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Pham HG, Tran KN, Gomelsky L, Roy T, Gigley JP, Gomelsky M. Robust inducible gene expression in intracellular Listeria monocytogenes in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.28.596178. [PMID: 38853860 PMCID: PMC11160606 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.28.596178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Attenuated strains of the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can deliver genetically encoded payloads inside tumor cells. L. monocytogenes preferentially accumulates and propagates inside immune-suppressed tumor microenvironments. To maximize the payload impact in tumors and minimize damage to healthy tissues, it is desirable to induce payload synthesis when bacteria are eliminated from the healthy tissues but are grown to high numbers intratumorally. Here, we have engineered a tightly controlled gene expression system for intracellular L. monocytogenes inducible with a cumin derivative, cumate. Upon cumate addition, expression of a reporter gene is increased in L. monocytogenes growing in vitro by 80-fold, and in intracellular L. monocytogenes in murine tumors by 10-fold. This study demonstrates the feasibility of activating gene expression in intracellular bacteria in live animals using an edible inducer. The system is expected to enhance the efficacy and safety of the attenuated L. monocytogenes strains as antitumor payload delivery bacterial drones.
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Decker-Farrell AR, Sastra SA, Harimoto T, Hasselluhn MC, Palermo CF, Ballister ER, Badgley MA, Danino T, Olive KP. "Tumor-selective treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer with an engineered, probiotic living drug". BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.02.592216. [PMID: 38746175 PMCID: PMC11092568 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) poses significant challenges for effective treatment, with systemic chemotherapy often proving inadequate due to poor drug delivery and the tumor's immunosuppressive microenvironment. Engineered bacteria present a novel approach to target PDAC, leveraging their ability to colonize tumors and deliver therapeutic payloads. Here, we engineered probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to produce the pore-forming Theta toxin (Nis-Theta) and evaluated its efficacy in a preclinical model of PDAC. Probiotic administration resulted in selective colonization of tumor tissue, leading to improved overall survival compared to standard chemotherapy. Moreover, this strain exhibited cytotoxic effects on both primary and distant tumor lesions while sparing normal tissues. Importantly, treatment also modulated the tumor microenvironment by increasing anti-tumor immune cell populations and reducing immunosuppressive markers. These findings demonstrate the potential of engineered probiotic bacteria as a safe and effective therapeutic approach for PDAC, offering promise for improved patient outcomes.
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Chen H, Zhu Y, Zhang C, Hu L, Yang K. Engineered bacteria in tumor immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2024; 589:216817. [PMID: 38492769 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216817] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
As the limitations of cancer immunotherapy become increasingly apparent, there is considerable anticipation regarding the utilization of biological tools to enhance treatment efficacy, particularly bacteria and their derivatives. Leveraging advances in genetic and synthetic biology technologies, engineered bacteria now play important roles far beyond those of conventional immunoregulatory agents, and they could function as tumor-targeting vehicles and in situ pharmaceutical factories. In recent years, these engineered bacteria play a role in almost every aspect of immunotherapy. It is nothing short of impressive to keep seeing different strain of bacteria modified in diverse ways for unique immunological enhancement. In this review, we have scrutinized the intricate interplay between the immune system and these engineered bacteria. These interactions generate strategies that can directly or indirectly optimize immunotherapy and even modulate the effects of combination therapies. Collectively, these engineered bacteria present a promising novel therapeutic strategy that promises to change the current landscape of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yinrui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Chonghai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Lin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Kai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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4
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Sun W, Xie S, Liu SF, Hu X, Xing D. Evolving Tumor Characteristics and Smart Nanodrugs for Tumor Immunotherapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3919-3942. [PMID: 38708176 PMCID: PMC11070166 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s453265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Typical physiological characteristics of tumors, such as weak acidity, low oxygen content, and upregulation of certain enzymes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), provide survival advantages when exposed to targeted attacks by drugs and responsive nanomedicines. Consequently, cancer treatment has significantly progressed in recent years. However, the evolution and adaptation of tumor characteristics still pose many challenges for current treatment methods. Therefore, efficient and precise cancer treatments require an understanding of the heterogeneity degree of various factors in cancer cells during tumor evolution to exploit the typical TME characteristics and manage the mutation process. The highly heterogeneous tumor and infiltrating stromal cells, immune cells, and extracellular components collectively form a unique TME, which plays a crucial role in tumor malignancy, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and immune escape. Therefore, the development of new treatment methods that can adapt to the evolutionary characteristics of tumors has become an intense focus in current cancer treatment research. This paper explores the latest understanding of cancer evolution, focusing on how tumors use new antigens to shape their "new faces"; how immune system cells, such as cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, help tumors become "invisible", that is, immune escape; whether the diverse cancer-associated fibroblasts provide support and coordination for tumors; and whether it is possible to attack tumors in reverse. This paper discusses the limitations of targeted therapy driven by tumor evolution factors and explores future strategies and the potential of intelligent nanomedicines, including the systematic coordination of tumor evolution factors and adaptive methods, to meet this therapeutic challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshe Sun
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaowei Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shi Feng Liu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaokun Hu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
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5
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Danielson M, Nicolai CJ, Vo TT, Wolf N, Burke TP. Cytosolic bacterial pathogens activate TLR pathways in tumors that synergistically enhance STING agonist cancer therapies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.30.578087. [PMID: 38352567 PMCID: PMC10862861 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.578087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens that invade the eukaryotic cytosol are distinctive tools for fighting cancer, as they preferentially target tumors and can deliver cancer antigens to MHC-I. Cytosolic bacterial pathogens have undergone extensive preclinical development and human clinical trials, yet the molecular mechanisms by which they are detected by innate immunity in tumors is unclear. We report that intratumoral delivery of phylogenetically distinct cytosolic pathogens, including Listeria, Rickettsia, and Burkholderia species, elicited anti-tumor responses in established, poorly immunogenic melanoma and lymphoma in mice. We were surprised to observe that although the bacteria required entry to the cytosol, the anti-tumor responses were largely independent of the cytosolic sensors cGAS/STING and instead required TLR signaling. Combining pathogens with TLR agonists did not enhance anti-tumor efficacy, while combinations with STING agonists elicited profound, synergistic anti-tumor effects with complete responses in >80% of mice after a single dose. Small molecule TLR agonists also synergistically enhanced the anti-tumor activity of STING agonists. The anti-tumor effects were diminished in Rag2-deficient mice and upon CD8 T cell depletion. Mice cured from combination therapy developed immunity to cancer rechallenge that was superior to STING agonist monotherapy. Together, these data provide a framework for enhancing the efficacy of microbial cancer therapies and small molecule innate immune agonists, via the co-activation of STING and TLRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meggie Danielson
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Chris J Nicolai
- Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Thaomy T Vo
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Natalie Wolf
- Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Thomas P Burke
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
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6
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Peng C, Xu Y, Wu J, Wu D, Zhou L, Xia X. TME-Related Biomimetic Strategies Against Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:109-135. [PMID: 38192633 PMCID: PMC10773252 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s441135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in various stages of tumor generation, metastasis, and evasion of immune monitoring and treatment. TME targeted therapy is based on TME components, related pathways or active molecules as therapeutic targets. Therefore, TME targeted therapy based on environmental differences between TME and normal cells has been widely studied. Biomimetic nanocarriers with low clearance, low immunogenicity, and high targeting have enormous potential in tumor treatment. This review introduces the composition and characteristics of TME, including cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix (ECM), tumor blood vessels, non-tumor cells, and the latest research progress of biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) based on TME. It also discusses the opportunities and challenges of clinical transformation of biomimetic nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yilin Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Donghai Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lili Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinhua Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
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7
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Kolbeinsson HM, Chandana S, Wright GP, Chung M. Pancreatic Cancer: A Review of Current Treatment and Novel Therapies. J INVEST SURG 2023; 36:2129884. [PMID: 36191926 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2022.2129884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes for cancer-related deaths in the United States. Majority of patients present with unresectable or metastatic disease. For those that present with localized disease, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to maximize survival and optimize outcomes. The quality and safety of surgery for pancreatic cancer have improved in recent years with increasing adoption of minimally invasive techniques and surgical adjuncts. Systemic chemotherapy has also evolved to impact survival. It is now increasingly being utilized in the neoadjuvant setting, often with concomitant radiation. Increased utilization of genomic testing in metastatic pancreatic cancer has led to better understanding of their biology, thereby allowing clinicians to consider potential targeted therapies. Similarly, targeted agents such as PARP inhibitors and immune checkpoint- inhibitors have emerged with promising results. In summary, pancreatic cancer remains a disease with poor long-term survival. However, recent developments have led to improved outcomes and have changed practice in the past decade. This review summarizes current practices in pancreatic cancer treatment and the milestones that brought us to where we are today, along with emerging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hordur Mar Kolbeinsson
- Spectrum Health General Surgery Residency, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.,Department of Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Sreenivasa Chandana
- Department of Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.,Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, PC, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - G Paul Wright
- Spectrum Health General Surgery Residency, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.,Department of Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Spectrum Health Medical Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Mathew Chung
- Spectrum Health General Surgery Residency, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.,Department of Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Spectrum Health Medical Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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8
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Han J, Zhang B, Zhang Y, Yin T, Cui Y, Liu J, Yang Y, Song H, Shang D. Gut microbiome: decision-makers in the microenvironment of colorectal cancer. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1299977. [PMID: 38156313 PMCID: PMC10754537 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1299977] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract, accounting for the second most common cause of gastrointestinal tumors. As one of the intestinal barriers, gut bacteria form biofilm, participate in intestinal work, and form the living environment of intestinal cells. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of the gut bacteria in a large number of CRC patients has been established, enabling specific microbial signatures to be associated with colorectal adenomato-carcinoma. Gut bacteria are involved in both benign precursor lesions (polyps), in situ growth and metastasis of CRC. Therefore, the term tumorigenic bacteria was proposed in 2018, such as Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum, enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, etc. Meanwhile, bacteria toxins (such as cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), Colibactin (Clb), B. fragilis toxin) affect the tumor microenvironment and promote cancer occurrence and tumor immune escape. It is important to note that there are differences in the bacteria of different types of CRC. In this paper, the role of tumorigenic bacteria in the polyp-cancer transformation and the effects of their secreted toxins on the tumor microenvironment will be discussed, thereby further exploring new ideas for the prevention and treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrun Han
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yongnian Zhang
- Departments of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Tianyi Yin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuying Cui
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yanfei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Huiyi Song
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Dong Shang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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9
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Scanlon LR, Gabor L, Khouri OR, Ahmad S, Levy E, Kuo DYS, Lin K, Nevadunsky N, Gravekamp C. Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer is improved by tumor targeted delivery of a neoantigen surrogate. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.11.561944. [PMID: 37873295 PMCID: PMC10592780 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.11.561944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is known for its poor neoantigen expression and strong immunosuppression. Here, we utilized an attenuated non-pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes to deliver a highly immunogenic Tetanus Toxoid protein (Listeria-TT), as a neoantigen surrogate, into tumor cells through infection in a metastatic mouse ovarian cancer model (Id8p53-/-Luc). Gemcitabine (GEM) was added to reduce immune suppression. Listeria-TT+GEM treatments resulted in tumors expressing TT and reactivation of pre-existing CD4 and CD8 memory T cells to TT (generated early in life). These T cells were then attracted to the TT-expressing tumors now producing perforin and granzyme B. This correlated with a strong reduction in the ovarian tumors and metastases, and a significant improvement of the survival time compared to all control groups. Moreover, two treatment cycles with Listeria-TT+GEM doubled the survival time compared to untreated mice. Checkpoint inhibitors have little effect on ovarian cancer partly because of low neoantigen expression. Here we demonstrated that Listeria-TT+GEM+PD1 was significantly more effective (efficacy and survival) than PD1 or Listeria-TT+GEM alone, and that more treatment cycles with Listeria-TT+GEM+PD1 significantly increased the survival time compared to Listeria-TT+GEM alone. In summary, the results of this study suggest that our approach may benefit ovarian cancer patients.
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10
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Fooladi S, Rabiee N, Iravani S. Genetically engineered bacteria: a new frontier in targeted drug delivery. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:10072-10087. [PMID: 37873584 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01805a] [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: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Genetically engineered bacteria (GEB) have shown significant promise to revolutionize modern medicine. These engineered bacteria with unique properties such as enhanced targeting, versatility, biofilm disruption, reduced drug resistance, self-amplification capabilities, and biodegradability represent a highly promising approach for targeted drug delivery and cancer theranostics. This innovative approach involves modifying bacterial strains to function as drug carriers, capable of delivering therapeutic agents directly to specific cells or tissues. Unlike synthetic drug delivery systems, GEB are inherently biodegradable and can be naturally eliminated from the body, reducing potential long-term side effects or complications associated with residual foreign constituents. However, several pivotal challenges such as safety and controllability need to be addressed. Researchers have explored novel tactics to improve their capabilities and overcome existing challenges, including synthetic biology tools (e.g., clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and bioinformatics-driven design), microbiome engineering, combination therapies, immune system interaction, and biocontainment strategies. Because of the remarkable advantages and tangible progress in this field, GEB may emerge as vital tools in personalized medicine, providing precise and controlled drug delivery for various diseases (especially cancer). In this context, future directions include the integration of nanotechnology with GEB, the focus on microbiota-targeted therapies, the incorporation of programmable behaviors, the enhancement in immunotherapy treatments, and the discovery of non-medical applications. In this way, careful ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks are necessary for developing GEB-based systems for targeted drug delivery. By addressing safety concerns, ensuring informed consent, promoting equitable access, understanding long-term effects, mitigating dual-use risks, and fostering public engagement, these engineered bacteria can be employed as promising delivery vehicles in bio- and nanomedicine. In this review, recent advances related to the application of GEB in targeted drug delivery and cancer therapy are discussed, covering crucial challenging issues and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Fooladi
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Navid Rabiee
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia.
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Siavash Iravani
- Independent Researcher, W Nazar ST, Boostan Ave, Isfahan, Iran.
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11
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Raman V, Deshpande CP, Khanduja S, Howell LM, Van Dessel N, Forbes NS. Build-a-bug workshop: Using microbial-host interactions and synthetic biology tools to create cancer therapies. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1574-1592. [PMID: 37827116 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.09.006] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Many systemically administered cancer therapies exhibit dose-limiting toxicities that reduce their effectiveness. To increase efficacy, bacterial delivery platforms have been developed that improve safety and prolong treatment. Bacteria are a unique class of therapy that selectively colonizes most solid tumors. As delivery vehicles, bacteria have been genetically modified to express a range of therapies that match multiple cancer indications. In this review, we describe a modular "build-a-bug" method that focuses on five design characteristics: bacterial strain (chassis), therapeutic compound, delivery method, immune-modulating features, and genetic control circuits. We emphasize how fundamental research into gut microbe pathogenesis has created safe bacterial therapies, some of which have entered clinical trials. The genomes of gut microbes are fertile grounds for discovery of components to improve delivery and modulate host immune responses. Future work coupling these delivery vehicles with insights from gut microbes could lead to the next generation of microbial cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Raman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA; Ernest Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Hadley, MA, USA
| | - Chinmay P Deshpande
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Shradha Khanduja
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Lars M Howell
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | - Neil S Forbes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA; Molecular and Cell Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA; Institute for Applied Life Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA.
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12
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Ding YD, Shu LZ, He RS, Chen KY, Deng YJ, Zhou ZB, Xiong Y, Deng H. Listeria monocytogenes: a promising vector for tumor immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1278011. [PMID: 37868979 PMCID: PMC10587691 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1278011] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer receives enduring international attention due to its extremely high morbidity and mortality. Immunotherapy, which is generally expected to overcome the limits of traditional treatments, serves as a promising direction for patients with recurrent or metastatic malignancies. Bacteria-based vectors such as Listeria monocytogenes take advantage of their unique characteristics, including preferential infection of host antigen presenting cells, intracellular growth within immune cells, and intercellular dissemination, to further improve the efficacy and minimize off-target effects of tailed immune treatments. Listeria monocytogenes can reshape the tumor microenvironment to bolster the anti-tumor effects both through the enhancement of T cells activity and a decrease in the frequency and population of immunosuppressive cells. Modified Listeria monocytogenes has been employed as a tool to elicit immune responses against different tumor cells. Currently, Listeria monocytogenes vaccine alone is insufficient to treat all patients effectively, which can be addressed if combined with other treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, reactivated adoptive cell therapy, and radiotherapy. This review summarizes the recent advances in the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of Listeria monocytogenes vaccine in anti-tumor immunity, and discusses the most concerned issues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Dan Ding
- Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lin-Zhen Shu
- Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Rui-Shan He
- Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kai-Yun Chen
- Office of Clinical Trials Administration, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yan-Juan Deng
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of General Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huan Deng
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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13
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Song D, Yang X, Chen Y, Hu P, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Liang N, Xie J, Qiao L, Deng G, Chen F, Zhang J. Advances in anti-tumor based on various anaerobic bacteria and their derivatives as drug vehicles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1286502. [PMID: 37854883 PMCID: PMC10579911 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1286502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are often unsatisfactory due to several limitations, including drug resistance, inability to cross biological barriers, and toxic side effects on the body. These drawbacks underscore the need for alternative treatments that can overcome these challenges and provide more effective and safer options for cancer patients. In recent years, the use of live bacteria, engineered bacteria, or bacterial derivatives to deliver antitumor drugs to specific tumor sites for controlled release has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool. This approach offers several advantages over traditional cancer therapies, including targeted drug delivery and reduced toxicity to healthy tissues. Ongoing research in this field holds great potential for further developing more efficient and personalized cancer therapies, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and bacterial derivatives like outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), which can serve as vehicles for drugs, therapeutic proteins, or antigens. In this review, we describe the advances, challenges, and future directions of research on using live bacteria or OMVs as carriers or components derived from bacteria of delivery systems for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daichen Song
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yanfei Chen
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Pingping Hu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Xie
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Lili Qiao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Guodong Deng
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Fangjie Chen
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jiandong Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
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14
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Chouari T, La Costa FS, Merali N, Jessel MD, Sivakumar S, Annels N, Frampton AE. Advances in Immunotherapeutics in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4265. [PMID: 37686543 PMCID: PMC10486452 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for up to 95% of all pancreatic cancer cases and is the seventh-leading cause of cancer death. Poor prognosis is a result of late presentation, a lack of screening tests and the fact some patients develop resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Novel therapies like immunotherapeutics have been of recent interest in pancreatic cancer. However, this field remains in its infancy with much to unravel. Immunotherapy and other targeted therapies have yet to yield significant progress in treating PDAC, primarily due to our limited understanding of the disease immune mechanisms and its intricate interactions with the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review we provide an overview of current novel immunotherapies which have been studied in the field of pancreatic cancer. We discuss their mechanisms, evidence available in pancreatic cancer as well as the limitations of such therapies. We showcase the potential role of combining novel therapies in PDAC, postulate their potential clinical implications and the hurdles associated with their use in PDAC. Therapies discussed with include programmed death checkpoint inhibitors, Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T cell therapy, oncolytic viral therapy and vaccine therapies including KRAS vaccines, Telomerase vaccines, Gastrin Vaccines, Survivin-targeting vaccines, Heat-shock protein (HSP) peptide complex-based vaccines, MUC-1 targeting vaccines, Listeria based vaccines and Dendritic cell-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarak Chouari
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
| | - Francesca Soraya La Costa
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
| | - Nabeel Merali
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
- The Minimal Access Therapy Training Unit, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK
| | - Maria-Danae Jessel
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
| | - Shivan Sivakumar
- Oncology Department and Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Birmingham Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Nicola Annels
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
| | - Adam E. Frampton
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
- The Minimal Access Therapy Training Unit, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK
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15
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Gong T, Wu J. Synthetic engineered bacteria for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:993-1013. [PMID: 37497622 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2241367] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer mortality worldwide highlights the urgency for advanced therapeutic methods to fill the gaps in conventional cancer therapies. Bacteriotherapy is showing great potential in tumor regression due to the motility and colonization tendencies of bacteria. However, the complicated in vivo environment and tumor pathogenesis hamper the therapeutic outcomes. Synthetic engineering methods endow bacteria with flexible abilities both at the extracellular and intracellular levels to meet treatment requirements. In this review, we introduce synthetic engineering methods for bacterial modifications. We highlight the recent progress in engineered bacteria and explore how these synthetic methods endow bacteria with superior abilities in cancer therapy. The current clinical translations are further discussed. Overall, this review may shed light on the advancement of engineered bacteria for cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED Recent progress in synthetic methods for bacterial engineering and specific examples of their applications in cancer therapy are discussed in this review. EXPERT OPINION Bacteriotherapy bridges the gaps of conventional cancer therapies through the natural motility and colonization tendency of bacteria, as well as their synthetic engineering. Nevertheless, to fulfill the bacteriotherapy potential and move into clinical trials, more research focusing on its safety concerns should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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16
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Brevi A, Zarrinpar A. Live Biotherapeutic Products as Cancer Treatments. Cancer Res 2023; 83:1929-1932. [PMID: 37317784 PMCID: PMC10275495 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-2626] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Almost every aspect of cancer can be influenced by microbiota including tumor onset, progression, and response to therapy. The increasing evidence of the role of microbiota in human health and disease has reinvigorated the interest in designing microbial products that can affect cancer outcomes. Researchers have made numerous attempts to develop safe, engineered biotherapeutic products for cancer treatment using synthetic biology tools. Despite the progress, only Bacillus Calmette-Guérin is approved for human use. Here, we highlight the recent advances and current challenges in using live bacteria as cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Brevi
- – Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- – Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Amir Zarrinpar
- – Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- – Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- – VA Health Sciences San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- – Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
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17
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Papa V, Schepis T, Coppola G, Chiappetta MF, Del Vecchio LE, Rozera T, Quero G, Gasbarrini A, Alfieri S, Papa A. The Role of Microbiota in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3143. [PMID: 37370753 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) has an unfavorable prognosis with few effective therapeutic options. This has led researchers to investigate the possible links between microbiota and PC. A disrupted gut microbiome can lead to chronic inflammation, which is involved in the pathogenesis of PC. In addition, some bacterial strains can produce carcinogens that promote the growth of cancer cells. Research has also focused on pancreatic and oral microbiota. Changes in these microbiota can contribute to the development and progression of PC. Furthermore, patients with periodontal disease have an increased risk of developing PC. The potential use of microbiota as a prognostic marker or to predict patients' responses to chemotherapy or immunotherapy is also being explored. Overall, the role of microbiota-including the gut, pancreatic, and oral microbiota-in PC is an active research area. Understanding these associations could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Papa
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Digestive Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Schepis
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Coppola
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Francesco Chiappetta
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Livio Enrico Del Vecchio
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Rozera
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Quero
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Digestive Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Alfieri
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Digestive Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Papa
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Lin W, Singh V, Springer R, Choonoo G, Gupta N, Patel A, Frleta D, Zhong J, Owczarek T, Decker C, Macdonald L, Murphy A, Thurston G, Mohrs M, Ioffe E, Lu YF. Human CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes mediate potent tumor control in humanized immune system mice. Commun Biol 2023; 6:447. [PMID: 37185301 PMCID: PMC10130128 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04812-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancers can be limited by CD8 T cell dysfunction or HLA-I down-regulation. Tumor control mechanisms independent of CD8/HLA-I axis would overcome these limitations. Here, we report potent CD4 T cell-mediated tumor regression and memory responses in humanized immune system (HIS) mice implanted with HT-29 colorectal tumors. The regressing tumors showed increased CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) infiltration and enhanced tumor HLA-II expression compared to progressing tumors. The intratumoral CD4 T cell subset associated with tumor regression expressed multiple cytotoxic markers and exhibited clonal expansion. Notably, tumor control was abrogated by depletion of CD4 but not CD8 T cells. CD4 T cells derived from tumor-regressing mice exhibited HLA-II-dependent and tumor-specific killing ex vivo. Taken together, our study demonstrates a critical role of human CD4 CTLs in mediating tumor clearance independent of CD8 T cells and provides a platform to study human anti-tumor immunity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Lin
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Varan Singh
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Raynel Springer
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Gabrielle Choonoo
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Namita Gupta
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Aditi Patel
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Davor Frleta
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Jun Zhong
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Tomasz Owczarek
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Corinne Decker
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Lynn Macdonald
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Andrew Murphy
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Gavin Thurston
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Markus Mohrs
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Ella Ioffe
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Yi-Fen Lu
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA.
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19
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Liu Y, Niu L, Li N, Wang Y, Liu M, Su X, Bao X, Yin B, Shen S. Bacterial-Mediated Tumor Therapy: Old Treatment in a New Context. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205641. [PMID: 36908053 PMCID: PMC10131876 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have brought hopes for precision cancer treatment. However, complex physiological barriers and tumor immunosuppression result in poor efficacy, side effects, and resistance to antitumor therapies. Bacteria-mediated antitumor therapy provides new options to address these challenges. Thanks to their special characteristics, bacteria have excellent ability to destroy tumor cells from the inside and induce innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses. Furthermore, bacterial components, including bacterial vesicles, spores, toxins, metabolites, and other active substances, similarly inherit their unique targeting properties and antitumor capabilities. Bacteria and their accessory products can even be reprogrammed to produce and deliver antitumor agents according to clinical needs. This review first discusses the role of different bacteria in the development of tumorigenesis and the latest advances in bacteria-based delivery platforms and the existing obstacles for application. Moreover, the prospect and challenges of clinical transformation of engineered bacteria are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repairand Regeneration of Ministry of EducationOrthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, The Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Nano ScienceTongji University School of MedicineShanghai200092P. R. China
- Pharmacy Department and Center for Medical Research and InnovationShanghai Pudong HospitalFudan University Pudong Medical CenterShanghai201399China
| | - Lili Niu
- Central LaboratoryFirst Affiliated HospitalInstitute (College) of Integrative MedicineDalian Medical UniversityDalian116021China
| | - Nannan Li
- Central LaboratoryFirst Affiliated HospitalInstitute (College) of Integrative MedicineDalian Medical UniversityDalian116021China
| | - Yang Wang
- Central LaboratoryFirst Affiliated HospitalInstitute (College) of Integrative MedicineDalian Medical UniversityDalian116021China
| | - Mingyang Liu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General SurgeryThe First Hospital of China Medical University155 North Nanjing Street, Heping DistrictShenyang110001China
| | - Xiaomin Su
- Central LaboratoryFirst Affiliated HospitalInstitute (College) of Integrative MedicineDalian Medical UniversityDalian116021China
| | - Xuhui Bao
- Institute for Therapeutic Cancer VaccinesFudan University Pudong Medical CenterShanghai201399China
| | - Bo Yin
- Institute for Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines and Department of OncologyFudan University Pudong Medical CenterShanghai201399China
| | - Shun Shen
- Pharmacy Department and Center for Medical Research and InnovationShanghai Pudong HospitalFudan University Pudong Medical CenterShanghai201399China
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20
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Brown MC, Beasley GM, McKay ZP, Yang Y, Desjardins A, Randazzo DM, Landi D, Ashley DM, Bigner DD, Nair SK, Gromeier M. Intratumor childhood vaccine-specific CD4 + T-cell recall coordinates antitumor CD8 + T cells and eosinophils. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006463. [PMID: 37072349 PMCID: PMC10124325 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antitumor mechanisms of CD4+ T cells remain crudely defined, and means to effectively harness CD4+ T-cell help for cancer immunotherapy are lacking. Pre-existing memory CD4+ T cells hold potential to be leveraged for this purpose. Moreover, the role of pre-existing immunity in virotherapy, particularly recombinant poliovirus immunotherapy where childhood polio vaccine specific immunity is ubiquitous, remains unclear. Here we tested the hypothesis that childhood vaccine-specific memory T cells mediate antitumor immunotherapy and contribute to the antitumor efficacy of polio virotherapy. METHODS The impact of polio immunization on polio virotherapy, and the antitumor effects of polio and tetanus recall were tested in syngeneic murine melanoma and breast cancer models. CD8+ T-cell and B-cell knockout, CD4+ T-cell depletion, CD4+ T-cell adoptive transfer, CD40L blockade, assessments of antitumor T-cell immunity, and eosinophil depletion defined antitumor mechanisms of recall antigens. Pan-cancer transcriptome data sets and polio virotherapy clinical trial correlates were used to assess the relevance of these findings in humans. RESULTS Prior vaccination against poliovirus substantially bolstered the antitumor efficacy of polio virotherapy in mice, and intratumor recall of poliovirus or tetanus immunity delayed tumor growth. Intratumor recall antigens augmented antitumor T-cell function, caused marked tumor infiltration of type 2 innate lymphoid cells and eosinophils, and decreased proportions of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Antitumor effects of recall antigens were mediated by CD4+ T cells, limited by B cells, independent of CD40L, and dependent on eosinophils and CD8+ T cells. An inverse relationship between eosinophil and Treg signatures was observed across The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cancer types, and eosinophil depletion prevented Treg reductions after polio recall. Pretreatment polio neutralizing antibody titers were higher in patients living longer, and eosinophil levels increased in the majority of patients, after polio virotherapy. CONCLUSION Pre-existing anti-polio immunity contributes to the antitumor efficacy of polio virotherapy. This work defines cancer immunotherapy potential of childhood vaccines, reveals their utility to engage CD4+ T-cell help for antitumor CD8+ T cells, and implicates eosinophils as antitumor effectors of CD4+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Brown
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Georgia M Beasley
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zachary P McKay
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yuanfan Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama Division of Neurosurgery, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Annick Desjardins
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dina M Randazzo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Landi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - David M Ashley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Darell D Bigner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Smita K Nair
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthias Gromeier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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21
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Zhu Y, Duong L, Lu X, Lu X. Cancer-cell-intrinsic mechanisms shaping the immunosuppressive landscape of prostate cancer. Asian J Androl 2023; 25:171-178. [PMID: 36367020 PMCID: PMC10069702 DOI: 10.4103/aja202283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment and achieved remarkable success across many different cancer types, only a subset of patients shows meaningful clinical responses. In particular, advanced prostate cancer exhibits overwhelming de novo resistance to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. This is primarily due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer. Therefore, it is paramount to understand how prostate cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms promote immune evasion and foster an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Here, we review recent findings that reveal the roles of the genetic alterations, androgen receptor signaling, cancer cell plasticity, and oncogenic pathways in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment and thereby driving immunotherapy resistance. Based on preclinical and clinical observations, a variety of therapeutic strategies are being developed that may illuminate new paths to enhance immunotherapy efficacy in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yini Zhu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Loan Duong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Xuemin Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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22
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ECM-targeting bacteria enhance chemotherapeutic drug efficacy by lowering IFP in tumor mouse models. J Control Release 2023; 355:199-210. [PMID: 36750146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial cancer therapies aim to manipulate bacteria to effectively deploy therapeutic payloads to tumors. Attenuated bacteria alone often cannot eradicate solid tumors. Attenuated Salmonella can be engineered to deliver cytotoxic drugs to either trigger an immune response or increase antitumor efficacy when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding cancer cells forms a barrier that often limits the ability of chemotherapeutic and cytotoxic drugs to penetrate and eliminate tumors. To overcome this limitation, we developed a strategy to combine chemotherapy with an attenuated Salmonella typhimurium strain engineered to secrete HysA protein (from Staphylococcus aureus; Hyaluronidase, HAase) in tumors. The engineered Salmonella effectively degraded hyaluronan (HA), which is a major ECM constituent in tumors, and suppressed tumor growth in mouse models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (ASPC-1) and breast cancer (4T1). Furthermore, it prolonged survival when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs (doxorubicin or gemcitabine). Upon bacterial colonization, the HAase-mediated ECM degradation decreased interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, HA degradation using HAase-expressing bacteria in vivo led to decreased binding to the receptor, CD44, expressed in tumors. This may modulate proliferation- and apoptosis-related signal pathways. Therefore, ECM-targeting bacteria can be used as a synergistic anticancer therapeutic agent to maximize chemotherapeutic drug delivery into highly invasive tumors.
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23
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Bari E, Ferrera F, Altosole T, Perteghella S, Mauri P, Rossi R, Passignani G, Mastracci L, Galati M, Astone GI, Mastrogiacomo M, Castagnola P, Fenoglio D, Di Silvestre D, Torre ML, Filaci G. Trojan-horse silk fibroin nanocarriers loaded with a re-call antigen to redirect immunity against cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005916. [PMID: 36697251 PMCID: PMC9950976 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005916] [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] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current challenge for immunotherapies is to generate effective antitumor immunity. Since tumor immune escape mechanisms do not impact pre-existing and consolidated immune responses, we tested the hypothesis of redirecting a pregenerated immunity to cancer: to recall a non-tumor antigen response against the tumor, silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNs) have been selected as 'Trojan-horse' carriers, promoting the antigen uptake by the tumor cells. METHODS SFNs have been loaded with either ovalbumin (OVA) or CpG oligonucleotide (CpG) as antigen or adjuvant, respectively. In vitro uptake of SFNs by tumor (B16/F10 melanoma and MB49 bladder cancer) or dendritic cells, as well as the presence of OVA-specific T cells in splenic and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, were assessed by cytometric analyses. Proof-of-concept of in vivo efficacy was achieved in an OVA-hyperimmune B16/F10 murine melanoma model: SFNs-OVA or SFNs-CpG were injected, separately or in association, into the subcutaneous peritumoral area. Cancer dimensions/survival time were monitored, while, at the molecular level, system biology approaches based on graph theory and experimental proteomic data were performed. RESULTS SFNs were efficiently in vitro uptaken by cancer and dendritic cells. In vivo peritumor administration of SFNs-OVA redirected OVA-specific cytotoxic T cells intratumorally. Proteomics and systems biology showed that peritumoral treatment with either SFNs-OVA or SFNs-CpG dramatically modified tumor microenvironment with respect to the control (CTR), mainly involving functional modules and hubs related to angiogenesis, inflammatory mediators, immune function, T complex and serpins expression, redox homeostasis, and energetic metabolism. Both SFNs-OVA and SFNs-CpG significantly delayed melanoma growth/survival time, and their effect was additive. CONCLUSIONS Both SFNs-OVA and SFNs-CpG induce effective anticancer response through complementary mechanisms and show the efficacy of an innovative active immunotherapy approach based on the redirection of pre-existing immunity against cancer cells. This approach could be universally applied for solid cancer treatments if translated into the clinic using re-call antigens of childhood vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Bari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Piemonte, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrera
- Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Liguria, Italy
| | - Tiziana Altosole
- Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Liguria, Italy
| | - Sara Perteghella
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Lombardia, Italy,PharmaExceed S.r.l, Pavia, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Mauri
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, ITB CNR, Segrate, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Rossana Rossi
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, ITB CNR, Segrate, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Giulia Passignani
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, ITB CNR, Segrate, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Liguria, Italy,Department of Surgical and Integrated Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa, Genova, Liguria, Italy
| | - Martina Galati
- Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Liguria, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Iliana Astone
- Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Liguria, Italy
| | - Maddalena Mastrogiacomo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Liguria, Italy
| | - Patrizio Castagnola
- Biotherapy Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Liguria, Italy
| | - Daniela Fenoglio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Liguria, Italy,Biotherapy Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Liguria, Italy
| | - Dario Di Silvestre
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, ITB CNR, Segrate, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Piemonte, Italy,PharmaExceed S.r.l, Pavia, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Liguria, Italy .,Biotherapy Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Liguria, Italy
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24
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Oladejo M, Paulishak W, Wood L. Synergistic potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors and therapeutic cancer vaccines. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:81-95. [PMID: 36526110 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) function at different stages of the cancer immune cycle due to their distinct mechanisms of action. Therapeutic cancer vaccines enhance the activation and infiltration of cytotoxic immune cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME), while ICIs, prevent and/or reverse the dysfunction of these immune cells. The efficacy of both classes of immunotherapy has been evaluated in monotherapy, but they have been met with several challenges. Although therapeutic cancer vaccines can activate anti-tumor immune responses, these responses are susceptible to attenuation by immunoregulatory molecules. Similarly, ICIs are ineffective in the absence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Further, ICIs are often associated with immune-related adverse effects that may limit quality of life and compliance. However, the combination of the improved immunogenicity afforded by cancer vaccines and restrained immunosuppression provided by immune checkpoint inhibitors may provide a suitable platform for therapeutic synergism. In this review, we revisit the history and various classifications of therapeutic cancer vaccines. We also provide a summary of the currently approved ICIs. Finally, we provide mechanistic insights into the synergism between ICIs and cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Oladejo
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Wyatt Paulishak
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Laurence Wood
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA.
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25
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Hamidi Nia L, Claesen J. Engineered Cancer Targeting Microbes and Encapsulation Devices for Human Gut Microbiome Applications. Biochemistry 2022; 61:2841-2848. [PMID: 35868631 PMCID: PMC9785036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiota produce specialized metabolites that are important for maintaining host health homeostasis. Hence, unstable production of these metabolites can contribute to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. While fecal transplantation or dietary modification approaches can be used to correct the gut microbial community's metabolic output, this Perspective focuses on the use of engineered bacteria. We highlight recent advances in bacterial synthetic biology approaches for the treatment of colorectal cancer and systemic tumors and discuss the functionality and biochemical properties of novel containment approaches using hydrogel-based and electronic devices. Synthetic circuitry refinement and incorporation of novel functional modules have enabled more targeted detection of colonic tumors and delivery of anticancer compounds inside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, as well as the design of tumor-homing bacteria capable of recruiting infiltrating T cells. Engineering challenges in these applications include the stability of the genetic circuits, long-term engraftment of the chosen chassis, and containment of the synthetic microbes' activity to the diseased tissues. Hydrogels are well-suited to the encapsulationo of living organisms due to their matrix structure and tunable porosity. The matrix structure allows a dried hydrogel to collect and contain GI contents. Engineered bacteria that sense GI tract inflammation or tumors and release bioactive metabolites to the targeted area can be encapsulated. Electronic devices can be enabled with additional measuring and data processing capabilities. We expect that engineered devices will become more important in the containment and delivery of synthetic microbes for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layan Hamidi Nia
- Department
of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States,Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State
University, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, United
States
| | - Jan Claesen
- Department
of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States,Center
for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner
Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States,Department
of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic
Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States,
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26
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Abstract
With increasing evidence that microbes colonize tumors, synthetic biology tools are being leveraged to repurpose bacteria as tumor-specific delivery systems. These engineered systems can modulate the tumor microenvironment using a combination of their inherent immunogenicity and local payload production. Here, we review genetic circuits that enhance spatial and temporal control of therapeutic bacteria to improve their safety and efficacy. We describe the engineering of interactions among bacteria, tumor cells, and immune cells, and the progression from bacteria as single agents toward their rational combination with other modalities. Together, these efforts are building toward an emerging concept of engineering interactions between programmable medicines using synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice R. Gurbatri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Nicholas Arpaia
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
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27
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Oladejo M, Nguyen HM, Silwal A, Reese B, Paulishak W, Markiewski MM, Wood LM. Listeria-based immunotherapy directed against CD105 exerts anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor efficacy in renal cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1038807. [PMID: 36439126 PMCID: PMC9692019 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1038807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting tumor-associated angiogenesis is currently at the forefront of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) therapy, with sunitinib and bevacizumab leading to increased survival in patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC). However, resistance often occurs shortly after initiation of therapy, suggesting that targeting the tumor-associated vascular endothelium may not be sufficient to eradicate RCC. This study reports the therapeutic efficacy of a Listeria (Lm)-based vaccine encoding an antigenic fragment of CD105 (Lm-LLO-CD105A) that targets both RCC tumor cells and the tumor-associated vasculature. Lm-LLO-CD105A treatment reduced primary tumor growth in both subcutaneous and orthotopic models of murine RCC. The vaccine conferred anti-tumor immunity and remodeled the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in increased infiltration of polyfunctional CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and reduced infiltration of immunosuppressive cell types within the TME. We further provide evidence that the therapeutic efficacy of Lm-LLO-CD105A is mediated by CD8+ T cells and is dependent on the robust antigenic expression of CD105 by RCC tumor cells. The result from this study demonstrates the safety and promising therapeutic efficacy of targeting RCC-associated CD105 expression with Lm-based immunotherapy.
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28
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Liu Y, Feng J, Pan H, Zhang X, Zhang Y. Genetically engineered bacterium: Principles, practices, and prospects. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:997587. [PMID: 36312915 PMCID: PMC9606703 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.997587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in synthetic biology and the clinical application of bacteriotherapy enable the use of genetically engineered bacteria (GEB) to combat various diseases. GEB act as a small ‘machine factory’ in the intestine or other tissues to continuously produce heterologous proteins or molecular compounds and, thus, diagnose or cure disease or work as an adjuvant reagent for disease treatment by regulating the immune system. Although the achievements of GEBs in the treatment or adjuvant therapy of diseases are promising, the practical implementation of this new therapeutic modality remains a grand challenge, especially at the initial stage. In this review, we introduce the development of GEBs and their advantages in disease management, summarize the latest research advances in microbial genetic techniques, and discuss their administration routes, performance indicators and the limitations of GEBs used as platforms for disease management. We also present several examples of GEB applications in the treatment of cancers and metabolic diseases and further highlight their great potential for clinical application in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hangcheng Pan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuwei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuwei Zhang,
| | - Yunlei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Central Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Yunlei Zhang,
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29
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The Role of Metabolic Plasticity of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Shaping the Tumor Microenvironment Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143331. [PMID: 35884391 PMCID: PMC9316955 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells possess a high metabolic demand for their rapid proliferation, survival, and progression and thus create an acidic and hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) deprived of nutrients. Moreover, acidity within the TME is the central regulator of tumor immunity that influences the metabolism of the immune cells and orchestrates the local and systemic immunity, thus, the TME has a major impact on tumor progression and resistance to anti-cancer therapy. Specifically, myeloid cells, which include myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), dendritic cells, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), often reprogram their energy metabolism, resulting in stimulating the angiogenesis and immunosuppression of tumors. This review summarizes the recent findings of glucose, amino acids, and fatty acid metabolism changes of the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and how the altered metabolism shapes the TME and anti-tumor immunity. Multiple proton pumps/transporters are involved in maintaining the alkaline intracellular pH which is necessary for the glycolytic metabolism of the myeloid cells and acidic TME. We highlighted the roles of these proteins in modulating the cellular metabolism of TAMs and their potential as therapeutic targets for improving immune checkpoint therapy.
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30
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Jayaseelan VP, A.S SG, Arumugam P. Engineered therapeutic bacteria for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2022; 130:105874. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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31
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Tang Q, Peng X, Xu B, Zhou X, Chen J, Cheng L. Current Status and Future Directions of Bacteria-Based Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:911783. [PMID: 35757741 PMCID: PMC9226492 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.911783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
With the in-depth understanding of the anti-cancer immunity, immunotherapy has become a promising cancer treatment after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. As natural immunogenicity substances, some bacteria can preferentially colonize and proliferate inside tumor tissues to interact with the host and exert anti-tumor effect. However, further research is hampered by the infection-associated toxicity and their unpredictable behaviors in vivo. Due to modern advances in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and material science, modifying bacteria to minimize the toxicity and constructing a bacteria-based immunotherapy platform has become a hotspot in recent research. This review will cover the inherent advantages of unedited bacteria, highlight how bacteria can be engineered to provide greater tumor-targeting properties, enhanced immune-modulation effect, and improved safety. Successful applications of engineered bacteria in cancer immunotherapy or as part of the combination therapy are discussed as well as the bacteria based immunotherapy in different cancer types. In the end, we highlight the future directions and potential opportunities of this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xian Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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32
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Villanueva MT. Bacteria deliver the goods. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:336. [PMID: 35393548 DOI: 10.1038/d41573-022-00065-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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