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Aparicio B, Theunissen P, Hervas-Stubbs S, Fortes P, Sarobe P. Relevance of mutation-derived neoantigens and non-classical antigens for anticancer therapies. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2303799. [PMID: 38346926 PMCID: PMC10863374 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2303799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficacy of cancer immunotherapies relies on correct recognition of tumor antigens by lymphocytes, eliciting thus functional responses capable of eliminating tumor cells. Therefore, important efforts have been carried out in antigen identification, with the aim of understanding mechanisms of response to immunotherapy and to design safer and more efficient strategies. In addition to classical tumor-associated antigens identified during the last decades, implementation of next-generation sequencing methodologies is enabling the identification of neoantigens (neoAgs) arising from mutations, leading to the development of new neoAg-directed therapies. Moreover, there are numerous non-classical tumor antigens originated from other sources and identified by new methodologies. Here, we review the relevance of neoAgs in different immunotherapies and the results obtained by applying neoAg-based strategies. In addition, the different types of non-classical tumor antigens and the best approaches for their identification are described. This will help to increase the spectrum of targetable molecules useful in cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belen Aparicio
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Patrick Theunissen
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervas-Stubbs
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Puri Fortes
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Network for Advanced Therapies (TERAV ISCIII), Spain
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
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2
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Wu D, Yin R, Chen G, Ribeiro-Filho HV, Cheung M, Robbins PF, Mariuzza RA, Pierce BG. Structural characterization and AlphaFold modeling of human T cell receptor recognition of NRAS cancer neoantigens. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.595215. [PMID: 38826362 PMCID: PMC11142219 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.595215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
T cell receptors (TCRs) that recognize cancer neoantigens are important for anti-cancer immune responses and immunotherapy. Understanding the structural basis of TCR recognition of neoantigens provides insights into their exquisite specificity and can enable design of optimized TCRs. We determined crystal structures of a human TCR in complex with NRAS Q61K and Q61R neoantigen peptides and HLA-A1 MHC, revealing the molecular underpinnings for dual recognition and specificity versus wild-type NRAS peptide. We then used multiple versions of AlphaFold to model the corresponding complex structures, given the challenge of immune recognition for such methods. Interestingly, one implementation of AlphaFold2 (TCRmodel2) was able to generate accurate models of the complexes, while AlphaFold3 also showed strong performance, although success was lower for other complexes. This study provides insights into TCR recognition of a shared cancer neoantigen, as well as the utility and practical considerations for using AlphaFold to model TCR-peptide-MHC complexes.
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Ingels J, De Cock L, Stevens D, Mayer RL, Théry F, Sanchez GS, Vermijlen D, Weening K, De Smet S, Lootens N, Brusseel M, Verstraete T, Buyle J, Van Houtte E, Devreker P, Heyns K, De Munter S, Van Lint S, Goetgeluk G, Bonte S, Billiet L, Pille M, Jansen H, Pascal E, Deseins L, Vantomme L, Verdonckt M, Roelandt R, Eekhout T, Vandamme N, Leclercq G, Taghon T, Kerre T, Vanommeslaeghe F, Dhondt A, Ferdinande L, Van Dorpe J, Desender L, De Ryck F, Vermassen F, Surmont V, Impens F, Menten B, Vermaelen K, Vandekerckhove B. Neoantigen-targeted dendritic cell vaccination in lung cancer patients induces long-lived T cells exhibiting the full differentiation spectrum. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101516. [PMID: 38626769 PMCID: PMC11148567 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is known for high relapse rates despite resection in early stages. Here, we present the results of a phase I clinical trial in which a dendritic cell (DC) vaccine targeting patient-individual neoantigens is evaluated in patients with resected NSCLC. Vaccine manufacturing is feasible in six of 10 enrolled patients. Toxicity is limited to grade 1-2 adverse events. Systemic T cell responses are observed in five out of six vaccinated patients, with T cell responses remaining detectable up to 19 months post vaccination. Single-cell analysis indicates that the responsive T cell population is polyclonal and exhibits the near-entire spectrum of T cell differentiation states, including a naive-like state, but excluding exhausted cell states. Three of six vaccinated patients experience disease recurrence during the follow-up period of 2 years. Collectively, these data support the feasibility, safety, and immunogenicity of this treatment in resected NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joline Ingels
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Laurenz De Cock
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Dieter Stevens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium; Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Rupert L Mayer
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Fabien Théry
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Guillem Sanchez Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; Université Libre de Bruxelles Center for Research in Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, 1300 Wavre, Walloon Brabant, Belgium
| | - David Vermijlen
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; Université Libre de Bruxelles Center for Research in Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, 1300 Wavre, Walloon Brabant, Belgium
| | - Karin Weening
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Saskia De Smet
- GMP Unit Cell Therapy, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Nele Lootens
- GMP Unit Cell Therapy, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Marieke Brusseel
- GMP Unit Cell Therapy, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Tasja Verstraete
- Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Jolien Buyle
- Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Eva Van Houtte
- GMP Unit Cell Therapy, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Pam Devreker
- GMP Unit Cell Therapy, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Kelly Heyns
- GMP Unit Cell Therapy, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Stijn De Munter
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Lint
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium; Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Glenn Goetgeluk
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Sarah Bonte
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Lore Billiet
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Melissa Pille
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Hanne Jansen
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Eva Pascal
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Lucas Deseins
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Lies Vantomme
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Maarten Verdonckt
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Ria Roelandt
- VIB Single Cell Core, VIB, 9000/3000 Ghent/Leuven, East-Flanders/Flemish Brabant, Belgium
| | - Thomas Eekhout
- VIB Single Cell Core, VIB, 9000/3000 Ghent/Leuven, East-Flanders/Flemish Brabant, Belgium
| | - Niels Vandamme
- VIB Single Cell Core, VIB, 9000/3000 Ghent/Leuven, East-Flanders/Flemish Brabant, Belgium
| | - Georges Leclercq
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Tom Taghon
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Tessa Kerre
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium; Hematology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Floris Vanommeslaeghe
- Nephrology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Dhondt
- Nephrology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Ferdinande
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium; Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Dorpe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium; Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Desender
- Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Frederic De Ryck
- Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Frank Vermassen
- Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Veerle Surmont
- Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Francis Impens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium
| | - Karim Vermaelen
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium; Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium.
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Easy-Flanders, Belgium; GMP Unit Cell Therapy, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium.
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Deng N, Sinha KM, Vilar E. MONET: a database for prediction of neoantigens derived from microsatellite loci. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1394593. [PMID: 38835776 PMCID: PMC11148240 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1394593] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Microsatellite instability (MSI) secondary to mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency is characterized by insertions and deletions (indels) in short DNA sequences across the genome. These indels can generate neoantigens, which are ideal targets for precision immune interception. However, current neoantigen databases lack information on neoantigens arising from coding microsatellites. To address this gap, we introduce The MicrOsatellite Neoantigen Discovery Tool (MONET). Method MONET identifies potential mutated tumor-specific neoantigens (neoAgs) by predicting frameshift mutations in coding microsatellite sequences of the human genome. Then MONET annotates these neoAgs with key features such as binding affinity, stability, expression, frequency, and potential pathogenicity using established algorithms, tools, and public databases. A user-friendly web interface (https://monet.mdanderson.org/) facilitates access to these predictions. Results MONET predicts over 4 million and 15 million Class I and Class II potential frameshift neoAgs, respectively. Compared to existing databases, MONET demonstrates superior coverage (>85% vs. <25%) using a set of experimentally validated neoAgs. Conclusion MONET is a freely available, user-friendly web tool that leverages publicly available resources to identify neoAgs derived from microsatellite loci. This systems biology approach empowers researchers in the field of precision immune interception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Deng
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Krishna M. Sinha
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eduardo Vilar
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Clinical Cancer Genetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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5
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Zhang Y, Zhao H, Deng W, Lai J, Sang K, Chen Q. Zebularine potentiates anti-tumor immunity by inducing tumor immunogenicity and improving antigen processing through cGAS-STING pathway. Commun Biol 2024; 7:587. [PMID: 38755254 PMCID: PMC11099016 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06271-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism involved in the anti-tumor immune response, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) have achieved impressive therapeutic outcomes in patients with certain cancer types. However, it is unclear how inhibition of DNA methylation bridges the innate and adaptive immune responses to inhibit tumor growth. Here, we report that DNMTi zebularine reconstructs tumor immunogenicity, in turn promote dendritic cell maturation, antigen-presenting cell activity, tumor cell phagocytosis by APCs, and efficient T cell priming. Further in vivo and in vitro analyses reveal that zebularine stimulates cGAS-STING-NF-κB/IFNβ signaling to enhance tumor cell immunogenicity and upregulate antigen processing and presentation machinery (AgPPM), which promotes effective CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-mediated killing of tumor cells. These findings support the use of combination regimens that include DNMTi and immunotherapy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
- College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
| | - Heng Zhao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
- College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
| | - Weili Deng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
- College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
| | - Junzhong Lai
- The Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
| | - Kai Sang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
- College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China.
- College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China.
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6
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Struckman NE, de Jong RCM, Honders MW, Smith SAI, van der Lee DI, Koutsoumpli G, de Ru AH, Mikesch JH, van Veelen PA, Falkenburg JHF, Griffioen M. Hotspot DNA Methyltransferase 3A ( DNMT3A) and Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 and 2 ( IDH1/2) Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Their Relevance as Targets for Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1086. [PMID: 38791049 PMCID: PMC11118067 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051086] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2) are genes involved in epigenetic regulation, each mutated in 7-23% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Here, we investigated whether hotspot mutations in these genes encode neoantigens that can be targeted by immunotherapy. Five human B-lymphoblastoid cell lines expressing common HLA class I alleles were transduced with a minigene construct containing mutations that often occur in DNMT3A or IDH1/2. From these minigene-transduced cell lines, peptides were eluted from HLA class I alleles and analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry. The resulting data are available via ProteomeXchange under the identifier PXD050560. Mass spectrometry revealed an HLA-A*01:01-binding DNMT3AR882H peptide and an HLA-B*07:02-binding IDH2R140Q peptide as potential neoantigens. For these neopeptides, peptide-HLA tetramers were produced to search for specific T-cells in healthy individuals. Various T-cell clones were isolated showing specific reactivity against cell lines transduced with full-length DNMT3AR882H or IDH2R140Q genes, while cell lines transduced with wildtype genes were not recognized. One T-cell clone for DNMT3AR882H also reacted against patient-derived acute myeloid leukemia cells with the mutation, while patient samples without the mutation were not recognized, thereby validating the surface presentation of a DNMT3AR882H neoantigen that can potentially be targeted in acute myeloid leukemia via immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine E. Struckman
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Rob C. M. de Jong
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - M. Willy Honders
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Sophie-Anne I. Smith
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Dyantha I. van der Lee
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Georgia Koutsoumpli
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Arnoud H. de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (A.H.d.R.); (P.A.v.V.)
| | - Jan-Henrik Mikesch
- Department of Medicine A, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Peter A. van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (A.H.d.R.); (P.A.v.V.)
| | - J. H. Frederik Falkenburg
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Marieke Griffioen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
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7
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Kirkpatrick C, Lu YCW. Deciphering CD4 + T cell-mediated responses against cancer. Mol Carcinog 2024. [PMID: 38725218 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23730] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
It's been long thought that CD8+ cytotoxic T cells play a major role in T cell-mediated antitumor responses, whereas CD4+ T cells merely provide some assistance to CD8+ T cells as the "helpers." In recent years, numerous studies support the notion that CD4+ T cells play an indispensable role in antitumor responses. Here, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge regarding the roles of CD4+ T cells in antitumor responses and immunotherapy, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind these observations. These new insights on CD4+ T cells may pave the way to further optimize cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kirkpatrick
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Yong-Chen William Lu
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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8
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Fuchs KJ, van de Meent M, Honders MW, Khatri I, Kester MGD, Koster EAS, Koutsoumpli G, de Ru AH, van Bergen CAM, van Veelen PA, ’t Hoen PAC, van Balen P, van den Akker EB, Veelken JH, Halkes CJM, Falkenburg JHF, Griffioen M. Expanding the repertoire reveals recurrent, cryptic, and hematopoietic HLA class I minor histocompatibility antigens. Blood 2024; 143:1856-1872. [PMID: 38427583 PMCID: PMC11076866 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is a curative treatment for hematological malignancies. After HLA-matched alloSCT, antitumor immunity is caused by donor T cells recognizing polymorphic peptides, designated minor histocompatibility antigens (MiHAs), that are presented by HLA on malignant patient cells. However, T cells often target MiHAs on healthy nonhematopoietic tissues of patients, thereby inducing side effects known as graft-versus-host disease. Here, we aimed to identify the dominant repertoire of HLA-I-restricted MiHAs to enable strategies to predict, monitor or modulate immune responses after alloSCT. To systematically identify novel MiHAs by genome-wide association screening, T-cell clones were isolated from 39 transplanted patients and tested for reactivity against 191 Epstein-Barr virus transformed B cell lines of the 1000 Genomes Project. By discovering 81 new MiHAs, we more than doubled the antigen repertoire to 159 MiHAs and demonstrated that, despite many genetic differences between patients and donors, often the same MiHAs are targeted in multiple patients. Furthermore, we showed that one quarter of the antigens are cryptic, that is translated from unconventional open reading frames, for example long noncoding RNAs, showing that these antigen types are relevant targets in natural immune responses. Finally, using single cell RNA-seq data, we analyzed tissue expression of MiHA-encoding genes to explore their potential role in clinical outcome, and characterized 11 new hematopoietic-restricted MiHAs as potential targets for immunotherapy. In conclusion, we expanded the repertoire of HLA-I-restricted MiHAs and identified recurrent, cryptic and hematopoietic-restricted antigens, which are fundamental to predict, follow or manipulate immune responses to improve clinical outcome after alloSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra J. Fuchs
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marian van de Meent
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - M. Willy Honders
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Indu Khatri
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michel G. D. Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eva A. S. Koster
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Georgia Koutsoumpli
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arnoud H. de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Peter A. van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A. C. ’t Hoen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter van Balen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Erik B. van den Akker
- Center for Computational Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J. Hendrik Veelken
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marieke Griffioen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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9
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Zhang M, Xu W, Luo L, Guan F, Wang X, Zhu P, Zhang J, Zhou X, Wang F, Ye S. Identification and affinity enhancement of T-cell receptor targeting a KRAS G12V cancer neoantigen. Commun Biol 2024; 7:512. [PMID: 38684865 PMCID: PMC11058820 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06209-2] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neoantigens derived from somatic mutations in Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS), the most frequently mutated oncogene, represent promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. Recent research highlights the potential role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele A*11:01 in presenting these altered KRAS variants to the immune system. In this study, we successfully generate and identify murine T-cell receptors (TCRs) that specifically recognize KRAS8-16G12V from three predicted high affinity peptides. By determining the structure of the tumor-specific 4TCR2 bound to KRASG12V-HLA-A*11:01, we conduct structure-based design to create and evaluate TCR variants with markedly enhanced affinity, up to 15.8-fold. This high-affinity TCR mutant, which involved only two amino acid substitutions, display minimal conformational alterations while maintaining a high degree of specificity for the KRASG12V peptide. Our research unveils the molecular mechanisms governing TCR recognition towards KRASG12V neoantigen and yields a range of affinity-enhanced TCR mutants with significant potential for immunotherapy strategies targeting tumors harboring the KRASG12V mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Wei Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
- Department of Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lingjie Luo
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Fenghui Guan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Xiangyao Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Pei Zhu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
- Department of Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xuyu Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China.
- Department of Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Sheng Ye
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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10
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Moravec Z, Zhao Y, Voogd R, Cook DR, Kinrot S, Capra B, Yang H, Raud B, Ou J, Xuan J, Wei T, Ren L, Hu D, Wang J, Haanen JBAG, Schumacher TN, Chen X, Porter E, Scheper W. Discovery of tumor-reactive T cell receptors by massively parallel library synthesis and screening. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02210-6. [PMID: 38653798 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy is a potent form of cellular immunotherapy in which patient T cells are genetically engineered to express TCRs with defined tumor reactivity. However, the isolation of therapeutic TCRs is complicated by both the general scarcity of tumor-specific T cells among patient T cell repertoires and the patient-specific nature of T cell epitopes expressed on tumors. Here we describe a high-throughput, personalized TCR discovery pipeline that enables the assembly of complex synthetic TCR libraries in a one-pot reaction, followed by pooled expression in reporter T cells and functional genetic screening against patient-derived tumor or antigen-presenting cells. We applied the method to screen thousands of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)-derived TCRs from multiple patients and identified dozens of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell-derived TCRs with potent tumor reactivity, including TCRs that recognized patient-specific neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziva Moravec
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yue Zhao
- RootPath, Inc. (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Rhianne Voogd
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Haiyan Yang
- RootPath, Inc. (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Brenda Raud
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jiayu Ou
- RootPath, Inc. (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiekun Xuan
- RootPath, Inc. (US), Watertown, MA, USA
- RootPath, Inc. (Hangzhou), Hangzhou, China
| | - Teng Wei
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lili Ren
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dandan Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - John B A G Haanen
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ton N Schumacher
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Xi Chen
- RootPath, Inc. (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.
- RootPath, Inc. (US), Watertown, MA, USA.
- RootPath, Inc. (Hangzhou), Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ely Porter
- RootPath, Inc. (US), Watertown, MA, USA.
| | - Wouter Scheper
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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11
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Kristensen NP, Dionisio E, Bentzen AK, Tamhane T, Kemming JS, Nos G, Voss LF, Hansen UK, Lauer GM, Hadrup SR. Simultaneous analysis of pMHC binding and reactivity unveils virus-specific CD8 T cell immunity to a concise epitope set. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm8951. [PMID: 38608022 PMCID: PMC11014448 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm8951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
CD8 T cells provide immunity to virus infection through recognition of epitopes presented by peptide major histocompatibility complexes (pMHCs). To establish a concise panel of widely recognized T cell epitopes from common viruses, we combined analysis of TCR down-regulation upon stimulation with epitope-specific enumeration based on barcode-labeled pMHC multimers. We assess CD8 T cell binding and reactivity for 929 previously reported epitopes in the context of 1 of 25 HLA alleles representing 29 viruses. The prevalence and magnitude of CD8 T cell responses were evaluated in 48 donors and reported along with 137 frequently recognized virus epitopes, many of which were underrepresented in the public domain. Eighty-four percent of epitope-specific CD8 T cell populations demonstrated reactivity to peptide stimulation, which was associated with effector and long-term memory phenotypes. Conversely, nonreactive T cell populations were associated primarily with naive phenotypes. Our analysis provides a reference map of epitopes for characterizing CD8 T cell responses toward common human virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaj Pagh Kristensen
- Section for Experimental and Translational Immunology, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Edoardo Dionisio
- Section for Experimental and Translational Immunology, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Amalie Kai Bentzen
- Section for Experimental and Translational Immunology, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tripti Tamhane
- Section for Experimental and Translational Immunology, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Janine Sophie Kemming
- Section for Experimental and Translational Immunology, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Grigorii Nos
- Section for Experimental and Translational Immunology, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lasse Frank Voss
- Section for Experimental and Translational Immunology, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ulla Kring Hansen
- Section for Experimental and Translational Immunology, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Georg Michael Lauer
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sine Reker Hadrup
- Section for Experimental and Translational Immunology, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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12
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Minegishi Y, Haga Y, Ueda K. Emerging potential of immunopeptidomics by mass spectrometry in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1048-1059. [PMID: 38382459 PMCID: PMC11007014 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16118] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
With significant advances in analytical technologies, research in the field of cancer immunotherapy, such as adoptive T cell therapy, cancer vaccine, and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), is currently gaining tremendous momentum. Since the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy is recognized only by a minority of patients, more potent tumor-specific antigens (TSAs, also known as neoantigens) and predictive markers for treatment response are of great interest. In cancer immunity, immunopeptides, presented by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, play a role as initiating mediators of immunogenicity. The latest advancement in the interdisciplinary multiomics approach has rapidly enlightened us about the identity of the "dark matter" of cancer and the associated immunopeptides. In this field, mass spectrometry (MS) is a viable option to select because of the naturally processed and actually presented TSA candidates in order to grasp the whole picture of the immunopeptidome. In the past few years the search space has been enlarged by the multiomics approach, the sensitivity of mass spectrometers has been improved, and deep/machine-learning-supported peptide search algorithms have taken immunopeptidomics to the next level. In this review, along with the introduction of key technical advancements in immunopeptidomics, the potential and further directions of immunopeptidomics will be reviewed from the perspective of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriko Minegishi
- Cancer Proteomics Group, Cancer Precision Medicine CenterJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshimi Haga
- Cancer Proteomics Group, Cancer Precision Medicine CenterJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Koji Ueda
- Cancer Proteomics Group, Cancer Precision Medicine CenterJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
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13
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Jiani W, Qin T, Jie M. Tumor neoantigens and tumor immunotherapies. Aging Med (Milton) 2024; 7:224-230. [PMID: 38725698 PMCID: PMC11077340 DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
As a high-risk group of patients with cancer, the elderly exhibit limited efficacy with traditional treatments. Immunotherapy emerges as a promising adjunctive therapeutic approach that holds potential in addressing the needs of geriatric patients with cancer. Neoantigens, a unique class of tumor-specific antigens generated by non-synonymous mutations, are garnering increasing attention as targets for immunotherapy in clinical applications. Newly developed technologies, such as second-generation gene sequencing and mass spectrometry, have provided powerful technical support for the identification and prediction of neoantigens. At present, neoantigen-based immunotherapy has been extensively applied in clinical trials and has demonstrated both safety and efficacy, marking the beginning of a new era for cancer immunotherapy. This article reviews the conception, classification, inducers, and screening process of tumor neoantigens, as well as the application prospects and combination therapy strategies of neoantigen-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Jiani
- Department of Biotherapy Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Tan Qin
- Department of Biotherapy Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ma Jie
- Department of Biotherapy Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
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14
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Lin Y, Ma J, Yuan H, Chen Z, Xu X, Jiang M, Zhu J, Meng W, Qiu W, Liu Y. Integrating Reinforcement Learning and Monte Carlo Tree Search for enhanced neoantigen vaccine design. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae247. [PMID: 38770719 PMCID: PMC11107383 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae247] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy have highlighted the potential of neoantigen-based vaccines. However, the design of such vaccines is hindered by the possibility of weak binding affinity between the peptides and the patient's specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, which may not elicit a robust adaptive immune response. Triggering cross-immunity by utilizing peptide mutations that have enhanced binding affinity to target HLA molecules, while preserving their homology with the original one, can be a promising avenue for neoantigen vaccine design. In this study, we introduced UltraMutate, a novel algorithm that combines Reinforcement Learning and Monte Carlo Tree Search, which identifies peptide mutations that not only exhibit enhanced binding affinities to target HLA molecules but also retains a high degree of homology with the original neoantigen. UltraMutate outperformed existing state-of-the-art methods in identifying affinity-enhancing mutations in an independent test set consisting of 3660 peptide-HLA pairs. UltraMutate further showed its applicability in the design of peptide vaccines for Human Papillomavirus and Human Cytomegalovirus, demonstrating its potential as a promising tool in the advancement of personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiakang Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Haozhe Yuan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ziqiang Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xingyu Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mengping Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jialiang Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Weida Meng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenqing Qiu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, 366 North Longchuan Road, Shanghai, 200231, China
| | - Yun Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 131 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
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15
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Kirk AM, Crawford JC, Chou CH, Guy C, Pandey K, Kozlik T, Shah RK, Chung S, Nguyen P, Zhang X, Wang J, Bell M, Mettelman RC, Allen EK, Pogorelyy MV, Kim H, Minervina AA, Awad W, Bajracharya R, White T, Long D, Gordon B, Morrison M, Glazer ES, Murphy AJ, Jiang Y, Fitzpatrick EA, Yarchoan M, Sethupathy P, Croft NP, Purcell AW, Federico SM, Stewart E, Gottschalk S, Zamora AE, DeRenzo C, Strome SE, Thomas PG. DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion neoantigens elicit rare endogenous T cell responses that potentiate cell therapy for fibrolamellar carcinoma. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101469. [PMID: 38508137 PMCID: PMC10983114 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a liver tumor with a high mortality burden and few treatment options. A promising therapeutic vulnerability in FLC is its driver mutation, a conserved DNAJB1-PRKACA gene fusion that could be an ideal target neoantigen for immunotherapy. In this study, we aim to define endogenous CD8 T cell responses to this fusion in FLC patients and evaluate fusion-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) for use in cellular immunotherapies. We observe that fusion-specific CD8 T cells are rare and that FLC patient TCR repertoires lack large clusters of related TCR sequences characteristic of potent antigen-specific responses, potentially explaining why endogenous immune responses are insufficient to clear FLC tumors. Nevertheless, we define two functional fusion-specific TCRs, one of which has strong anti-tumor activity in vivo. Together, our results provide insights into the fragmented nature of neoantigen-specific repertoires in humans and indicate routes for clinical development of successful immunotherapies for FLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Kirk
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jeremy Chase Crawford
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ching-Heng Chou
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cliff Guy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kirti Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tanya Kozlik
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Ravi K Shah
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Shanzou Chung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Phuong Nguyen
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Matthew Bell
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Robert C Mettelman
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - E Kaitlynn Allen
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mikhail V Pogorelyy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anastasia A Minervina
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Walid Awad
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Resha Bajracharya
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Toni White
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Donald Long
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Brittney Gordon
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Michelle Morrison
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Evan S Glazer
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yixing Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Fitzpatrick
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Nathan P Croft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Anthony W Purcell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Sara M Federico
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Elizabeth Stewart
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anthony E Zamora
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Christopher DeRenzo
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Scott E Strome
- College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
| | - Paul G Thomas
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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16
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Li Y, Wu X, Fang D, Luo Y. Informing immunotherapy with multi-omics driven machine learning. NPJ Digit Med 2024; 7:67. [PMID: 38486092 PMCID: PMC10940614 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-024-01043-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Progress in sequencing technologies and clinical experiments has revolutionized immunotherapy on solid and hematologic malignancies. However, the benefits of immunotherapy are limited to specific patient subsets, posing challenges for broader application. To improve its effectiveness, identifying biomarkers that can predict patient response is crucial. Machine learning (ML) play a pivotal role in harnessing multi-omic cancer datasets and unlocking new insights into immunotherapy. This review provides an overview of cutting-edge ML models applied in omics data for immunotherapy analysis, including immunotherapy response prediction and immunotherapy-relevant tumor microenvironment identification. We elucidate how ML leverages diverse data types to identify significant biomarkers, enhance our understanding of immunotherapy mechanisms, and optimize decision-making process. Additionally, we discuss current limitations and challenges of ML in this rapidly evolving field. Finally, we outline future directions aimed at overcoming these barriers and improving the efficiency of ML in immunotherapy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Collaborative AI in Healthcare, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yuan Luo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Center for Collaborative AI in Healthcare, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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17
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Baljon J, Kwiatkowski AJ, Pagendarm HM, Stone PT, Kumar A, Bharti V, Schulman JA, Becker KW, Roth EW, Christov PP, Joyce S, Wilson JT. A Cancer Nanovaccine for Co-Delivery of Peptide Neoantigens and Optimized Combinations of STING and TLR4 Agonists. ACS NANO 2024; 18:6845-6862. [PMID: 38386282 PMCID: PMC10919087 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c04471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized cancer treatment and led to complete and durable responses, but only for a minority of patients. Resistance to ICB can largely be attributed to insufficient number and/or function of antitumor CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Neoantigen targeted cancer vaccines can activate and expand the antitumor T cell repertoire, but historically, clinical responses have been poor because immunity against peptide antigens is typically weak, resulting in insufficient activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Herein, we describe a nanoparticle vaccine platform that can overcome these barriers in several ways. First, the vaccine can be reproducibly formulated using a scalable confined impingement jet mixing method to coload a variety of physicochemically diverse peptide antigens and multiple vaccine adjuvants into pH-responsive, vesicular nanoparticles that are monodisperse and less than 100 nm in diameter. Using this approach, we encapsulated synergistically acting adjuvants, cGAMP and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), into the nanocarrier to induce a robust and tailored innate immune response that increased peptide antigen immunogenicity. We found that incorporating both adjuvants into the nanovaccine synergistically enhanced expression of dendritic cell costimulatory markers, pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and peptide antigen cross-presentation. Additionally, the nanoparticle delivery increased lymph node accumulation and uptake of peptide antigen by dendritic cells in the draining lymph node. Consequently, nanoparticle codelivery of peptide antigen, cGAMP, and MPLA enhanced the antigen-specific CD8+ T cell response and delayed tumor growth in several mouse models. Finally, the nanoparticle platform improved the efficacy of ICB immunotherapy in a murine colon carcinoma model. This work establishes a versatile nanoparticle vaccine platform for codelivery of peptide neoantigens and synergistic adjuvants to enhance responses to cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessalyn
J. Baljon
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Alexander J. Kwiatkowski
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Hayden M. Pagendarm
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Payton T. Stone
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Amrendra Kumar
- Department
of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Vijaya Bharti
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Jacob A. Schulman
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Kyle W. Becker
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Eric W. Roth
- Northwestern
University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental (NUANCE)
Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Plamen P. Christov
- Vanderbilt
Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt
University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Sebastian Joyce
- Department
of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department
of Veteran Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
- Vanderbilt
Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University
Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - John T. Wilson
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Vanderbilt
Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt
University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department
of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University
Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt-Ingram
Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical
Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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18
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Hato L, Vizcay A, Eguren I, Pérez-Gracia JL, Rodríguez J, Gállego Pérez-Larraya J, Sarobe P, Inogés S, Díaz de Cerio AL, Santisteban M. Dendritic Cells in Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:981. [PMID: 38473341 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy modulates the immune system, overcomes immune escape and stimulates immune defenses against tumors. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional promoters of immune responses against tumor antigens with the outstanding ability to coordinate the innate and adaptive immune systems. Evidence suggests that there is a decrease in both the number and function of DCs in cancer patients. Therefore, they represent a strong scaffold for therapeutic interventions. DC vaccination (DCV) is safe, and the antitumoral responses induced are well established in solid tumors. Although the addition of checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) to chemotherapy has provided new options in the treatment of cancer, they have shown no clinical benefit in immune desert tumors or in those tumors with dysfunctional or exhausted T-cells. In this way, DC-based therapy has demonstrated the ability to modify the tumor microenvironment for immune enriched tumors and to potentiate systemic host immune responses as an active approach to treating cancer patients. Application of DCV in cancer seeks to obtain long-term antitumor responses through an improved T-cell priming by enhancing previous or generating de novo immune responses. To date, DCV has induced immune responses in the peripheral blood of patients without a significant clinical impact on outcome. Thus, improvements in vaccines formulations, selection of patients based on biomarkers and combinations with other antitumoral therapies are needed to enhance patient survival. In this work, we review the role of DCV in different solid tumors with their strengths and weaknesses, and we finally mention new trends to improve the efficacy of this immune strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hato
- Immunology, Riberalab, 03203 Alicante, Spain
| | - Angel Vizcay
- Medical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Eguren
- Medical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Javier Rodríguez
- Medical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Pablo Sarobe
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- CIBEREHD, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Susana Inogés
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Cell Therapy Unit, Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ascensión López Díaz de Cerio
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Cell Therapy Unit, Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Santisteban
- Medical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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19
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Miller AM, Koşaloğlu-Yalçın Z, Westernberg L, Montero L, Bahmanof M, Frentzen A, Lanka M, Logandha Ramamoorthy Premlal A, Seumois G, Greenbaum J, Brightman SE, Soria Zavala K, Thota RR, Naradikian MS, Makani SS, Lippman SM, Sette A, Cohen EEW, Peters B, Schoenberger SP. A functional identification platform reveals frequent, spontaneous neoantigen-specific T cell responses in patients with cancer. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eabj9905. [PMID: 38416845 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abj9905] [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: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The clinical impact of tumor-specific neoantigens as both immunotherapeutic targets and biomarkers has been impeded by the lack of efficient methods for their identification and validation from routine samples. We have developed a platform that combines bioinformatic analysis of tumor exomes and transcriptional data with functional testing of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to simultaneously identify and validate neoantigens recognized by naturally primed CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses across a range of tumor types and mutational burdens. The method features a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-agnostic bioinformatic algorithm that prioritizes mutations recognized by patient PBMCs at a greater than 40% positive predictive value followed by a short-term in vitro functional assay, which allows interrogation of 50 to 75 expressed mutations from a single 50-ml blood sample. Neoantigens validated by this method include both driver and passenger mutations, and this method identified neoantigens that would not have been otherwise detected using an in silico prediction approach. These findings reveal an efficient approach to systematically validate clinically actionable neoantigens and the T cell receptors that recognize them and demonstrate that patients across a variety of human cancers have a diverse repertoire of neoantigen-specific T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Miller
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zeynep Koşaloğlu-Yalçın
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Luise Westernberg
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Leslie Montero
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Milad Bahmanof
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Angela Frentzen
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Manasa Lanka
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Gregory Seumois
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jason Greenbaum
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Spencer E Brightman
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Karla Soria Zavala
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Rukman R Thota
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Martin S Naradikian
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Samir S Makani
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Scott M Lippman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ezra E W Cohen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Bjoern Peters
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Stephen P Schoenberger
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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20
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Raskova Kafkova L, Mierzwicka JM, Chakraborty P, Jakubec P, Fischer O, Skarda J, Maly P, Raska M. NSCLC: from tumorigenesis, immune checkpoint misuse to current and future targeted therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1342086. [PMID: 38384472 PMCID: PMC10879685 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1342086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is largely promoted by a multistep tumorigenesis process involving various genetic and epigenetic alterations, which essentially contribute to the high incidence of mortality among patients with NSCLC. Clinical observations revealed that NSCLC also co-opts a multifaceted immune checkpoint dysregulation as an important driving factor in NSCLC progression and development. For example, a deregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway has been noticed in 50-70% of NSCLC cases, primarily modulated by mutations in key oncogenes such as ALK, EGFR, KRAS, and others. Additionally, genetic association studies containing patient-specific factors and local reimbursement criteria expose/reveal mutations in EGFR/ALK/ROS/BRAF/KRAS/PD-L1 proteins to determine the suitability of available immunotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Thus, the expression of such checkpoints on tumors and immune cells is pivotal in understanding the therapeutic efficacy and has been extensively studied for NSCLC treatments. Therefore, this review summarizes current knowledge in NSCLC tumorigenesis, focusing on its genetic and epigenetic intricacies, immune checkpoint dysregulation, and the evolving landscape of targeted therapies. In the context of current and future therapies, we emphasize the significance of antibodies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 interactions as the primary therapeutic strategy for immune system reactivation in NSCLC. Other approaches involving the promising potential of nanobodies, probodies, affibodies, and DARPINs targeting immune checkpoints are also described; these are under active research or clinical trials to mediate immune regulation and reduce cancer progression. This comprehensive review underscores the multifaceted nature, current state and future directions of NSCLC research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona Raskova Kafkova
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Joanna M. Mierzwicka
- Laboratory of Ligand Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Prosenjit Chakraborty
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Petr Jakubec
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Tuberculosis, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Fischer
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Tuberculosis, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Jozef Skarda
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Ostrava and Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Petr Maly
- Laboratory of Ligand Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Milan Raska
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
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21
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Pounraj S, Chen S, Ma L, Mazzieri R, Dolcetti R, Rehm BHA. Targeting Tumor Heterogeneity with Neoantigen-Based Cancer Vaccines. Cancer Res 2024; 84:353-363. [PMID: 38055891 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Neoantigen-based cancer vaccines have emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic approach to treat cancer. Nevertheless, the high degree of heterogeneity in tumors poses a significant hurdle for developing a vaccine that targets the therapeutically relevant neoantigens capable of effectively stimulating an immune response as each tumor contains numerous unique putative neoantigens. Understanding the complexities of tumor heterogeneity is crucial for the development of personalized neoantigen-based vaccines, which hold the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in the design of neoantigen-based cancer vaccines emphasizing the identification, validation, formulation, and targeting of neoantigens while addressing the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity. The review highlights the application of cutting-edge approaches, such as single-cell sequencing and artificial intelligence to identify immunogenic neoantigens, while outlining current limitations and proposing future research directions to develop effective neoantigen-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Pounraj
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University (Nathan Campus), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shuxiong Chen
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University (Nathan Campus), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Linlin Ma
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University (Nathan Campus), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University (Nathan Campus), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roberta Mazzieri
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bernd H A Rehm
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University (Nathan Campus), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland (MHIQ), Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus), Queensland, Australia
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22
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Feng S, Zhang Y, Zhu H, Jian Z, Zeng Z, Ye Y, Li Y, Smerin D, Zhang X, Zou N, Gu L, Xiong X. Cuproptosis facilitates immune activation but promotes immune escape, and a machine learning-based cuproptosis-related signature is identified for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response of gliomas. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14380. [PMID: 37515314 PMCID: PMC10848101 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14380] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cell death, except for cuproptosis, in gliomas has been extensively studied, providing novel targets for immunotherapy by reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment through multiple mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the effect of cuproptosis on the immune microenvironment and its predictive power in prognosis and immunotherapy response. METHODS Eight glioma cohorts were included in this study. We employed the unsupervised clustering algorithm to identify novel cuproptosis clusters and described their immune microenvironmental characteristics, mutation landscape, and altered signaling pathways. We verified the correlation among FDX1, SLC31A1, and macrophage infiltration in 56 glioma tissues. Next, based on multicenter cohorts and 10 machine learning algorithms, we constructed an artificial intelligence-driven cuproptosis-related signature named CuproScore. RESULTS Our findings suggested that glioma patients with high levels of cuproptosis had a worse prognosis owing to immunosuppression caused by unique immune escape mechanisms. Meanwhile, we experimentally validated the positive association between cuproptosis and macrophages and its tumor-promoting mechanism in vitro. Furthermore, our CuproScore exhibited powerful and robust prognostic predictive ability. It was also capable of predicting response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy drug sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Cuproptosis facilitates immune activation but promotes immune escape. The CuproScore could predict prognosis and immunotherapy response in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Feng
- Department of NeurosurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yonggang Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of NeurosurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Zhihong Jian
- Department of NeurosurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Zhi Zeng
- Department of PathologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yingze Ye
- Department of NeurosurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yina Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Daniel Smerin
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioTexasUSA
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Ning Zou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Lijuan Gu
- Department of AnesthesiologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Central LaboratoryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xiaoxing Xiong
- Department of NeurosurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
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23
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Challoner BR, Woolston A, Lau D, Buzzetti M, Fong C, Barber LJ, Anandappa G, Crux R, Assiotis I, Fenwick K, Begum R, Begum D, Lund T, Sivamanoharan N, Sansano HB, Domingo-Arada M, Tran A, Pandha H, Church D, Eccles B, Ellis R, Falk S, Hill M, Krell D, Murugaesu N, Nolan L, Potter V, Saunders M, Shiu KK, Guettler S, Alexander JL, Lázare-Iglesias H, Kinross J, Murphy J, von Loga K, Cunningham D, Chau I, Starling N, Ruiz-Bañobre J, Dhillon T, Gerlinger M. Genetic and immune landscape evolution in MMR-deficient colorectal cancer. J Pathol 2024; 262:226-239. [PMID: 37964706 DOI: 10.1002/path.6228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd) colorectal cancers (CRCs) have high mutation burdens, which make these tumours immunogenic and many respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The MMRd hypermutator phenotype may also promote intratumour heterogeneity (ITH) and cancer evolution. We applied multiregion sequencing and CD8 and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunostaining to systematically investigate ITH and how genetic and immune landscapes coevolve. All cases had high truncal mutation burdens. Despite pervasive ITH, driver aberrations showed a clear hierarchy. Those in WNT/β-catenin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and TGF-β receptor family genes were almost always truncal. Immune evasion (IE) drivers, such as inactivation of genes involved in antigen presentation or IFN-γ signalling, were predominantly subclonal and showed parallel evolution. These IE drivers have been implicated in immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance or sensitivity. Clonality assessments are therefore important for the development of predictive immunotherapy biomarkers in MMRd CRCs. Phylogenetic analysis identified three distinct patterns of IE driver evolution: pan-tumour evolution, subclonal evolution, and evolutionary stasis. These, but neither mutation burdens nor heterogeneity metrics, significantly correlated with T-cell densities, which were used as a surrogate marker of tumour immunogenicity. Furthermore, this revealed that genetic and T-cell infiltrates coevolve in MMRd CRCs. Low T-cell densities in the subgroup without any known IE drivers may indicate an, as yet unknown, IE mechanism. PD-L1 was expressed in the tumour microenvironment in most samples and correlated with T-cell densities. However, PD-L1 expression in cancer cells was independent of T-cell densities but strongly associated with loss of the intestinal homeobox transcription factor CDX2. This explains infrequent PD-L1 expression by cancer cells and may contribute to a higher recurrence risk of MMRd CRCs with impaired CDX2 expression. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Woolston
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - David Lau
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Marta Buzzetti
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Louise J Barber
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Richard Crux
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Dipa Begum
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tom Lund
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nanna Sivamanoharan
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Amina Tran
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - David Church
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Bryony Eccles
- University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Bournemouth, UK
| | | | - Stephen Falk
- University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Mark Hill
- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone, UK
| | - Daniel Krell
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nirupa Murugaesu
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Genomics England, London, UK
| | - Luke Nolan
- Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Winchester, UK
| | - Vanessa Potter
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Kai-Keen Shiu
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Jamie Murphy
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Katharina von Loga
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Ian Chau
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Juan Ruiz-Bañobre
- University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Tony Dhillon
- Royal Surrey Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Marco Gerlinger
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- St Bartholomew's Hospital Cancer Centre, London, UK
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24
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Lin X, Tang S, Guo Y, Tang R, Li Z, Pan X, Chen G, Qiu L, Dong X, Zhang L, Liu X, Cai Z, Xie B. Personalized neoantigen vaccine enhances the therapeutic efficacy of bevacizumab and anti-PD-1 antibody in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:26. [PMID: 38280084 PMCID: PMC10821847 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03598-x] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Clinically, a considerable number of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are unable to receive or resist chemotherapy, and the efficacy of non-chemotherapy treatment strategies based on anti-angiogenic agents combined with immune checkpoint blockade is still unsatisfactory. Neoantigen vaccine, based on personalized tumor DNA mutations, could elicit tumor specific T cell infiltration into the tumor site, exerting potent anti-tumor efficacy. Here, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of a new antitumor strategy by adding neoantigen vaccine to the regimen of bevacizumab and anti-PD-1 antibody. Firstly, 7 novel immunogenic neoantigen peptides were identified and developed for neoantigen vaccine (LLCvac), which can elicit strong antitumor immune response in vivo. Then, in orthotopic lung cancer model, LLCvac further combining with bevacizumab and anti-PD-1 antibody exerted a stronger antitumor effect, exhibiting significant decrease of tumor volume without obvious toxicity. Furthermore, tumor immune microenvironment assessment also showed that the proportion of neoantigen-specific T cells in blood could be induced dramatically by the combined therapy. And a large amount of neoantigen-specific Ki67-positive CD8+ T cells were found in tumor tissues, which infiltrated tumor tissues effectively to kill tumor cells expressing identified neoantigens. Overall, these results suggested that this combined therapy could safely induce robust antitumor efficacy, serving as an effective chemotherapy-free strategy for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhua Lin
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shichuan Tang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yutong Guo
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruijing Tang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhenli Li
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xinting Pan
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Geng Chen
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liman Qiu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiuqing Dong
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine On Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhixiong Cai
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Baosong Xie
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
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25
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Ji S, Shi Y, Yin B. Macrophage barrier in the tumor microenvironment and potential clinical applications. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:74. [PMID: 38279145 PMCID: PMC10811890 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) constitutes a complex microenvironment comprising a diverse array of immune cells and stromal components. Within this intricate context, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) exhibit notable spatial heterogeneity. This heterogeneity contributes to various facets of tumor behavior, including immune response modulation, angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and metastatic potential. This review summarizes the spatial distribution of macrophages in both the physiological environment and the TME. Moreover, this paper explores the intricate interactions between TAMs and diverse immune cell populations (T cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and other immune cells) within the TME. These bidirectional exchanges form a complex network of immune interactions that influence tumor immune surveillance and evasion strategies. Investigating TAM heterogeneity and its intricate interactions with different immune cell populations offers potential avenues for therapeutic interventions. Additionally, this paper discusses therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages, aiming to uncover novel approaches for immunotherapy. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Ji
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Yuqing Shi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shenyang 10th People's Hospital, Shenyang, 110096, China
| | - Bo Yin
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China.
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26
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Maekawa S, Takata R, Obara W. Molecular Mechanisms of Prostate Cancer Development in the Precision Medicine Era: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:523. [PMID: 38339274 PMCID: PMC10854717 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The progression of prostate cancer (PCa) relies on the activation of the androgen receptor (AR) by androgens. Despite efforts to block this pathway through androgen deprivation therapy, resistance can occur through several mechanisms, including the abnormal activation of AR, resulting in castration-resistant PCa following the introduction of treatment. Mutations, amplifications, and splicing variants in AR-related genes have garnered attention in this regard. Furthermore, recent large-scale next-generation sequencing analysis has revealed the critical roles of AR and AR-related genes, as well as the DNA repair, PI3K, and cell cycle pathways, in the onset and progression of PCa. Moreover, research on epigenomics and microRNA has increasingly become popular; however, it has not translated into the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Additionally, treatments targeting homologous recombination repair mutations and the PI3K/Akt pathway have been developed and are increasingly accessible, and multiple clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this comprehensive review, we outline the status of PCa research in genomics and briefly explore potential future developments in the field of epigenetic modifications and microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigekatsu Maekawa
- Department of Urology, Iwate Medical University, Iwate 028-3694, Japan; (R.T.); (W.O.)
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27
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Logghe T, van Zwol E, Immordino B, Van den Cruys K, Peeters M, Giovannetti E, Bogers J. Hyperthermia in Combination with Emerging Targeted and Immunotherapies as a New Approach in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:505. [PMID: 38339258 PMCID: PMC10854776 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advancements in the development of novel therapies, cancer continues to stand as a prominent global cause of death. In many cases, the cornerstone of standard-of-care therapy consists of chemotherapy (CT), radiotherapy (RT), or a combination of both. Notably, hyperthermia (HT), which has been in clinical use in the last four decades, has proven to enhance the effectiveness of CT and RT, owing to its recognized potency as a sensitizer. Furthermore, HT exerts effects on all steps of the cancer-immunity cycle and exerts a significant impact on key oncogenic pathways. Most recently, there has been a noticeable expansion of cancer research related to treatment options involving immunotherapy (IT) and targeted therapy (TT), a trend also visible in the research and development pipelines of pharmaceutical companies. However, the potential results arising from the combination of these innovative therapeutic approaches with HT remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this review aims to explore the oncology pipelines of major pharmaceutical companies, with the primary objective of identifying the principal targets of forthcoming therapies that have the potential to be advantageous for patients by specifically targeting molecular pathways involved in HT. The ultimate goal of this review is to pave the way for future research initiatives and clinical trials that harness the synergy between emerging IT and TT medications when used in conjunction with HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Logghe
- Elmedix NV, Dellingstraat 34/1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Eke van Zwol
- Elmedix NV, Dellingstraat 34/1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Benoît Immordino
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano, 56017 Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Life Sciences, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Marc Peeters
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano, 56017 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Bogers
- Elmedix NV, Dellingstraat 34/1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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28
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Ye JJ, Bao P, Deng K, Dong X, He J, Xia Y, Wang Z, Liu X, Tang Y, Feng J, Zhang XZ. Engineering cancer cell membranes with endogenously upregulated HSP70 as a reinforced antigenic repertoire for the construction of material-free prophylactic cancer vaccines. Acta Biomater 2024; 174:386-399. [PMID: 38016511 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.033] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Immune cells distinguish cancer cells mainly relying on their membrane-membrane communication. The major challenge of cancer vaccines exists in difficult identification of cancer neoantigens and poor understanding over immune recognition mechanisms against cancer cells, particularly the combination among multiple antigens and the cooperation between antigens and immune-associated proteins. We exploit cancer cell membranes as the whole cancer antigen repertoire and reinforce its immunogenicity by cellular engineering to modulate the cytomembrane's immune-associated functions. This study reports a vaccine platform based on radiation-engineered cancer cells, of which the membrane HSP70 protein as the immune chaperon/traitor is endogenously upregulated. The resulting positive influences are shown to cover immunogenic steps occurring in antigen-presenting cells, including the uptake and the cross-presentation of the cancer antigens, thus amplifying cancer-specific immunogenicity. Membrane vaccines offer chances to introduce desired metal ions through membrane-metal complexation. Using Mn2+ ion as the costimulatory interferon genes agonist, immune activity is enhanced to further boost adaptive cancer immunogenicity. Results have evidenced that this artificially engineered membrane vaccine with favorable bio-safety could considerably reduce tumorigenicity and inhibit tumor growth. This study provides a universally applicable and facilely available cancer vaccine platform by artificial engineering of cancer cells to inherit and amplify the natural merits of cancer cell membranes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The major challenge of cancer vaccines exists in difficult identification of cancer neoantigens and poor understanding over immune recognition mechanisms against cancer cells, particularly the combination among multiple antigens and the cooperation between antigens and immune-associated proteins. Cancer cell membrane presents superior advantages as the whole cancer antigen repertoire, including the reported and the unidentified antigens, but its immunogenicity is far from satisfactory. Cellular engineering approaches offer chances to endogenously modulate the immune-associated functions of cell membranes. Such a reinforced vaccine based on the engineered cancer cell membranes matches better the natural immune recognition pathway than the conventional vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jie Ye
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Peng Bao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Kai Deng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Xue Dong
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Jinlian He
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Yu Xia
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Ziyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Ying Tang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine of Ministry of Education (KLOBM) School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Jun Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China.
| | - Xian-Zheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
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29
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Barajas A, Amengual-Rigo P, Pons-Grífols A, Ortiz R, Gracia Carmona O, Urrea V, de la Iglesia N, Blanco-Heredia J, Anjos-Souza C, Varela I, Trinité B, Tarrés-Freixas F, Rovirosa C, Lepore R, Vázquez M, de Mattos-Arruda L, Valencia A, Clotet B, Aguilar-Gurrieri C, Guallar V, Carrillo J, Blanco J. Virus-like particle-mediated delivery of structure-selected neoantigens demonstrates immunogenicity and antitumoral activity in mice. J Transl Med 2024; 22:14. [PMID: 38172991 PMCID: PMC10763263 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04843-8] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoantigens are patient- and tumor-specific peptides that arise from somatic mutations. They stand as promising targets for personalized therapeutic cancer vaccines. The identification process for neoantigens has evolved with the use of next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools in tumor genomics. However, in-silico strategies for selecting immunogenic neoantigens still have very low accuracy rates, since they mainly focus on predicting peptide binding to Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, which is key but not the sole determinant for immunogenicity. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of neoantigen-based vaccines may be enhanced using an optimal delivery platform that elicits robust de novo immune responses. METHODS We developed a novel neoantigen selection pipeline based on existing software combined with a novel prediction method, the Neoantigen Optimization Algorithm (NOAH), which takes into account structural features of the peptide/MHC-I interaction, as well as the interaction between the peptide/MHC-I complex and the TCR, in its prediction strategy. Moreover, to maximize neoantigens' therapeutic potential, neoantigen-based vaccines should be manufactured in an optimal delivery platform that elicits robust de novo immune responses and bypasses central and peripheral tolerance. RESULTS We generated a highly immunogenic vaccine platform based on engineered HIV-1 Gag-based Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) expressing a high copy number of each in silico selected neoantigen. We tested different neoantigen-loaded VLPs (neoVLPs) in a B16-F10 melanoma mouse model to evaluate their capability to generate new immunogenic specificities. NeoVLPs were used in in vivo immunogenicity and tumor challenge experiments. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate the relevance of incorporating other immunogenic determinants beyond the binding of neoantigens to MHC-I. Thus, neoVLPs loaded with neoantigens enhancing the interaction with the TCR can promote the generation of de novo antitumor-specific immune responses, resulting in a delay in tumor growth. Vaccination with the neoVLP platform is a robust alternative to current therapeutic vaccine approaches and a promising candidate for future personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Barajas
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | | | - Anna Pons-Grífols
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Univeritat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola, Spain
| | - Raquel Ortiz
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Univeritat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola, Spain
| | | | - Victor Urrea
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Nuria de la Iglesia
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Juan Blanco-Heredia
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Carla Anjos-Souza
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Ismael Varela
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Benjamin Trinité
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | | | - Carla Rovirosa
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Bonaventura Clotet
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Infectious Diseases Department, Germans Trias I Pujol Hospital, Badalona, Spain
| | | | - Victor Guallar
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Carrillo
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julià Blanco
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
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30
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Li GS, Tang YX, Zhang W, Li JD, Huang HQ, Liu J, Fu ZW, He RQ, Kong JL, Zhou HF, Chen G. MMP12 is a Potential Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker of Various Cancers Including Lung Adenocarcinoma. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241235468. [PMID: 38410859 PMCID: PMC10898301 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241235468] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to explore the clinical value of matrix metalloproteinases 12 (MMP12) in multiple cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). METHODS Using >10,000 samples, this retrospective study demonstrated the first pan-cancer analysis of MMP12. The expression of MMP12 between cancer groups and their control groups was analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. The clinical significance of MMP12 expression in multiple cancers was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, Kaplan-Meier curves, and univariate Cox analysis. A further LUAD-related analysis based on 4565 multi-center and in-house samples was performed to verify the findings regarding MMP12 in pan-cancer analysis partly. RESULTS MMP12 mRNA is highly expressed in 13 cancers compared to their controls, and the MMP12 protein level is elevated in some of these cancers (e.g., colon adenocarcinoma) (P < .05). MMP12 expression makes it feasible to distinguish 21 cancer tissues from normal tissues (AUC = 0.86). A high MMP12 expression is a prognosis risk factor in eight cancers, such as adrenocortical carcinoma (hazard ratio >1, P < .05). The elevated MMP12 expression is also a prognosis protective factor in breast-invasive carcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma (hazard ratio <1, P < .05). Some pan-cancer findings regarding MMP12 are verified in LUAD-MMP12 expression is upregulated in LUAD at both the mRNA and protein levels (P < .05), has the potential to distinguish LUAD with considerable accuracy (AUC = .91), and plays a risk prognosis factor for patients with the disease (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS MMP12 is highly expressed in most cancers and may serve as a novel biomarker for the prediction and prognosis of numerous cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Sheng Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Xing Tang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Di Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - He-Qing Huang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Zong-Wang Fu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Rong-Quan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Liang Kong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Hua-Fu Zhou
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
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Gurunathan S, Thangaraj P, Wang L, Cao Q, Kim JH. Nanovaccines: An effective therapeutic approach for cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115992. [PMID: 38070247 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines hold considerable promise for the immunotherapy of solid tumors. Nanomedicine offers several strategies for enhancing vaccine effectiveness. In particular, molecular or (sub) cellular vaccines can be delivered to the target lymphoid tissues and cells by nanocarriers and nanoplatforms to increase the potency and durability of antitumor immunity and minimize negative side effects. Nanovaccines use nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers and/or adjuvants, offering the advantages of optimal nanoscale size, high stability, ample antigen loading, high immunogenicity, tunable antigen presentation, increased retention in lymph nodes, and immunity promotion. To induce antitumor immunity, cancer vaccines rely on tumor antigens, which are administered in the form of entire cells, peptides, nucleic acids, extracellular vesicles (EVs), or cell membrane-encapsulated NPs. Ideal cancer vaccines stimulate both humoral and cellular immunity while overcoming tumor-induced immune suppression. Herein, we review the key properties of nanovaccines for cancer immunotherapy and highlight the recent advances in their development based on the structure and composition of various (including synthetic and semi (biogenic) nanocarriers. Moreover, we discuss tumor cell-derived vaccines (including those based on whole-tumor-cell components, EVs, cell membrane-encapsulated NPs, and hybrid membrane-coated NPs), nanovaccine action mechanisms, and the challenges of immunocancer therapy and their translation to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangiliyandi Gurunathan
- Department of Biotechnology, Rathinam College of Arts and Science, Eachanari, Coimbatore 641 021, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Pratheep Thangaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, Rathinam College of Arts and Science, Eachanari, Coimbatore 641 021, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Lin Wang
- Research and Development Department, Qingdao Haier Biotech Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Qilong Cao
- Research and Development Department, Qingdao Haier Biotech Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Hung SI, Chu MT, Hou MM, Lee YS, Yang CK, Chu SY, Liu FY, Hsu HC, Pao SC, Teng YC, Chen CB, Chao A, Chung WH, Chang JWC, Lai CH. Personalized neoantigen-based T cell therapy triggers cytotoxic lymphocytes expressing polyclonal TCR against metastatic ovarian cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115928. [PMID: 38011788 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neoantigen-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes play a vital role in precise cancer cell elimination. In this study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of personalized neoantigen-based T cell therapy in inducing tumor regression in two patients suffering from heavily-burdened metastatic ovarian cancer. Our approach involved the development of a robust pipeline for ex vivo expansion of neoantigen-reactive T lymphocytes. Neoantigen peptides were designed and synthesized based on the somatic mutations of the tumors and their predicted HLA binding affinities. These peptides were then presented to T lymphocytes through co-culture with neoantigen-loaded dendritic cells for ex vivo expansion. Subsequent to cell therapy, both patients exhibited significant reductions in tumor marker levels and experienced substantial tumor regression. One patient achieved repeated cancer regression through infusions of T cell products generated from newly identified neoantigens. Transcriptomic analyses revealed a remarkable increase in neoantigen-reactive cytotoxic lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of the patients following cell therapy. These cytotoxic T lymphocytes expressed polyclonal T cell receptors (TCR) against neoantigens, along with abundant cytotoxic proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The efficacy of neoantigen targeting was significantly associated with the immunogenicity and TCR polyclonality. Notably, the neoantigen-specific TCR clonotypes persisted in the peripheral blood after cell therapy. Our findings indicate that personalized neoantigen-based T cell therapy triggers cytotoxic lymphocytes expressing polyclonal TCR against ovarian cancer, suggesting its promising potential in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuen-Iu Hung
- Cancer Vaccine & Immune Cell Therapy Core Lab, Department of Medical Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Section 2, Linong Street, Taipei 112, Taiwan.
| | - Mu-Tzu Chu
- Cancer Vaccine & Immune Cell Therapy Core Lab, Department of Medical Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Mo Hou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 5, De-Ming Road., Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Yun-Shien Lee
- Genomic Medicine Research Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Guishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Ming-Chuan University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Chan-Keng Yang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 5, De-Ming Road., Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Sung-Yu Chu
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Feng-Yuan Liu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 5, De-Ming Road., Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, No.101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Hung-Chih Hsu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 5, De-Ming Road., Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Cheng Pao
- Cancer Vaccine & Immune Cell Therapy Core Lab, Department of Medical Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Section 2, Linong Street, Taipei 112, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Chuan Teng
- Genomic Medicine Research Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Guishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Bing Chen
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 5, De-Ming Road., Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Department of Dermatology, Drug Hypersensitivity Clinical and Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Angel Chao
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 5, De-Ming Road., Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Hung Chung
- Cancer Vaccine & Immune Cell Therapy Core Lab, Department of Medical Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 5, De-Ming Road., Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Department of Dermatology, Drug Hypersensitivity Clinical and Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Whole-Genome Research Core Laboratory of Human Diseases, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung Branch, No. 222, Maijin Road., Keelung 204, Taiwan.
| | - John Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 5, De-Ming Road., Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Chyong-Huey Lai
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 5, De-Ming Road., Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No. 5. Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
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Bright RK. Preclinical support for tumor protein D52 as a cancer vaccine antigen. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2273699. [PMID: 37904517 PMCID: PMC10760363 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2273699] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpressed tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are a large group that includes proteins found at increased levels in tumors compared to healthy cells. Universal tumor expression can be defined as overexpression in all cancers examined as has been shown for Tumor Protein D52. TPD52 is an over expressed TAA actively involved in transformation, leading to increased proliferation and metastasis. TPD52 overexpression has been demonstrated in many human adult and pediatric malignancies. The murine orthologue of TPD52 (mD52) parallels normal tissue expression patterns and known functions of human TPD52 (hD52). Here in we present our preclinical studies over the past 15 years which have demonstrated that vaccine induced immunity against mD52 is effective against multiple cancers in murine models, without inducing autoimmunity against healthy tissues and cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K. Bright
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine and Cancer Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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34
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Ahmed J, Das B, Shin S, Chen A. Challenges and Future Directions in the Management of Tumor Mutational Burden-High (TMB-H) Advanced Solid Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5841. [PMID: 38136385 PMCID: PMC10741991 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A standardized assessment of Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) poses challenges across diverse tumor histologies, treatment modalities, and testing platforms, requiring careful consideration to ensure consistency and reproducibility. Despite clinical trials demonstrating favorable responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), not all patients with elevated TMB exhibit benefits, and certain tumors with a normal TMB may respond to ICIs. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between TMB and the tumor microenvironment, as well as genomic features, is crucial to refine its predictive value. Bioinformatics advancements hold potential to improve the precision and cost-effectiveness of TMB assessments, addressing existing challenges. Similarly, integrating TMB with other biomarkers and employing comprehensive, multiomics approaches could further enhance its predictive value. Ongoing collaborative endeavors in research, standardization, and clinical validation are pivotal in harnessing the full potential of TMB as a biomarker in the clinic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibran Ahmed
- Developmental Therapeutics Clinic (DTC), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Biswajit Das
- Molecular Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Sarah Shin
- Developmental Therapeutics Clinic (DTC), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alice Chen
- Developmental Therapeutics Clinic (DTC), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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35
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Scheper W. Mapping the landscape of T cell-recognized neoantigens in cancer patients. Genes Immun 2023; 24:287-288. [PMID: 38066338 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-023-00230-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Scheper
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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36
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Kureshi R, Bello E, Kureshi CT, Walsh MJ, Lippert V, Hoffman MT, Dougan M, Longmire T, Wichroski M, Dougan SK. DGKα/ζ inhibition lowers the TCR affinity threshold and potentiates antitumor immunity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadk1853. [PMID: 38000024 PMCID: PMC10672170 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) attenuate diacylglycerol (DAG) signaling by converting DAG to phosphatidic acid, thereby suppressing pathways downstream of T cell receptor signaling. Using a dual DGKα/ζ inhibitor (DGKi), tumor-specific CD8 T cells with different affinities (TRP1high and TRP1low), and altered peptide ligands, we demonstrate that inhibition of DGKα/ζ can lower the signaling threshold for T cell priming. TRP1high and TRP1low CD8 T cells produced more effector cytokines in the presence of cognate antigen and DGKi. Effector TRP1high- and TRP1low-mediated cytolysis of tumor cells with low antigen load required antigen recognition, was mediated by interferon-γ, and augmented by DGKi. Adoptive T cell transfer into mice bearing pancreatic or melanoma tumors synergized with single-agent DGKi or DGKi and antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), with increased expansion of low-affinity T cells and increased cytokine production observed in tumors of treated mice. Collectively, our findings highlight DGKα/ζ as therapeutic targets for augmenting tumor-specific CD8 T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakeeb Kureshi
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elisa Bello
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Courtney T.S. Kureshi
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael J. Walsh
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victoria Lippert
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan T. Hoffman
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Dougan
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Stephanie K. Dougan
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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37
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Seclì L, Leoni G, Ruzza V, Siani L, Cotugno G, Scarselli E, D’Alise AM. Personalized Cancer Vaccines Go Viral: Viral Vectors in the Era of Personalized Immunotherapy of Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16591. [PMID: 38068911 PMCID: PMC10706435 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of personalized cancer vaccines is to elicit potent and tumor-specific immune responses against neoantigens specific to each patient and to establish durable immunity, while minimizing the adverse events. Over recent years, there has been a renewed interest in personalized cancer vaccines, primarily due to the advancement of innovative technologies for the identification of neoantigens and novel vaccine delivery platforms. Here, we review the emerging field of personalized cancer vaccination, with a focus on the use of viral vectors as a vaccine platform. The recent advancements in viral vector technology have led to the development of efficient production processes, positioning personalized viral vaccines as one of the preferred technologies. Many clinical trials have shown the feasibility, safety, immunogenicity and, more recently, preliminary evidence of the anti-tumor activity of personalized vaccination, fostering active research in the field, including further clinical trials for different tumor types and in different clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Morena D’Alise
- Nouscom, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.L.); (V.R.); (L.S.); (G.C.); (E.S.)
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38
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Wong RSJ, Ong RJM, Lim JSJ. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in breast cancer: development, mechanisms of resistance and potential management strategies. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:768-787. [PMID: 38263984 PMCID: PMC10804393 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has increased exponentially in the past decade, although its progress specifically for breast cancer has been modest. The first U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for ICI in breast cancer came in 2019, eight years after the first-ever approval of an ICI. At present, current indications for ICIs are relevant only to a subset of patients with triple-negative breast cancer, or those displaying high microsatellite instability or deficiency in the mismatch repair protein pathway. With an increasing understanding of the limitations of using ICIs, which stem from breast cancer being innately poorly immunogenic, as well as the presence of various intrinsic and acquired resistance pathways, ongoing trials are evaluating different combination therapies to overcome these barriers. In this review, we aim to describe the development timeline of ICIs and resistance mechanisms limiting their utility, and summarise the available approaches and ongoing trials relevant to overcoming each resistance mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel SJ Wong
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Rebecca JM Ong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Joline SJ Lim
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
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39
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Mariuzza RA, Wu D, Pierce BG. Structural basis for T cell recognition of cancer neoantigens and implications for predicting neoepitope immunogenicity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1303304. [PMID: 38045695 PMCID: PMC10693334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1303304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with tumor-specific T cells has been shown to mediate durable cancer regression. Tumor-specific T cells are also the basis of other therapies, notably cancer vaccines. The main target of tumor-specific T cells are neoantigens resulting from mutations in self-antigens over the course of malignant transformation. The detection of neoantigens presents a major challenge to T cells because of their high structural similarity to self-antigens, and the need to avoid autoimmunity. How different a neoantigen must be from its wild-type parent for it to induce a T cell response is poorly understood. Here we review recent structural and biophysical studies of T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of shared cancer neoantigens derived from oncogenes, including p53R175H, KRASG12D, KRASG12V, HHATp8F, and PIK3CAH1047L. These studies have revealed that, in some cases, the oncogenic mutation improves antigen presentation by strengthening peptide-MHC binding. In other cases, the mutation is detected by direct interactions with TCR, or by energetically driven or other indirect strategies not requiring direct TCR contacts with the mutation. We also review antibodies designed to recognize peptide-MHC on cell surfaces (TCR-mimic antibodies) as an alternative to TCRs for targeting cancer neoantigens. Finally, we review recent computational advances in this area, including efforts to predict neoepitope immunogenicity and how these efforts may be advanced by structural information on peptide-MHC binding and peptide-MHC recognition by TCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A. Mariuzza
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Daichao Wu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Brian G. Pierce
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
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Doi S, Yasuda S, Matsuo Y, Sakata T, Nishiwada S, Nagai M, Nakamura K, Terai T, Kohara Y, Sho M. Clinical impact of sarcopenia in early-stage intrahepatic recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: an association with impaired host immunity. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2023; 408:433. [PMID: 37950033 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-023-03170-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the role of sarcopenia in the long-term outcomes of patients with early-stage intrahepatic recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The study included 136 patients with intrahepatic recurrent Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0/A HCC following liver resection diagnosed between 2006 and 2020 and underwent surgery, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Sarcopenia was defined based on the skeletal muscle index using computed tomography at the time of recurrence, and its association with long-term outcomes was evaluated. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD4 + , CD8 + , and CD45RO + T cells) were assayed using immunohistochemistry on specimens obtained from repeat hepatectomies, and their association with sarcopenia was evaluated. RESULTS The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates after initial recurrence of patients with sarcopenia were significantly lower than those without sarcopenia (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified sarcopenia as an independent prognostic factor for RFS (p < 0.001). In patients without sarcopenia, surgery resulted in better RFS than RFA or TACE. Contrastingly, in patients with sarcopenia, the RFS was extremely poor regardless of the treatment type: surgery, RFA, or TACE (median RFS, 11.7, 12.7, and 10.1 months). Significantly low levels of tumor-infiltrating CD4 + , CD8 + , and CD45RO + lymphocytes were observed in patients with sarcopenia (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that patients with sarcopenia have poor RFS regardless of the treatment type for early-stage intrahepatic recurrent HCC. Impaired host immunity might be one of the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Doi
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan.
| | - Yasuko Matsuo
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakata
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nishiwada
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Minako Nagai
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Kota Nakamura
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Taichi Terai
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Kohara
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sho
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
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41
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Meng W, Schreiber RD, Lichti CF. Recent advances in immunopeptidomic-based tumor neoantigen discovery. Adv Immunol 2023; 160:1-36. [PMID: 38042584 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2023.10.001] [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] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The role of aberrantly expressed proteins in tumors in driving immune-mediated control of cancer has been well documented for more than five decades. Today, we know that both aberrantly expressed normal proteins as well as mutant proteins (neoantigens) can function as tumor antigens in both humans and mice. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) technologies have made significant advances since the early 2010s, enabling detection of rare but clinically relevant neoantigens recognized by T cells. MS profiling of tumor-specific immunopeptidomes remains the most direct method to identify mutant peptides bound to cellular MHC. However, the need for use of large numbers of cells or significant amounts of tumor tissue to achieve neoantigen detection has historically limited the application of MS. Newer, more sensitive MS technologies have recently demonstrated the capacities to detect neoantigens from fewer cells. Here, we highlight recent advancements in immunopeptidomics-based characterization of tumor-specific neoantigens. Various tumor antigen categories and neoantigen identification approaches are also discussed. Furthermore, we summarize recent reports that achieved successful tumor neoantigen detection by MS using a variety of starting materials, MS acquisition modes, and novel ion mobility devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Meng
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Robert D Schreiber
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States.
| | - Cheryl F Lichti
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States.
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Chen G, Kong D, Lin Y. Neo-Antigen-Reactive T Cells Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: A More Personalized Cancer Therapy Approach. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2023; 7:2200186. [PMID: 37970536 PMCID: PMC10632666 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202200186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common malignancy in women and the third most frequent cancer in men. Evidence has revealed that the survival of patients with metastatic CRC is very low, between one and three years. Neoantigens are known proteins encoded by mutations in tumor cells. It is theorized that recognizing neoantigens by T cells leads to T cell activation and further antitumor responses. Neoantigen-reactive T cells (NRTs) are designed against the mentioned neoantigens expressed by tumor cells. NRTs selectively kill tumor cells without damage to non-cancerous cells. Identifying patient-specific and high immunogen neoantigens is important in NRT immunotherapy of patients with CRC. However, the main challenges are the side effects and preparation of NRTs, as well as the effectiveness of these cells in vivo. This review summarized the properties of neoantigens as well as the preparation and therapeutic outcomes of NRTs for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan‐Liang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Shaoxing UniversityShaoxing312000China
| | - De‐Xia Kong
- Center for General Practice MedicineDepartment of GastroenterologyZhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeNo. 158 Shangtang RoadHangzhouZhejiang310014China
| | - Yan Lin
- Center for General Practice MedicineDepartment of GastroenterologyZhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeNo. 158 Shangtang RoadHangzhouZhejiang310014China
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Perrinjaquet M, Richard Schlegel C. Personalized neoantigen cancer vaccines: An analysis of the clinical and commercial potential of ongoing development programs. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103773. [PMID: 37730103 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Neoantigen cancer vaccines harbor promise as next-generation immuno-oncology therapies, whereby cancer vaccines are tailored to the patient's tumor antigen and represent the future of personalized cancer therapy. While several biotech companies have ongoing development programs, little has been published about the true commercial potential of these innovative therapies and the challenges these products will face upon regulatory approval. In this paper, we provide an overview of neoantigen cancer vaccine development programs and discuss the commercial environment these therapies will face upon launch.
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Morisaki S, Onishi H, Morisaki T, Kubo M, Umebayashi M, Tanaka H, Koya N, Nakagawa S, Tsujimura K, Yoshimura S, Yew PY, Kiyotani K, Nakamura Y, Nakamura M, Kitazono T, Morisaki T. Immunological analysis of hybrid neoantigen peptide encompassing class I/II neoepitope-pulsed dendritic cell vaccine. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1223331. [PMID: 37881436 PMCID: PMC10595142 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1223331] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neoantigens/ are tumor-specific antigens that evade central immune tolerance mechanisms in the thymus. Long-term tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity maintenance requires class II antigen-reactive CD4+ T cells. We had previously shown that intranodal vaccination with class I neoantigen peptide-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) induced a robust immune response in a subset of patients with metastatic cancer. The present study aimed to perform a detailed ex vivo analysis of immune responses in four patients receiving an intranodal hybrid human leukocyte antigen class II neoantigen peptide encompassing a class I neoantigen epitope (hybrid neoantigen)-pulsed DC vaccine. After vaccination, strong T-cell reactions against the hybrid class II peptide and the class I-binding neoantigen peptide were observed in all four patients. We found that hybrid class II neoantigen peptide-pulsed DCs stimulated CD4+ T cells via direct antigen presentation and CD8+ T cells via cross-presentation. Further, we demonstrated that hybrid class II peptides encompassing multiple class I neoantigen epitope-pulsed DCs could present multiple class I peptides to CD8+ T cells via cross-presentation. Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying hybrid neoantigen-pulsed DC vaccine therapy and suggest future neoantigen vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Morisaki
- Fukuoka General Cancer Clinic, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hideya Onishi
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Morisaki
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Makoto Kubo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sachiko Yoshimura
- Corporate Headquarters, Cancer Precision Medicine Inc., Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Poh Yin Yew
- Corporate Headquarters, Cancer Precision Medicine Inc., Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuma Kiyotani
- National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakamura
- National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takanari Kitazono
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Giles JR, Globig AM, Kaech SM, Wherry EJ. CD8 + T cells in the cancer-immunity cycle. Immunity 2023; 56:2231-2253. [PMID: 37820583 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are end effectors of cancer immunity. Most forms of effective cancer immunotherapy involve CD8+ T cell effector function. Here, we review the current understanding of T cell function in cancer, focusing on key CD8+ T cell subtypes and states. We discuss factors that influence CD8+ T cell differentiation and function in cancer through a framework that incorporates the classic three-signal model and a fourth signal-metabolism-and also consider the impact of the tumor microenvironment from a T cell perspective. We argue for the notion of immunotherapies as "pro-drugs" that act to augment or modulate T cells, which ultimately serve as the drug in vivo, and for the importance of overall immune health in cancer treatment and prevention. The progress in understanding T cell function in cancer has and will continue to improve harnessing of the immune system across broader tumor types to benefit more patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine R Giles
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Immunology and Immune Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anna-Maria Globig
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Susan M Kaech
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - E John Wherry
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Immunology and Immune Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Falcone N, Ermis M, Tamay DG, Mecwan M, Monirizad M, Mathes TG, Jucaud V, Choroomi A, de Barros NR, Zhu Y, Vrana NE, Kraatz HB, Kim HJ, Khademhosseini A. Peptide Hydrogels as Immunomaterials and Their Use in Cancer Immunotherapy Delivery. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301096. [PMID: 37256647 PMCID: PMC10615713 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Peptide-based hydrogel biomaterials have emerged as an excellent strategy for immune system modulation. Peptide-based hydrogels are supramolecular materials that self-assemble into various nanostructures through various interactive forces (i.e., hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions) and respond to microenvironmental stimuli (i.e., pH, temperature). While they have been reported in numerous biomedical applications, they have recently been deemed promising candidates to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies and treatments. Immunotherapies seek to harness the body's immune system to preemptively protect against and treat various diseases, such as cancer. However, their low efficacy rates result in limited patient responses to treatment. Here, the immunomaterial's potential to improve these efficacy rates by either functioning as immune stimulators through direct immune system interactions and/or delivering a range of immune agents is highlighted. The chemical and physical properties of these peptide-based materials that lead to immuno modulation and how one may design a system to achieve desired immune responses in a controllable manner are discussed. Works in the literature that reports peptide hydrogels as adjuvant systems and for the delivery of immunotherapies are highlighted. Finally, the future trends and possible developments based on peptide hydrogels for cancer immunotherapy applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natashya Falcone
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, USA
| | - Menekse Ermis
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, USA
- BIOMATEN, Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
| | - Dilara Goksu Tamay
- BIOMATEN, Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
- Department of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
| | - Marvin Mecwan
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, USA
| | - Mahsa Monirizad
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, USA
| | - Tess Grett Mathes
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, USA
| | - Vadim Jucaud
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, USA
| | - Auveen Choroomi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, USA
| | - Natan Roberto de Barros
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, USA
| | - Yangzhi Zhu
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, USA
| | - Nihal Engin Vrana
- SPARTHA Medical, CRBS 1 Rue Eugene Boeckel, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Heinz-Bernhard Kraatz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E5, Canada
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Han-Jun Kim
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, USA
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Pradeu T, Daignan-Fornier B, Ewald A, Germain PL, Okasha S, Plutynski A, Benzekry S, Bertolaso M, Bissell M, Brown JS, Chin-Yee B, Chin-Yee I, Clevers H, Cognet L, Darrason M, Farge E, Feunteun J, Galon J, Giroux E, Green S, Gross F, Jaulin F, Knight R, Laconi E, Larmonier N, Maley C, Mantovani A, Moreau V, Nassoy P, Rondeau E, Santamaria D, Sawai CM, Seluanov A, Sepich-Poore GD, Sisirak V, Solary E, Yvonnet S, Laplane L. Reuniting philosophy and science to advance cancer research. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1668-1686. [PMID: 37157910 PMCID: PMC10869205 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancers rely on multiple, heterogeneous processes at different scales, pertaining to many biomedical fields. Therefore, understanding cancer is necessarily an interdisciplinary task that requires placing specialised experimental and clinical research into a broader conceptual, theoretical, and methodological framework. Without such a framework, oncology will collect piecemeal results, with scant dialogue between the different scientific communities studying cancer. We argue that one important way forward in service of a more successful dialogue is through greater integration of applied sciences (experimental and clinical) with conceptual and theoretical approaches, informed by philosophical methods. By way of illustration, we explore six central themes: (i) the role of mutations in cancer; (ii) the clonal evolution of cancer cells; (iii) the relationship between cancer and multicellularity; (iv) the tumour microenvironment; (v) the immune system; and (vi) stem cells. In each case, we examine open questions in the scientific literature through a philosophical methodology and show the benefit of such a synergy for the scientific and medical understanding of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pradeu
- CNRS UMR5164 ImmunoConcEpT, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, Bordeaux 33076, France
- CNRS UMR8590, Institut d’Histoire et Philosophie des Sciences et des Technique, University Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, 13 rue du Four, Paris 75006, France
| | - Bertrand Daignan-Fornier
- CNRS UMR 5095 Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, University of Bordeaux, 1 rue Camille St Saens, Bordeaux 33077, France
| | - Andrew Ewald
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Pierre-Luc Germain
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Neurosciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Universitätstrasse 2, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Laboratory of Statistical Bioinformatics, Universität Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Samir Okasha
- Department of Philosophy, University of Bristol, Cotham House, Bristol, BS6 6JL, UK
| | - Anya Plutynski
- Department of Philosophy, Washington University in St. Louis, and Associate with Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, St. Louis, MO 63105, USA
| | - Sébastien Benzekry
- Computational Pharmacology and Clinical Oncology (COMPO) Unit, Inria Sophia Antipolis-Méditerranée, Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Inserm UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix Marseille University UM105, 27, bd Jean Moulin, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Marta Bertolaso
- Research Unit of Philosophy of Science and Human Development, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Àlvaro del Portillo, 21-00128, Rome, Italy
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen 5007, Norway
| | - Mina Bissell
- Biological Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Joel S. Brown
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Benjamin Chin-Yee
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 800 Commissioners Rd E, London, ON, Canada
- Rotman Institute of Philosophy, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street North, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Chin-Yee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 800 Commissioners Rd E, London, ON, Canada
| | - Hans Clevers
- Pharma, Research and Early Development (pRED) of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - Laurent Cognet
- CNRS UMR 5298, Laboratoire Photonique Numérique et Nanosciences, University of Bordeaux, Rue François Mitterrand, Talence 33400, France
| | - Marie Darrason
- Department of Pneumology and Thoracic Oncology, University Hospital of Lyon, 165 Chem. du Grand Revoyet, 69310 Pierre Bénite, Lyon, France
- Lyon Institute of Philosophical Research, Lyon 3 Jean Moulin University, 1 Av. des Frères Lumière, Lyon 69007, France
| | - Emmanuel Farge
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic and Tumor Development group, Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR168, Inserm, Centre Origines et conditions d’apparition de la vie (OCAV) Paris Sciences Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Institut Curie, 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France
| | - Jean Feunteun
- INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Edouard Vaillant, Villejuif 94800, France
| | - Jérôme Galon
- INSERM UMRS1138, Integrative Cancer Immunology, Cordelier Research Center, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, 15 rue de l’École de Médecine, Paris 75006, France
| | - Elodie Giroux
- Lyon Institute of Philosophical Research, Lyon 3 Jean Moulin University, 1 Av. des Frères Lumière, Lyon 69007, France
| | - Sara Green
- Section for History and Philosophy of Science, Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen, Rådmandsgade 64, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Fridolin Gross
- CNRS UMR5164 ImmunoConcEpT, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Fanny Jaulin
- INSERM U1279, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Edouard Vaillant, Villejuif 94800, France
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 3223 Voigt Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ezio Laconi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, Via Università 40, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Nicolas Larmonier
- CNRS UMR5164 ImmunoConcEpT, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Carlo Maley
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 4 Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Istituto Clinico Humanitas Humanitas Cancer Center (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, Milan 20089, Italy
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Violaine Moreau
- INSERM UMR1312, Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC), University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Pierre Nassoy
- CNRS UMR 5298, Laboratoire Photonique Numérique et Nanosciences, University of Bordeaux, Rue François Mitterrand, Talence 33400, France
| | - Elena Rondeau
- INSERM U1111, ENS Lyon and Centre International de Recherche en Infectionlogie (CIRI), 46 Allée d’Italie, Lyon 69007, France
| | - David Santamaria
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - Catherine M. Sawai
- INSERM UMR1312, Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC), University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Department of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | | | - Vanja Sisirak
- CNRS UMR5164 ImmunoConcEpT, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Eric Solary
- INSERM U1287, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Edouard Vaillant, Villejuif 94800, France
- Département d’hématologie, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Edouard Vaillant, Villejuif 94800, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, 63 Rue Gabriel Péri, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre 94270, France
| | - Sarah Yvonnet
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Lucie Laplane
- CNRS UMR8590, Institut d’Histoire et Philosophie des Sciences et des Technique, University Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, 13 rue du Four, Paris 75006, France
- INSERM U1287, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Edouard Vaillant, Villejuif 94800, France
- Center for Biology and Society, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University, 1100 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
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Shao F, Jin K, Li B, Liu Z, Zeng H, Wang Y, Zhu Y, Xu L, Xu J, Wang Z, Chang Y, Zhang W. Integrating angiogenesis signature and tumor mutation burden for improved patient stratification in immune checkpoint blockade therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Urol Oncol 2023; 41:433.e9-433.e18. [PMID: 37625906 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2023.07.006] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients have benefitted greatly from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. However, there is a pressing need to identify factors underlying the heterogeneity of clinical responses to ICB. METHODS We conducted a study on 848 MIBC patients from 4 independent cohorts to investigate the key biological characteristics affecting ICB responses. The IMvigor210 cohort (n = 234) was used to identify the key factor, followed by exploration of the correlation between tumor angiogenesis and immune suppression in the IMvigor210, TCGA (n = 391), and UNC-108 (n = 89) cohorts. The ZSHS cohort (n = 134) was used for validation. Additionally, we integrated angiogenesis signature with tumor mutation burden (TMB) to decipher the heterogeneity of clinical outcomes to ICB in MIBC patients. RESULTS Our analysis revealed that nonresponders to PD-L1 blockade were enriched with angiogenesis signature. Furthermore, we observed a correlation between angiogenesis signature and decreased neoantigen load, downregulated T-cell antigen recognition, and noninflamed immunophenotype. We identified a subgroup of patients resistant to ICB, characterized by high angiogenesis signature and low tumor mutation burden (TMB), and found the activation of TGF-β signaling and downregulation of T-cell cytolytic signatures in this subgroup. CONCLUSIONS The study concluded that angiogenesis signature is closely associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment, leading to resistance to ICB therapy in MIBC patients. The study further suggested that the combination of angiogenesis signature and TMB can serve as an integrated biomarker for better stratification of patients' clinical outcomes to ICB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Shao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaifeng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingyu Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaopei Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Xu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiejie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zewei Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yuan Chang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
| | - Weijuan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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49
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Wheeler OPG, Unterholzner L. DNA sensing in cancer: Pro-tumour and anti-tumour functions of cGAS-STING signalling. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:905-918. [PMID: 37534795 PMCID: PMC10539950 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The DNA sensor cGAS (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase) and its adaptor protein STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) detect the presence of cytosolic DNA as a sign of infection or damage. In cancer cells, this pathway can be activated through persistent DNA damage and chromosomal instability, which results in the formation of micronuclei and the exposure of DNA fragments to the cytosol. DNA damage from radio- or chemotherapy can further activate DNA sensing responses, which may occur in the cancer cells themselves or in stromal and immune cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME). cGAS-STING signalling results in the production of type I interferons, which have been linked to immune cell infiltration in 'hot' tumours that are susceptible to immunosurveillance and immunotherapy approaches. However, recent research has highlighted the complex nature of STING signalling, with tumours having developed mechanisms to evade and hijack this signalling pathway for their own benefit. In this mini-review we will explore how cGAS-STING signalling in different cells in the TME can promote both anti-tumour and pro-tumour responses. This includes the role of type I interferons and the second messenger cGAMP in the TME, and the influence of STING signalling on local immune cell populations. We examine how alternative signalling cascades downstream of STING can promote chronic interferon signalling, the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and the production of inflammatory cytokines, which can have pro-tumour functions. An in-depth understanding of DNA sensing in different cell contexts will be required to harness the anti-tumour functions of STING signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto P G Wheeler
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, U.K
| | - Leonie Unterholzner
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, U.K
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Pu T, Peddle A, Zhu J, Tejpar S, Verbandt S. Neoantigen identification: Technological advances and challenges. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 183:265-302. [PMID: 38548414 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.06.005] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Neoantigens have emerged as promising targets for cutting-edge immunotherapies, such as cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapy. These neoantigens are unique to tumors and arise exclusively from somatic mutations or non-genomic aberrations in tumor proteins. They encompass a wide range of alterations, including genomic mutations, post-transcriptomic variants, and viral oncoproteins. With the advancements in technology, the identification of immunogenic neoantigens has seen rapid progress, raising new opportunities for enhancing their clinical significance. Prediction of neoantigens necessitates the acquisition of high-quality samples and sequencing data, followed by mutation calling. Subsequently, the pipeline involves integrating various tools that can predict the expression, processing, binding, and recognition potential of neoantigens. However, the continuous improvement of computational tools is constrained by the availability of datasets which contain validated immunogenic neoantigens. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge as well as limitations in neoantigen prediction and validation. Additionally, it delves into the origin and biological role of neoantigens, offering a deeper understanding of their significance in the field of cancer immunotherapy. This article thus seeks to contribute to the ongoing efforts to harness neoantigens as powerful weapons in the fight against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Pu
- Digestive Oncology Unit, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jingjing Zhu
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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