication support the development and progression of neoplastic disease. Integrins such as the integrin very late antigen-4 (VLA-4; CD49d/CD29) control the localization of healthy as well as malignant B cells within the tissue, and thus determine the patterns of organ infiltration. Malignant B cells retain some key characteristics of their normal counterparts, with B cell receptor (BCR) signaling and integrin-mediated adhesion being essential mediators of tumor cell homing, survival and proliferation. It is thus not surprising that targeting the BCR pathway using small molecule inhibitors has proved highly effective in the treatment of B cell malignancies. Attenuation of BCR-dependent lymphoma–microenvironment interactions was, in this regard, described as a main mechanism critically contributing to the efficacy of these agents. Here, we review the contribution of VLA-4 to normal B cell differentiation on the one hand, and to the pathophysiology of B cell malignancies on the other hand. We describe its impact as a prognostic marker, its interplay with BCR signaling and its predictive role for novel BCR-targeting therapies, in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and beyond.
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Beyond TCR Signaling: Emerging Functions of Lck in Cancer and Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143500. [PMID: 31315298 PMCID: PMC6679228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) has emerged as one of the key molecules regulating T-cell functions. Studies using Lck knock-out mice or Lck-deficient T-cell lines have shown that Lck regulates the initiation of TCR signaling, T-cell development, and T-cell homeostasis. Because of the crucial role of Lck in T-cell responses, strategies have been employed to redirect Lck activity to improve the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and to potentiate T-cell responses in cancer immunotherapy. In addition to the well-studied role of Lck in T cells, evidence has been accumulated suggesting that Lck is also expressed in the brain and in tumor cells, where it actively takes part in signaling processes regulating cellular functions like proliferation, survival and memory. Therefore, Lck has emerged as a novel druggable target molecule for the treatment of cancer and neuronal diseases. In this review, we will focus on these new functions of Lck.
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Laufer JM, Kindinger I, Artinger M, Pauli A, Legler DF. CCR7 Is Recruited to the Immunological Synapse, Acts as Co-stimulatory Molecule and Drives LFA-1 Clustering for Efficient T Cell Adhesion Through ZAP70. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3115. [PMID: 30692994 PMCID: PMC6339918 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CCR7 guides T cells and dendritic cells to and within lymph nodes to launch the onset of adaptive immunity. Here, we demonstrate that CCR7 in addition acts as a potent co-stimulatory molecule in T cell activation. We found that antigen recognition and engagement of the TCR results in CCR7 accumulation at the immunological synapse where CCR7 and the TCR co-localize within sub-synaptic vesicles. We demonstrate that CCR7 triggering alone is sufficient to recruit and activate ZAP70, a critical kinase for T cell activation, through Src kinase, whereas TCR CCR7 co-stimulation results in increased and prolonged ZAP70 kinase activity. Finally, we show that ZAP70, acting as adapter molecule, is critical for CCR7-mediated inside-out signaling to integrins, thereby modulating LFA-1 valency regulation to promote cell adhesion, a key step in immunological synapse formation and efficient T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Laufer
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau (BITg) at the University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ilona Kindinger
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau (BITg) at the University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
| | - Marc Artinger
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau (BITg) at the University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniel F Legler
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau (BITg) at the University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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